Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023

Douglas "Mike" 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.

Bill 118 hr 3684, also known as the Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to legalize and regulate the use of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin and MDMA, for therapeutic purposes.

Under the provisions of the bill, licensed therapists would be able to administer psychedelic therapy to patients suffering from mental health conditions, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The bill includes strict guidelines for the training and certification of therapists, as well as protocols for the safe and responsible use of psychedelic substances.

Supporters of the bill argue that psychedelic therapy has shown promising results in clinical trials, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their mental health after undergoing treatment. They believe that legalizing psychedelic therapy could provide a much-needed alternative to traditional psychiatric medications, which can have serious side effects and limited efficacy for some patients. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential risks of psychedelic therapy, including the possibility of triggering psychotic episodes or exacerbating underlying mental health conditions. They also question the lack of long-term research on the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic substances for therapeutic use. Overall, the Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to expand access to alternative mental health treatments. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the potential benefits and risks of legalizing psychedelic therapy.