As legislative momentum builds around psychedelic-assisted therapies, California emerges as a frontrunner, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s support is a promising sign.
My connection to psychedelic therapies is deeply personal, rooted in their transformative impact on my husband’s life, a Navy SEAL grappling with post-military challenges that conventional methods failed to address. After serving 13 years as a SEAL, Marcus experienced an escalating set of challenges during his transition back to civilian life. He utilized the tools available to him, which consisted primarily of pharmaceuticals and talk therapy, neither of which were effective in combating the issues he was facing.
As with many of our veterans—many of whom have spent their entire adult lives deploying to a combat zone—Marcus was dealing with compounded issues stemming from post-traumatic stress, blast waves, concussive and subconcussive brain injuries, and transitional challenges associated with separation from military service. After these experiences, fitting back into a family unit, or society in general, is a complicated process, made even more complex by feelings of isolation, loss of peer connection, lack of purpose, and substance use issues—all of which contribute to the horrifying veteran suicide statistic of roughly 20 per day, with some estimates as high as 44.
I heard about ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic compound, from a trusted friend, but it was so unfamiliar to both of us, that for an entire year, we didn’t give it serious consideration. As other approaches continued to fall short, I became desperate to save my husband and finally arranged for him to travel abroad to a clinic offering this therapy. The results were profound and immediate, and from that moment forward, we knew we had a mandate to help other veterans and their families.
In 2019 we founded a non-profit organization, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), which has provided grants for nearly 1,000 U.S. Special Forces veterans to receive psychedelic-assisted therapies in countries where they are legal or unregulated. We also provide full programmatic resources, integration coaching sessions, and a host of other support services. In addition, VETS sponsors veteran-focused U.S.-based research and advocates for policy change at the state and federal levels of government. We are working tirelessly to ensure that all U.S. veterans have access to therapies that truly work.
Many states have shown interest in legislation that furthers psychedelic therapy, however California is particularly poised to lead the nation in this pursuit. With a long history of cutting-edge innovation, California has an opportunity to establish the regulatory framework that will be necessary for all other states wishing to follow suit. This is highlighted by the presence of leading academic institutions who are studying the therapeutic use of psychedelic compounds, such as Stanford University, UC San Francisco, UCLA, UC Irvine, and UCSD, amongst others.
Legislation around psychedelic therapies has been introduced in multiple legislative sessions in California, with one bill making it all the way to the governor’s desk, only to be vetoed in October. I don’t view Governor Newsom’s veto as a setback to the psychedelic renaissance. Instead, I view it as an opportunity to set the stage and lead the way in formulating a viable plan for regulated access, and I am grateful for his willingness to take the time to get it right for all Californians. The governor articulated his views on psychedelic therapies in a letter to the legislature explaining his veto decision.
His message urges the legislature to send him a bill next year establishing a regulated program of therapeutic access under the supervision of a trained facilitator. If the governor follows through in helping to build a responsible, regulated psychedelic therapy program, it will be a gamechanger for veterans, first responders, and millions of Californians who aren’t getting the help they need from other mental health treatments. Furthermore, it will set a precedent for other states to follow suit.
Governor Newsom makes clear that he understands the science behind psychedelic therapies, which show tremendous promise in helping those with severe depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other challenging conditions. He writes, “This is an exciting frontier and California will be on the front-end of leading it.”
Psychedelic therapy is not a panacea or one-size-fits-all cure, but it can provide far greater and faster benefits than other treatments currently available in the United States. It also lays the foundation for further healing to be possible. It is crucial that support be provided before, during, and long after the psychedelic experience itself, which is why I support Governor Newsom’s thoughtful approach. We must have safety mechanisms and support systems in place to ensure veterans and others can achieve improved well-being and long-lasting mental health benefits.
I applaud Governor Newsom’s commitment for California to become a national leader in advancing psychedelic-assisted therapies. In an era of deep political divisions, this unique issue is bringing Republicans and Democrats together, which I hope to see more of across the nation. Mental health touches virtually every family and community. Providing access to breakthrough treatments when other options have failed is something worthy of continued dialogue and widespread support.
Amber Capone co-founder and chief executive officer of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS).