Why This Win Matters
The Douglas “Mike” Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act, enacted as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), directs the U.S. Department of Defense to expand and formalize research into psychedelic-assisted therapies for active-duty service members. The law authorizes clinical trials and research programs focused on substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine to address PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and suicide risk—conditions driving the military mental-health crisis.
This legislation is a major milestone because it represents the first time Congress permanently embedded psychedelic-assisted therapy research into federal defense policy. By moving beyond pilot concepts and signaling long-term federal commitment, the Act legitimizes these therapies at the highest level of national security policymaking and accelerates the pathway for evidence-based treatments to reach service members who have exhausted conventional options.
Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) played a central leadership role in advancing the Douglas Mike Day Act—mobilizing veteran voices, educating lawmakers, and helping shape the policy framework that made passage possible. VETS’ sustained advocacy ensured the amendment stayed focused on rigorous science, veteran safety, and real-world access, helping turn years of grassroots momentum into binding federal law.
VETS' Role
I've led this two years in a row in the House, and now finally got it into the final bill with the Senate. I'm thrilled. This will save lives and potentially revolutionize the way we treat all types of PTSD and TBI.
US Rep. Dan Crenshaw
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