Psychedelic therapy for veterans MUST be implemented by the Biden administration, says former Navy SEAL, who credits drugs with saving his life after brutal combat

Biden should ease restrictions to allow veterans to use psychedelics as they recover from trauma suffered in combat, lawmakers say.

An illegal drug known as ‘Molly’, which is popular among partygoers and rave-goers, has recently proven useful in treating mental health problems.

Former Navy SEAL and current Texas Congressman Morgan Luttrell has credited the psychedelic drugs he was able to take in Mexico with saving his life and marriage after experiencing the true atrocities of war during multiple brutal combat deployments.

He argues that for veterans suffering from war-induced mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), there are sometimes no options other than psychedelics.

He worked with Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., to appoint Veterans Affairs (VA) Undersecretary of Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal, to urge action.

They are asking the VA to draw up a plan to roll out MDMA, or ecstasy-assisted psychotherapy.

Luttrell, himself a veteran of the elite Navy SEALs, has credited psychedelic drugs with saving his life and marriage after he suffered from brain injuries and war-induced mental health issues

MDMA is commonly known as the party drug ‘Molly’. It has recently been studied by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for potential benefits in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“The effects of emerging therapies for our veterans have been groundbreaking, and I am proud to be a leader in advancing this innovative tool in the proverbial toolbox, especially as we move away from opioids,” Luttrell said in a statement declaration.

“As the FDA finally takes action to approve these therapies, it is critical that we ensure the VA has an implementation plan and can treat veterans effectively and efficiently,” he continued.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the drug’s effects include “an improved sense of well-being, increased extroversion, emotional warmth, empathy for others, and willingness to discuss emotionally charged memories.”

‘Additionally, people report enhanced sensory perception as a hallmark of the MDMA experience.’

The letter was also signed by Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., Julia Brownley, D-Calif., Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa.

“Emerging therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions are already on the horizon and could be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as soon as this summer,” the lawmakers wrote.

‘As we look ahead to the potential FDA approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, we write to request a report on VA’s plan to ensure that this therapy, if approved by the FDA, is available and a safe option is for veterans who could benefit from it. ‘

Some clinical studies have found MDMA therapy to be helpful in treating PTSD

McGarvey also praised the VA’s work on new therapies for former military personnel.

“We are prepared to support the VA in leading the nation through comprehensive research and clinical implementation of this new model of care, providing veterans with access to the highest quality mental health care available,” McGarvey said in a statement.

Luttrell – who himself suffered from traumatic brain injury – has been at the forefront of supporting psychedelic alternatives for treating veterans and previously introduced legislation that would provide funding to study the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms.

At an event highlighting the mushroom’s psychedelic healing potential in the summer of 2023, Luttrell discussed his own journey through post-service mental health issues.

“I can honestly stand before all of you and the American public and say that I have been reborn,” the Navy SEAL said of the psychedelic therapy he received.

‘This has changed my life. It saved my marriage. It’s one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.’

In the letter, lawmakers note that MDMA-based therapy could be ready for use by the VA as early as this summer

There has been a lot of research lately into how psychedelics can help alleviate mental health problems, which may prompt some to turn to the drugs.

However, psychedelics such as MDMA and mushrooms are scheduled substances in the US, the use, sale and possession of which are illegal under federal law.

Lawmakers requested a response to the VA’s plan by July 1.