Sponsors (4)
The bill expedites VA-supported access and research into promising but still-investigational psychedelic and stimulant therapies for veterans—potentially improving care and reducing disability—while increasing safety, oversight, and resource-allocation risks if not tightly managed.
Veterans with PTSD, depression, chronic pain, TBI, or substance use disorders gain faster access to investigational psychedelic- and stimulant-assisted therapies through VA trials and compassionate-use pathways (targeted start within 90 days).
Increased VA support for research could accelerate development of new treatments for conditions that currently lack effective options, potentially improving clinical care options available to veterans.
Expanding research and controlled access to novel therapies may reduce long-term disability and improve quality of life for affected veterans.
Expanding investigational use of controlled psychedelics and stimulants poses significant safety and regulatory risks (including diversion, unknown long-term side effects, and harms to participants) if not accompanied by strict clinical protocols and oversight.
Using VA funds for investigational therapies could divert resources from other VA services and increase opportunity costs for taxpayers.
Prioritizing novel therapies may shift VA research and programmatic focus away from existing evidence-based treatments that benefit veterans today.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Directs VA to create an investigational research program to study and provide access to psychedelic, entactogenic, device, and other emerging therapies for veterans, with reporting and a two‑year review.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an investigational research and extended access treatment program utilizing innovative treatments and emerging therapies to address conditions with unmet medical needs, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 15, 2026 by John Bergman · Last progress January 15, 2026
Creates a VA investigational research program to study and provide access to innovative and emerging therapies — including psychedelic- and entactogenic-assisted therapies (e.g., MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, ibogaine, 5‑MeO‑DMT), investigational devices, and other Secretary‑designated interventions — for veterans with specified covered conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, and substance use disorders. The VA must stand up the program within 90 days, name a lead administrator within 60 days, may run clinical trials and compassionate/expanded‑access protocols using available VA funds, report findings and site/participant plans to the congressional veterans committees within one year, and review the program at two years to decide whether to continue it. The law preserves compliance with federal requirements for investigational medical products and controlled substances and directs VA to evaluate safety, efficacy, cost, regulatory, and logistical considerations while implementing trials and access pathways for veterans with urgent unmet medical needs.