The First Congressional Hearing on Using Psychedelics for Veteran Mental Health Care will Take Place on Tuesday

Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Veterans’ Mental Health

H ouse lawmakers are poised to convene in the upcoming week, marking an unprecedented milestone in the annals of congressional deliberation. This historic gathering is slated to be the inaugural congressional hearing singularly devoted to the exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a salient avenue for addressing the profound mental health challenges that our esteemed veterans grapple with.

Initially slated for discourse on the 19th day of October, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health had scheduled its deliberative proceedings to broach this subject. However, the unfolding of political events led to a temporary suspension of this vital engagement, as Republicans were engaged in the critical process of electing a new House Speaker. Now, with the political conundrums resolved, the esteemed panel is rescheduled to convene on the forthcoming Tuesday afternoon, precisely at 2 p.m., to delve deeply into the pressing matter. The event has been aptly christened “Emerging Therapies: Breakthroughs in the Battle Against Suicide?”.

Intriguingly, since the postponement of the meeting last month, a notable development has transpired, as two additional luminaries have been incorporated into the roster of witnesses. Amongst them is Mr. Brett Waters, a venerable figure renowned for his tireless efforts as the co-founder and executive director of the advocacy organization known as Reason for Hope. This distinguished group ardently champions the cause of expanding access to psychedelic medicines, a noble endeavor aimed at mitigating the tragic scourge of deaths stemming from despair.

Mr. Waters’ motivation and dedication to this endeavor are underscored by the heart-wrenching losses he has endured, having tragically lost both his mother and his grandfather—an illustrious fighter pilot during the crucible of World War II—to the insidious specter of suicide. His laudable commitment extends beyond the realm of advocacy, as he has also held the distinguished role of Policy and Advocacy Chair for the esteemed American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His presence at the upcoming congressional hearing promises to lend valuable insights and a poignant perspective on the pressing issue at hand.

A Confluence of Expertise and Advocacy: The Prominent Witnesses of the Landmark Congressional Hearing on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Veterans’ Mental Health

The roster of witnesses for this forthcoming congressional hearing is indeed noteworthy, as it encompasses a diverse array of individuals, each bringing their unique expertise and perspectives to bear on the critical issue at hand. Among these newly added witnesses, we find the distinguished presence of Juliana Mercer, a veteran of the Marine Corps, whose current role as the leader of advocacy and public policy at the nonprofit organization Healing Breakthrough demonstrates her unwavering commitment to facilitating veterans’ access to MDMA-assisted therapy as an innovative means of combatting the scourge of PTSD.

This expanded panel of witnesses also includes several other luminaries poised to impart their valuable insights during the upcoming proceedings. Notably, three officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are set to contribute their perspectives, thereby bringing to the table the invaluable perspective of a government agency tasked with the care and welfare of our nation’s veterans. Furthermore, a distinguished veteran, who has personally experienced the transformative effects of MDMA through participation in a clinical trial, will provide a firsthand account of the profound impact of this therapeutic modality on the alleviation of PTSD.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Public Benefit Corporation shall be represented by its esteemed Chief Operating Officer, while a distinguished psychology professor affiliated with the esteemed Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research shall contribute an academic perspective to the upcoming proceedings. Additionally, the co-director of the RAND Corporation’s RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute will contribute his wealth of knowledge and research expertise to the discourse.

It is worth noting that, except Ms. Mercer, all of the aforementioned witnesses have already made their testimonies available online, thereby affording the subcommittee ample time for thorough consideration and reflection before the scheduled hearing.

Of particular note is the extensive and compelling testimony submitted by Mr. Brett Waters, whose dedication to this cause is both evident and deeply personal. His submission, comprising a substantial 32 pages of testimony and supporting material, underscores the urgency of addressing the mental health needs of veterans. In poignant and heartfelt terms, Mr. Waters conveys the lingering questions that haunt him in the aftermath of his mother’s tragic death and the profound impact that psilocybin-assisted therapy might have had on her well-being. He fervently champions the Breakthrough Therapies Act, a bipartisan legislative proposal meticulously crafted to facilitate the expeditious rescheduling of federally designated “breakthrough therapies” such as psilocybin and MDMA. The recalibration of the schedule for these substances undeniably stands to expedite and invigorate research and pharmaceutical development efforts, thereby advancing the overall welfare of veterans and individuals contending with the formidable burdens of mental health afflictions.

In summation, the forthcoming congressional hearing promises to be a watershed moment, featuring a constellation of experts and stakeholders poised to explore the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the pursuit of ameliorating the profound mental health challenges faced by our esteemed veterans. The wealth of expertise and impassioned advocacy on display underscores the gravity of the issue at hand and underscores the need for thoughtful consideration and decisive action by Congress.

Comprehensive Examination of Congressional Witnesses and Bipartisan Interest in Psychedelic Reform

The substitution of Mr. Brett Waters as a witness instead of his esteemed colleague and co-founder, Mr. Martin Steele, serves as a noteworthy development in the composition of witnesses for the forthcoming congressional hearing. It is worth mentioning that Mr. Steele, a Marine Corps veteran of distinction, occupies the pivotal roles of co-founder and CEO of Reason for Hope and concurrently holds the esteemed position of president within the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition. The collective expertise and advocacy acumen of these two distinguished individuals are emblematic of their unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of veterans’ mental health, particularly through the prism of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

The delineation of witnesses for the impending event into two distinct panels is a testament to the multifaceted nature of this issue. The initial panel is composed of select officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an agency tasked with the paramount responsibility of ensuring the welfare and safety of our nation’s veterans. Within this context, Ms. Carolyn Clancy, the VA’s assistant undersecretary for health for discovery, education, and affiliate networks, has underscored the agency’s resolute dedication to veteran safety as its foremost priority. In her written statements, Ms. Clancy articulates a recognition that, despite the extant body of literature on the subject, much remains to be gleaned and comprehended regarding the potential benefits of psychedelic compounds in the realm of mental health treatment. The VA’s commitment is unequivocal not only to the pursuit of innovative therapies but also to their safe implementation, a testament to the agency’s enduring devotion to the well-being of veterans.

It is noteworthy to highlight that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently organized a conference titled “State of the Art” in September, with the primary objective of this convening encompassing two distinct aims. The first objective pertained to comprehensively assessing the extant scientific evidence and formulating a strategic framework for future research on psychedelic treatment, particularly for select mental health conditions. The second objective centered on delineating the requisite steps for potential system-wide clinical implementation of psychedelic compounds within the VA, thus potentially offering future hope for veterans in need.

While extant studies indeed furnish evidence supporting the efficacy of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions, Ms. Clancy aptly highlights a notable lacuna in research—how to effectively apply these treatments to the unique and diverse population of veterans who access care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Among the witnesses drawn from the sphere outside of government agencies is Professor Frederick Barrett, whose academic affiliations include a prominent role at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. In his written commentary, Professor Barrett affirms that studies emanating from his institution and others have gradually accumulated a corpus of evidence that underscores both the relative safety and potential efficacy of psychedelic therapies across a wide spectrum of psychiatric indications. Significantly, he emphasizes that the bulk of these investigations have predominantly relied upon private philanthropic support, with the National Institute on Substance Abuse and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s recent engagement marking a noteworthy development in the provision of substantial grants to advance the clinical examination of psychedelic substances.

Professor Barrett astutely observes that the evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapies necessitates ongoing refinement as these treatments become increasingly accessible. He specifically references recent Phase 3 clinical trials investigating the potential of MDMA to treat PTSD, underscoring the evolving nature of this field and the imperative for rigorous research and development.

Another distinguished witness, Mr. Michael Mullette of the MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, played a pivotal role in overseeing the clinical trials that have positioned MDMA on the cusp of potential FDA approval shortly. He cogently asserts that the VA holds a unique opportunity to fashion innovative care models that not only ensure the scalability and accessibility of treatments for PTSD but also crucially guarantee timely coverage for veterans in need.

In summation, the composition of witnesses and the richness of their perspectives are emblematic of the profound significance and complexity of the issue at hand. The upcoming congressional hearing promises to be a crucible for informed discourse and deliberation, underlining the imperative for Congress to consider and act upon the insights and recommendations of these esteemed witnesses to enhance the mental health support available to our cherished veterans.

Numerous members of the subcommittee, particularly those belonging to the Republican party, have articulated their keen interest in the reformation of policies concerning psychedelics. As an illustration, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI) serves as a founding constituent of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, a bipartisan alliance that was re-established in March of the present year.

Another esteemed member, Representative Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), has publicly shared his personal experience, wherein he attests to the transformative impact of treatments involving ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, describing them as life-altering occurrences. Notably, he has expressed that these treatments constitute some of the most profound experiences he has encountered. Furthermore, earlier this year, Representative Luttrell, along with several of his GOP colleagues, voiced their support for a legislative proposal advocating for the creation of a $75 million federal grant program. The objective of this program is to bolster research efforts about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in addressing specific health conditions among active-duty military service members.

A Comprehensive Overview of Psychedelics Policy: Perspectives from Congress, States, and Federal Agencies

Chairing the House subcommittee is Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), who convened a roundtable during the summer months to deliberate on emerging therapies targeted at addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. Her leadership underscores the commitment of Republican members of Congress to explore novel therapeutic avenues for veterans.

It is noteworthy that, at the federal level, Republican lawmakers have demonstrated a noteworthy receptiveness to narratives from veterans who attest to the transformative effects of psychedelics. Former Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, recently asserted in a documentary focused on psychedelics for mental health that, at least within the confines of Congress, GOP legislators exhibit a greater openness to the reform of psychedelics policies compared to their Democratic counterparts.

At the state level, however, it has predominantly been states with Democratic majorities that have taken the lead in the domain of psychedelics reform. Oregon, in the year 2020, notably legalized psilocybin therapy and concurrently decriminalized the possession of all drugs. Subsequently, the state approved the establishment of the first legal psilocybin service center in May this year.

In the state of Colorado, Governor Jared Polis (D) affixed his signature to a psychedelics regulation bill in May, thereby establishing a regulatory framework for a psychedelics legalization law that was ratified by voters the previous year.

In contrast, in the state of California, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) recently exercised his veto power to reject a bill advocating for the legalization of psychedelics. However, in his veto message, he expressed a desire for the state legislature to present him with a new bill in the forthcoming year. This new legislation is expected to outline regulations for regulated therapeutic access to psychedelics and potentially explore a framework for broader decriminalization in the future.

California has also witnessed the initiation of a campaign this summer, aimed at gathering signatures for a 2024 ballot initiative that seeks to legalize the possession, sale, and regulated therapeutic application of psilocybin. This campaign constitutes one of two concerted efforts in the state aimed at achieving psychedelics reform through the ballot initiative process in the upcoming year. The other campaign, formally initiated last month, advocates for the legalization of all psychedelics for medical, therapeutic, and spiritual use, in addition to permitting the home cultivation of entheogenic plants and substances.

Across the nation, in the state of Massachusetts, organizers of a campaign have declared their belief that they have amassed a sufficient number of valid signatures to compel lawmakers to consider a ballot initiative focused on the legalization of psychedelics. This represents the initial step before activists potentially proceed to include it on the state’s 2024 ballot.

Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently embarked on the creation of a new podcast series dedicated to the future of veteran healthcare. The maiden episode of this podcast prominently highlights a discourse on the therapeutic prospects inherent in psychedelic substances.

Despite these developments, some contend that the VA has not yet accorded adequate priority to therapies involving controlled substances, even as several states have embraced the legalization of medical cannabis and certain psychedelics.

Earlier this year, House lawmakers advanced a spending bill that incorporated a series of amendments aimed at benefiting veterans. These amendments encompassed clauses that would authorize medical practitioners within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to dispense medical cannabis recommendations to former military personnel. Furthermore, they ardently endorsed initiatives aimed at investigating the therapeutic capabilities inherent in psychedelic substances.

In August, three co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, representing both major political parties, addressed a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. This letter conveyed their “deep concern” regarding a recent VA directive that upheld the prohibition of VA doctors from issuing medical cannabis recommendations to veterans residing in states where such recommendations are legally valid.

Furthermore, Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), one of the signatories of the aforementioned letter, recently dispatched a separate communication addressed to both Secretary McDonough and Secretary Lloyd Austin of the Department of Defense (DOD). In the communication, he articulated his censure of the two government agencies for perpetuating what he deemed a “misguided withholding of services.” This withholding is specifically related to their stance of refraining from endorsing the utilization of medical cannabis as a treatment modality for veterans who have received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) have an enduring track record of prioritizing the overarching welfare of our veterans and active-duty service members. Nevertheless, they have consistently refrained from recognizing the feasibility of medical cannabis as a fundamental therapeutic alternative for individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This assertion finds its basis in the updated joint clinical practice guidelines that these departments released in July, wherein they refrained from endorsing the use of medical cannabis as a therapeutic avenue for individuals grappling with PTSD.

In a recent panel discussion hosted by Harvard University, distinguished speakers, including former officials from the VA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressed a broad consensus regarding the profound potential of psychedelic substances, such as MDMA and psilocybin, in ameliorating the symptoms of PTSD and mitigating the alarming rates of suicide observed among service members. Nevertheless, they issued a prudent caveat against precipitous and unsupervised utilization of psychedelics, given the attendant possibility of incurring unforeseen harm.

Subsequently, earlier in the current month, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) made a notable announcement, signaling its intention to solicit proposals aimed at the development of psychedelics into therapeutic modalities for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD). This initiative entails a commitment to allocate $2 million in grant funding for research projects dedicated to this endeavor, with disbursements slated for the fiscal year 2025.