Sponsors (4)
The bill would speed VA research and potentially give many veterans faster access to promising psychedelic-assisted and other investigational therapies, but it raises substantial safety, diversion, and resource-allocation risks if robust oversight, evidence development, and funding protections are not ensured.
Veterans with PTSD, depression, chronic pain, TBI, or substance use disorders could gain faster access to innovative treatments (MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, etc.) through VA trials and compassionate-use pathways, potentially within 90 days.
Increased VA support and the ability to use existing VA funds to start investigational trials can accelerate research and evaluation of novel therapies, filling evidence gaps more quickly than waiting for new appropriations.
Expanding research and access to potentially effective therapies could reduce long-term disability and improve quality of life for affected veterans.
Veterans could be exposed to treatments with uncertain long-term efficacy and safety if access is expanded before full approval or without sufficient trial evidence, risking adverse outcomes for participants.
Expanding investigational use of controlled psychedelics and stimulants increases risks of diversion, misuse, and regulatory challenges that could harm patients and complicate VA clinical operations.
Using VA funds and prioritizing novel therapies could divert resources and research attention away from existing evidence-based treatments and other veteran services, creating opportunity costs for veterans and taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires VA to set up an investigational research program to study and provide access to specified psychedelic, entactogenic, and other emerging therapies for veterans with certain covered conditions.
Introduced January 15, 2026 by John Bergman · Last progress January 15, 2026
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to set up an investigational research program to treat veterans who have certain conditions (such as chronic pain, PTSD, and substance use disorders) using specified innovative treatments (including MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, ibogaine, 5‑MeO‑DMT) and other emerging therapies. The VA must appoint a lead administrator, may run clinical trials and compassionate/expanded access protocols, report findings and site plans to congressional veterans’ committees within one year, and review the program within two years to decide whether to continue it. The statute preserves compliance with federal investigational drug and controlled substances laws, allows the VA to use amounts otherwise available to support trials, and requires the Secretary to evaluate safety, efficacy, cost, regulatory, and logistical issues as part of the program and reporting requirements.