This bill would have the Department of Defense give money to research organizations to study whether psychedelic drugs like MDMA could help treat certain mental and physical health conditions in active-duty military members. Specifically, it targets soldiers who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy—conditions that are unfortunately common among those who've experienced combat or serious military accidents.

The research grants would go to universities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that want to study these treatments. The bill is named after Douglas "Mike" Day, suggesting it was inspired by a real person's experience with these conditions. Essentially, the government would be funding scientists to investigate whether psychedelic-assisted therapy could be an effective way to help struggling service members heal from their injuries and trauma, potentially offering an alternative or additional option to traditional treatments like medication and talk therapy.

Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023

Crenshaw, Dan

Douglas &quot;Mike&quot; Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to award grants to eligible entities to research the treatment of certain members of the Armed Forces through the use of specified psychedelic substances (e.g., MDMA). Specifically, the research must focus on members of the Armed Forces who are serving on active duty and have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, a traumatic brain injury, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Under the bill, eligible entities include federal or state government entities, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities.