California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a budget trailer bill that includes funding for psychedelic therapy research aimed at assisting veterans. The announcement was made by Senator Brian W. Jones, R-Santee, on Tuesday. Language from Senate Bill 1224 was incorporated into Assembly Bill 113, which Newsom signed on September 18, making the key provisions official.
Read More
Senate Bill 1224, known as the California Emerging Therapies Research Partnership Act, was the result of three years of advocacy for veterans struggling to find relief through traditional mental health treatment. Jones emphasized the urgency of aiding veterans dealing with trauma and mental health challenges, stating, "Our veterans are suffering, and it is incumbent on us to facilitate their recovery."
Jones expressed gratitude to various veteran organizations that supported the initiative, including the American Legion, AMVets, Healing Breakthrough, Heroic Heart Project, Military Officers Association of America, and Vietnam Veterans of America. He highlighted the necessity for California to lead in discovering effective treatments for veterans experiencing PTSD when conventional methods fall short.
Jesse Gould, founder of the Heroic Hearts Project, commended the collaborative efforts of Jones, Newsom, and other legislators in advancing this important issue.
The state has allocated $4.7 million for psychedelic research, which Gould describes as a significant milestone in finding new healing paths for veterans struggling with the effects of service.
David Kuta, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for California, noted that veterans often return home facing PTSD, depression, and addiction. He pointed out that while traditional treatments benefit many, they do not work universally, and the existing one-size-fits-all approach has had tragic consequences for those who have served.