New law to speed study of psychedelics for mental health

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill to fast-track the study of psychedelic drugs that hold enormous potential to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, according to a coalition of veterans.

- By Ciara HARTER

More veterans die from suicide in America on a daily basis than average daily combat deaths in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan combined, according to data collected by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A growing number of former service members are now turning to psychedelics to treat the mental health conditions caused by wartime trauma and traumatic brain injury.

The nonprofit organization Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) is a big believer in the power of psychedelic therapies such as ibogaine, which co-founder and former Navy SEAL Marcus Capone credits with saving his life.

This legislative cycle, VETS sponsored Assembly Bill 1103 to eliminate roadblocks to approve the study of psychedelics in California. The bill was written by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), who represents an area with one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the country.