Marcus and Amber Capone
“VETS is working to reduce barriers to research and expand access to care.”

AMBER CAPONE

CEO + CO-FOUNDER

MARCUS CAPONE

Chairman of the Board + CO-FOUNDER

A Call to Action For Veteran Health

Veterans face a unique and complex set of health challenges, including PTSD, TBI, substance use disorders, and chronic pain. At least 17 veterans are lost to suicide each day, with recent studies indicating the number may be far higher - up to 44 per day - and many others are unable to find care that fully addresses their needs.

At VETS, we are committed to creating actionable solutions. By advancing evidence-based therapies like psychedelic-assisted treatments and championing legislative change, we can improve access to care and transform outcomes for veterans nationwide.

Nonpartisan, fact-based, and focused on results.

Our Priorities for Expanding Access and Advancing Research

In order to make psychedelic-assisted therapies available to all veterans, restrictions ​​to research must change, and access and affordability barriers must be addressed. State and federal funding is necessary for both.

The barriers to accessing these transformative therapies are significant. Stigma, regulation, and bureaucracy make progress difficult. Most scientific studies on these treatments are not supported by traditional biomedical research, and when they are, the veteran population is largely excluded.

NOTE: VETS does not advocate for decriminalization or legalization, but rather the monitored, clinical use of psychedelic therapy.

Legislative Goals

VETS’ 2025 legislative priorities are to reduce barriers to research, expand treatment options, and advocate for systemic changes that meet the needs of those who’ve served.

  • Eliminate Research Barriers: Advocate for regulatory reforms to simplify approval processes, reduce research costs, and remove bureaucratic bottlenecks.
  • Increase Funding for Veteran Focused Research: Secure state and federal appropriations to advance clinical trials targeting PTSD, TBI, and related conditions.
  • Expand Regulated Therapeutic Access: Support legislation to establish safe, medically supervised access to psychedelic therapies with robust safeguards.
  • Facilitate Veteran Participation in Research: Address financial and logistical barriers to ensure veterans and their families can participate in clinical trials.
  • Coalition Building: Strengthen alliances through initiatives like the VALOR Coalition, uniting veteran organizations and advocates to drive systemic change.

Our Advocacy Efforts & Legislative Accomplishments:

On the State and Federal Level

California Legislature Assembly Bill 2841 (AB 2841)

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Section 723 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024

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H.R. 3684: Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023

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Texas House Bill 1802: Psychedelic Research for Veterans

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Educating Veterans and the public

Veteran Suicide is a Public Health Crisis.

The transition from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges for many veterans, often leaving lasting impacts that affect their overall well-being. Alarmingly, veterans face a disproportionately high rate of suicide—an issue that profoundly affects families, communities, and the broader military network.

This crisis highlights the urgent need for innovative, evidence-based solutions that address the complex and interconnected health needs of veterans, ensuring they have the support necessary to thrive beyond their service.

Educating Veterans and the public

Harm Reduction is Our Guiding Principle

At VETS, we emphasize that psychedelic compounds are powerful psychoactive substances, and not a means for recreation. They should always be administered under professional medical supervision and with properly informed consent.

Our mission is to demonstrate the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies, while leading the way in best practices for safe and successful treatment. Responsible, nonpartisan policy change allows for better understanding of psychedelic modalities and can provide a framework around which to base future clinical access.

Policy & Advocacy Team

Amber Capone

Chief Executive Officer

Amber Capone

Chief Executive Officer

Amber has a history of fixing, building, and tenaciously seeking solutions to complex challenges. After meeting her husband Marcus at Southern Illinois University, she spent over a decade supporting his military career as a U.S. Navy SEAL.

As her own personal and professional life began to unravel upon Marcus’ separation from the military, Amber became determined not to become a victim, but rather to pursue victory for her own family, as well as countless others. Amber has successfully built and led the VETS organization from a grassroots movement into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization. Her strategic approach, keen intuition, and knack for team building have been key components in assisting 1000+ veterans, raising over $14MM, adding to the growing body of psychedelic research, and successfully advocating for policy change across the U.S.

Amber is a devoted wife and mother, admires strong leadership, and is fiercely principled and deeply passionate about issues facing veteran families. She possesses a heart for serving others and a steadfast determination to make a difference.

Logan Davidson

Legislative Director

Logan Davidson

Legislative Director

Logan Davidson is a legislative and political staffer with bipartisan experience at the state and federal level. He served as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for Representative Alex Dominguez, where he shepherded Texas’ historic psychedelic medicine law, HB 1802, to passage and implementation. He leads local education and advocacy efforts for psychedelic medicine in Texas as Executive Director of Texans for Greater Mental Health. 

Logan is a military family member with a dedicated passion for ending the Veteran suicide epidemic. He received a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Political Science from Texas Tech University and completed his MBA at the University of North Texas.

Khurshid Khoja

Director of Public Policy & Outside Counsel

Khurshid Khoja

Director of Public Policy & Outside Counsel

Khurshid has served as VETS’ External Legal Counsel since its founding. He has advised VETS on matters including: US controlled substances laws; First Amendment rights to advocate for access to psychedelics; the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and FDA regulations; VETS’ grant program; informed consent, professional licensing and the qualification of providers; general corporate and contract law; and drug policy reform—including laws and voter initiatives decriminalizing and expanding access to plant medicines. Khurshid is passionate about advancing VETS’ mission. As a dedicated father, he prays his service to VETS will help to relieve the suffering of other parents, children and families who have already sacrificed for the defense of our nation, and aid VETS in averting future tragedies from the veteran suicide epidemic. 

Khurshid is principal of Greenbridge Corporate Counsel, P.C., a law firm established in 2012 to advance the reform of drug laws, and currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the National Cannabis Industry Association. He holds a J.D. from the UC Berkeley School of Law, an M.A. in International Relations from The University of Chicago, and a B.A. in Political Science from DePaul University.

Dylan Orion

Director of Research

Dylan Orion

Director of Research

Dylan Orion developed his research skills at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research where he co-facilitated and managed psychedelic clinical trials. He designed and oversees the VETS Wellbeing Assessment program, a longitudinal evaluation of all grant recipients using cutting edge diagnostic tools. Additionally, Dylan spearheaded novel research into belief changes associated with psychedelics and special operators. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and leads the Integrative Arts Collective, which is dedicated to providing accessible wellness programming to the community. The collective integrates psychedelic theory with established wellness modalities to enhance community growth and expansion.

Interested in Working with VETS?

How would you like to help?

Need Help Now?

We encourage anyone seeking help to contact our partners at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Veterans Crisis Line.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Veterans Crisis Line