By Logan Davidson, Legislative Director, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)

At Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), we believe legislative change is more than politics—it’s about transforming lives, restoring hope, and honoring the strength of those who served. The first quarter of 2025 proved what’s possible when evidence-based urgency meets coordinated advocacy: real progress, driven by veteran voices.

In this update, I’ll walk you through the major milestones from Q1, the momentum we’re building, and how we plan to carry it forward. Because for veterans navigating PTSD, TBI, and related conditions, waiting is not an option.

Veteran-First Policy: Why We Can’t Wait

Every day, we lose at least 17 veterans to suicide, with some studies that suggest the number could be as high as 44. Behind these numbers are real people—mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters—who often lack access to the care they desperately need. The status quo is unacceptable.

That’s why VETS fights for legislation that accelerates access to safe, clinically administered psychedelic-assisted therapy. Whether it’s ibogaine research in Texas or regulatory reform in California, our guiding principle is simple: science must drive policy.

Q1 Legislative Highlights: Progress Fueled by Purpose

Across the country, VETS helped catalyze and support a wave of policy activity that puts veteran mental health needs front and center.

Texas: Historic Momentum for Ibogaine Research

In Texas, we led the charge on the Texas Ibogaine Initiative ( HB3717/SB2308) —the most ambitious psychedelic policy proposal in the nation. Our Legislative Day of Action brought together grant recipients, allies, and policy partners for 45+ meetings, a Capitol screening of In Waves and War , a press conference, and a legislative reception. That effort paid off: HB 3717/SB3208 advanced to the House Public Health Committee, bringing us closer to securing game-changing research funding.

California: Clearing Bureaucratic Barriers

In California, VETS led the filing of AB 1103 , a bill that would streamline psychedelic research approvals and reduce costly delays. These reforms are critical to establishing broader clinical access—and to making California a national leader in veteran-focused research.

Hawaii: Closer Than Ever

VETS supported the advancement of SB 1042 , a landmark research funding bill. Thanks to collaboration with in-state advocates, the bill moved further than ever before, signaling growing support for therapeutic innovation.

Georgia: New Precedents in the Deep South

In Georgia, we worked with champions to secure a seven-figure appropriation for veteran psychedelic research—an unprecedented step in a state with no prior track record of such initiatives.

More States, More Allies

We also supported legislation in Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Colorado, reinforcing a national trend: veteran-centered psychedelic policy is no longer fringe. It’s a growing movement rooted in data, driven by need, and led by lived experience.

Coalition Work That Delivers

Through all of this, our partnerships remained essential. Organizations like Texans for Greater Mental Health, Reason for Hope, the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, the Clarity Project, and the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition stood shoulder to shoulder with us—showing that coalition building isn’t just a strategy; it’s how we operate every single day.

Policy Context: What These Wins Mean

The victories and momentum we’ve seen aren’t isolated events—they’re part of a larger cultural shift. Policymakers, veteran groups, researchers, and the broader public are increasingly recognizing that psychedelic-assisted therapies are not fringe science—they are evidence-based, urgently needed interventions for PTSD, TBI, substance use disorders, and more.
But challenges remain:

  • Access: Even as research advances, veterans still face barriers to safe, legal, affordable therapies.
  • Regulatory Bottlenecks: Outdated federal and state rules continue to delay clinical innovation.
  • Research Gaps: More funding is needed to study additional compounds, conditions, and veteran-specific needs.

Progress is real—but we must continue fighting to ensure that healing isn’t a privilege reserved for the few, but a right for all who served.

Q2 Priorities: Where We Go From Here

As we enter Q2, our legislative and coalition strategy is focused, urgent, and expanding.

  • Texas: Secure passage of HB3717/SB2308 and unlock historic research funding.
  • California: Advance AB 1103 and establish a more efficient pathway for clinical research.
  • Hawaii: Work with advocates to prepare new legislative push for the 2026 session to ensure passage and implementation.
  • North Carolina: Work with in-state partners to build momentum for SB 568 and create a task force to oversee implementation of psychedelic-assisted therapy policy in the state.
  • New Jersey: Build coalitions to lead new policy efforts to secure research funding.

Help Us Build a Future Veterans Deserve

These legislative wins in the first few months of 2025 prove that this movement is working—but we’re just getting started. If you believe that veterans deserve access to evidence-based, transformative therapies, we invite you to act:

We are never out of the fight. 

With every bill passed, every coalition strengthened, and every life changed, we’re building a future where healing is possible—and where no veteran is left behind.