The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday to coordinate research into psychedelic drugs for treating veterans’ mental health disorders. This agreement aims to expand clinical trial participation, train medical staff for potential administration of approved psychedelic medications, and collect data to assist federal regulators in evaluating these treatments.
VA and HHS Expand Psychedelic Research for PTSD and Depression
VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the MOU ensures “effective cooperation with HHS” to transform research into “life-changing treatment.” The collaboration follows an April executive order from President Donald Trump directing the FDA to accelerate reviews of several psychedelic treatments. This order largely addressed research into ibogaine, a hallucinogen from an African shrub, and committed at least $50 million toward ibogaine therapy research.
The push for new therapies comes as traditional treatments fail a significant portion of the population. According to the source data, one-third of people with PTSD may be resistant to standard treatments, with up to 50% not responding to psychological therapy and 40% remaining untreatable via common medications.
Did you know? An estimated 4.8 million American veterans have used psychedelic drugs, according to a study released last month by the think tank RAND.
Analysis of Psychedelic Use and Veteran Support
Data from the RAND study reveals a hierarchy of psychedelic use among veterans. LSD was the most common, reported by 19.6%, followed by psilocybin (magic mushrooms) at 18.6%. MDMA and mescaline both stood at 7.7%. Use of ibogaine, ketamine, or ayahuasca was significantly lower, reported by fewer than 2.9% of veterans.
Support for legalization varies by substance. RAND found that 23% of veterans support the legal use of psilocybin and 11% support LSD. Support for MDMA sits at 9%, which the study notes is roughly aligned with the rest of the U.S. population.
Current Clinical Trials and FDA Hurdles
The VA is currently involved in more than 20 research trials focusing on MDMA and psilocybin for severe PTSD, substance abuse, and depression. Separately, the Defense Department is conducting a $4.9 million study at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to test the effectiveness of MDMA for mild to moderate PTSD.
Despite these efforts, regulatory hurdles remain. In 2024, the FDA rejected a request to approve MDMA for treating PTSD in adults, citing a need for more data on safety and efficacy. To address this, the VA is running a study in Providence, Rhode Island, with 80 veterans to compare MDMA-assisted therapy against a placebo.
The Risks of Medical Tourism and Self-Medication
Ron Adkins, an Army Reserve intelligence analyst and veterans advocate, noted that some veterans have traveled to Mexico and Israel to seek psychedelic treatments, often paying thousands of dollars out of pocket. Adkins told Military.com that the U.S. must innovate domestically so veterans don’t have to seek relief abroad.
However, VA officials maintain a strict warning against self-medicating. Because many of these substances are Schedule I drugs prohibited under federal law, the VA urges veterans not to replace prescribed medical treatments with unprescribed substances. “Proven, evidence-based treatments are currently available at VA facilities,” officials stated in a press release.
Pro Tip: Veterans seeking mental health support should consult their primary healthcare provider at a VA facility to explore current evidence-based treatments before considering experimental or unprescribed options.
Comparing Psychedelic Prevalence Among Veterans
| Substance | Lifetime Use Rate (RAND) |
|---|---|
| LSD | 19.6% |
| Psilocybin | 18.6% |
| MDMA / Mescaline | 7.7% |
| Ibogaine / Ketamine / Ayahuasca | < 2.9% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are psychedelic drugs currently legal for VA treatment?
No. Most of these substances remain Schedule I drugs under federal law. The VA is currently conducting research trials and coordinating with the FDA, but they are not available as standard prescriptions.
What is ibogaine and why is it being researched?
Ibogaine is a hallucinogen derived from an African shrub. It is being prioritized for research due to reports that some veterans find it helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
What is the goal of the VA-HHS memorandum of understanding?
The MOU aims to increase clinical trial participation, train medical staff to administer these drugs if they receive federal approval, and gather evidence to support future regulatory decisions.
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