In a significant move for treating PTSD, a group of bipartisan US lawmakers is advocating for the inclusion of a provision that allows medical research on psychedelic drugs within the annual defense policy bill.
The lawmakers argue that such research could have potential benefits in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other ailments.
During a press conference on Capitol Hill, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has been championing this cause since 2019, spoke about the significance of psychedelics. “These are powerful substances, I don’t want to give that short shrift,” she said. “But they also have powerful potential as well.”
Addressing the needs of veterans and other groups
Veterans’ groups have long been advocating for research into the potential medical benefits of psychedelics, including LSD and magic mushrooms, for their potential to alleviate the effects of PTSD and depression.
However, due to their current classification as Schedule 1 drugs by the US government, which indicates a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, scientific studies on these substances have been virtually impossible.
Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL and co-sponsor of the amendment also highlighted additional uses of the drugs for survivors of sexual trauma and law enforcement officers. He spoke about how positively this proposal has been received across the board:
“I still can’t find one member of Congress that is actually opposed to this,” Crenshaw said.
A Step Towards Progress
The proposed measure would direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a clinical report on the potential uses of psychedelics in military treatment facilities.
According to a scientific study from nature.com adults who micro-dose psychedelics have lower symptoms of anxiety and depression
