Biden To Decide On Psychedelic Therapy Bill, Trial Funds For Active Servicemembers

President Joe Biden received the final version of a large-scale defense bill providing funding for psychedelics clinical trials for military service members.

The bill follows the Senate’s passage on Dec. 13 and House concurrence Dec. 14, reports Marijuana Moment’s Kyle Jaeger.

The section calls on the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a process for active duty service members with PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI) to take part in clinical trials with psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine or 5-MeO-DMT.

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The DOD, which must present the process within 180 days of enactment, is enabled to partner with eligible federal or state government agencies and academic institutions to carry out the clinical trials. The total funding is $10 million.

Interestingly, spots Jaeger, the original list of psychedelics was broadened, with the goal of including “qualified plant-based alternative therapies.”

Additionally, the defense secretary must provide lawmakers with a yearly report (four total since enactment) on the trial findings and participation.

Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) stated that he is honored to see several of his amendments and priorities accepted into the bill’s final version.

Key provisions "will ensure a safer, stronger" U.S. that can “face security challenges with lethality and readiness," he says.

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The original House NDAA held several other amendments, including one by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) creating a medical cannabis pilot program, which were ultimately excluded in the bicameral agreement.

Photo: Benzinga edit with photo by Cburnett on Wikimedia Commons and Octavio Hoyos on Shutterstock.