NW Houston News

Legislation led by Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to research the use of psychedelics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in active-duty servicemembers has been signed into law as part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision, originally introduced as H.R. 3684, aims to address the suicide epidemic affecting active-duty and veteran populations.

"I've led this two years in a row in the House, and now finally got it into the final bill with the Senate," said Crenshaw. "I'm thrilled. This will save lives and potentially revolutionize the way we treat all types of PTSD."

The inclusion of psychedelic research in the NDAA is seen as a pivotal moment in the effort to revolutionize mental health care for the military. Amber Capone, CEO and co-founder of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), expressed her gratitude for the support of the community and policymakers like Rep. Crenshaw. She said, "This is more than a legislative success; it's a beacon of hope, promising innovative and effective treatments for those who have selflessly served our nation."

Former Congresswoman Mimi Walters, chair of the patient advocacy group Apollo Pact, referred to the legislation as a "historic accomplishment." She emphasized that this achievement, along with recent actions by the VA, demonstrates that psychedelic-assisted therapies are becoming tangible therapeutic treatments. Walters commended Reps. Crenshaw and Luttrell for their leadership in bringing innovative solutions to the forefront.

Under Crenshaw's bill, the Secretary of Defense will establish a clinical trial grant program for the use of psychedelic substances to treat PTSD and TBI in active-duty servicemembers. This initiative is backed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of co-sponsors, including Reps. Luttrell, Bergman, Van Orden, Zinke, Gaetz, Ocasio-Cortez, Laurel Lee, Mace, Correa, Moskowitz, Khanna, Blumenauer, Trone, and Bill Johnson.

The importance of psychedelic treatment for trauma-related disorders is underscored by the recent FDA Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. The trial found that 71% of participants who received three MDMA-assisted therapy sessions no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis, and 86% experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in symptoms.

With the signing of this legislation, there is renewed hope for the mental health and well-being of our active-duty servicemembers. The implementation of psychedelic-assisted therapies will provide them with additional options for healing and recovery. This marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health challenges faced by those who have bravely served our country.

To find out more, go to this link: https://crenshaw.house.gov/2023/12/crenshaw-s-psychedelic-research-provision-signed-into-law