Third Bill Approved by the House for MDMA, DMT and Marijuanna Research for PTSD

Third Bill Approved by the House for MDMA, DMT and Marijuanna Research for PTSD

The National Defense Authorization Act Takes A Hit

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan pair of psychedelics research amendments, as well as another measure requiring a military study into marijuana-related enforcement discrimination in the armed services. These may become part of the the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

From the Marijuana Moment, the House Rules Committee for the NDAA voted favorably on an initial package of measures grouped together, including those that contains language requiring research into the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine in addition to the cannabis proposal.  

Only Psychedelics Could Bring Together AOC and Gaetz

This is tripping me out: both members of Congress submitted “almost identical” amendments to the 2023 NDAA that includes micro-dosing party drugs such as MDMA, psilocybin, ibogaine and 5–MeO–DMT for active duty military members with PTSD. AOC’s version can be found here and Gaetz’s version is here. Although not the first time polar opposites have come together in Congress, it shines a bright light on just how much support there is in America and in Congress to figure out answers slow down military suicide rates.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

It all started when Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s (R-TX) introduced an amendment that would allow the secretary of defense to approve grants for research into the therapeutic potential of certain psychedelics. Once that got the green light, more amendments followed.

Keep in mind that these dozen or so amendments are part of approximately 1,200 other amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2023. The US Senate would then need to sign off for President Biden’s next DoD budget.

There are currently more than 1,500 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills sitting in state legislatures and Congress in 2022. It is clear that the future of mental health research lies in this classification of drugs. Congress has shifted their collective opinion on such ideas very recently. An identical bill introduced last year never made it to the floor.

PTSD Definition

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem that some people – soldiers and civilians – develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.

It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. At first, it may be hard to do normal daily activities, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about, but most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. If it’s been longer than a few months and you’re still having symptoms, you may have PTSD.

About Once A Soldier

Starting in 2017, our mission is to limit the scars of Veteran suicide. We offer prevention services and postvention services. We reach a national audience and our goal is to become the preferred channel for those who want to help Veteran families who need our services. With 17 Veteran suicides a day in 2021, we believe our two niche services will make a difference to each family and to our nation.

OAS Endorses Fast-Track Psilocybin Research

OAS Endorses Fast-Track Psilocybin Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2021 – Ponte Vedra, Florida

Once A Soldier Endorses a Warp Speed Option for Psilocybin Research To Save Veteran Lives

Psilocybin drugs are the rising starts when it comes to killing PTSD in post-9/11 Veterans

In recent days, we have modified our website to include the three major psilocybin treatment options researched today. MDMA, ketamine and magic mushrooms have separated themselves as superior to big-pharma anti-depressant medications. They have shown the unique ability to rewire the brain and destroy a Veteran’s PTSD. Marijuana to a lesser extend provides mental relief from PTSD, but psilocybin has that extra break-though into the subconscious. That’s where the real healing, and magic, takes place. For examples of what it’s like to meet your demons and win during a trip, check this out.

“There is a mounting body of evidence to support our view. And this research is coming from highly-reputable institutions in the US, such as the psilocybin research coming from Johns Hopkins.  We are losing the war on PTSD. PTSD is what kills our Veterans. All forms of micro-dosing these mind-altering drugs shows greater promise than the current schedule of anti-depressants offered by the Veterans’ Administration. We fast-tracked a vaccine for COVID-19, and rightly so. It’s time for that sense of urgency to motivate more help for Veterans with PTSD.” says Dave Barbush, CEO of Once A Soldier.

Indeed, earlier this year, all of the major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) in the nation expressed their support, as well.

The best scenario for a successful psilocybin treatment plan includes a clinical setting, a trained staff, and a low cost. The best part of the data to date has been that the relief comes fast and is near permanent. Veterans themselves have weighed in on their feelings about it. They like the outcome. Their PTSD is gone. They may not like the process, but they don’t like being dulled by their anti-depressants either.

Mr. Barbush continued. “Our motivation for fast-tracking research and a parallel training of staff to be “trip buddies” comes from hearing the suicide stories from Veterans families. The horror inflicted upon the Veteran during war is passed down to the family in the years before the suicide. The suicide itself also enables the disorder to continue to grow.

Furthermore, our position includes a robust go-to market strategy that educates all levels of soldiers and family about PTSD treatments, screenings and practical advice on life insurance and post-suicide options.”

“Let’s face it, we are losing the war on Veteran suicide at this time. The more effort we’ve put into it to date, the less we’ve seen it working. In fact, the numbers are rising. And those numbers – the branded 22 a day, were probably low to begin with.”