After an “eye-opening” conversation with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins says it’s time to rethink how we treat PTSD and mental health in America’s veterans. Collins plans to push Congress to support research into psychedelic-assisted therapy—a move that may signal a broader shift in how the government views alternative medicine, including cannabis.
A New Chapter for Veteran Mental Health?
Millions of veterans across the United States face serious mental health challenges after their military service. From post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and chronic depression, these conditions can affect every part of a veteran’s life—from relationships and jobs to basic daily well-being.
While traditional treatments like antidepressants and talk therapy help some, they don’t work for everyone. That’s where alternative therapies—including psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine—are starting to show real promise.
Now, for the first time, a sitting Secretary of Veterans Affairs is signaling public support for exploring these options.
The Conversation That Sparked a Shift
During a recent discussion with RFK Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary, Doug Collins said their talk about psychedelic therapies was “eye-opening.” The focus? How psychedelics could help veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health conditions when traditional medicine falls short.
Collins didn’t stop there. He acknowledged that while current federal law restricts the VA from offering treatments like cannabis and psychedelics, the time has come to consider changing those laws.
“We need to explore every option,” Collins said. “If this can help our veterans, then Congress needs to support it.”
What the Science Says
Psychedelic therapy isn’t just a fringe idea anymore. Studies from major universities like Johns Hopkins, NYU, and MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) have shown that under medical supervision, these substances can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
• MDMA-assisted therapy has shown an over 67% reduction in PTSD symptoms in clinical trials.
• Psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) has been used to treat depression and anxiety in patients with lasting success.
• Ketamine, already legal for clinical use, is being used off-label for treatment-resistant depression.
Some studies even include military veterans, who report feeling more emotionally balanced, less anxious, and more connected to life after guided psychedelic therapy.
Why Legal Reform Is Still Needed
Even though the science is advancing and public support is growing, current federal laws still make it nearly impossible for the VA to provide or fund psychedelic treatment.
Psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin are still listed as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act—meaning the government classifies them as having “no accepted medical use,” despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
Collins, however, has committed to pushing Congress to reevaluate these laws, especially when it comes to supporting veteran access to new forms of therapy that could save lives.
What This Means for the Cannabis Industry
Although this news centers on psychedelics, it sends a powerful message for the cannabis community: the tides are changing.
Cannabis, like psychedelics, has long faced:
• Federal classification as a Schedule I drug
• Limited access for veterans through the VA
• Social stigma despite clear medical benefits
If Congress starts to support psychedelic therapies, it could open the door for more federal cannabis research, expanded access for veterans, and even VA-covered medical cannabis programs in the future.
High Science’s Perspective: Education First, Progress Always
At High Science, we believe in revolutionizing how the world sees cannabis and alternative medicine—not through hype, but through science, education, and open dialogue.
This conversation between Secretary Collins and RFK Jr. is more than political—it reflects a national turning point in how we treat trauma, healing, and wellness. Veterans have fought for our country. They shouldn’t have to fight for access to the treatments that could help them heal.
Final Takeaway: Healing Requires Courage—and Change
By publicly supporting psychedelic research, Secretary Doug Collins is showing that healing means thinking differently. Veterans need more than pills and protocol—they need innovative, compassionate, science-backed care.
If Congress listens, we could be witnessing the beginning of a historic transformation in mental health policy—one that could eventually include wider access to medical cannabis, plant-based therapies, and whole-person wellness care. Watch the full clip of the Doug Collins interview here: YouTube Shawn Ryan Show
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