Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Military Invests in MDMA for PTSD Treatment

In a historic shift, the Department of Defense is funding two major clinical trials—totaling $9.8 million—to study the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating PTSD in active-duty service members. The research marks the first sanctioned exploration of psychedelics within the military. While the move signals progress, broader access to alternative therapies like cannabis and psilocybin remains blocked—leaving many veterans still fighting for healing options the government won’t yet fund.

the pentagon, washington dc, aerial view

The Pentagon Is Betting Nearly $10 Million on MDMA to Treat PTSD in Active-Duty Soldiers

www.army.mil
Ezra Sterling
By Ezra SterlingMar 28, 2025
Ezra Sterling
Ezra Sterling is an emerging writer who specializes in crafting compelling and informative articles about the cannabis and psychedelics industries. With a background in botany and a passion for alternative medicine, Ezra has honed his skills as a digital wordsmith, focusing on educating the public about the potential benefits and risks of these substances.
See Full Bio
Follow:

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has earmarked $9.8 million for pioneering research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, specifically MDMA, for active-duty service members grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This initiative underscores a significant shift in military mental health strategies, acknowledging the pressing need for innovative treatments amid rising concerns over service members' well-being.Latest news & breaking headlines+1Military Times+1

Breaking Down the Investment

The funding is divided into two equal grants of $4.9 million:Military Times

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: Set to conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, this study will administer MDMA to active-duty Army personnel diagnosed with mild to moderate PTSD. The primary objective is to assess how MDMA influences psychological flexibility, a key factor in effective PTSD treatment. Leading this research is Major Aaron Wolfgang, head of Inpatient Psychiatry at Walter Reed, who has previously contributed to comprehensive reviews on MDMA-assisted therapy. Military Times+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1
  • Emory University and STRONG STAR Consortium: Collaborating with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, this partnership will explore MDMA-assisted therapy's efficacy in treating PTSD among active-duty troops. STRONG STAR is renowned for its focus on combat-related PTSD research, making it a pivotal player in this groundbreaking study.

A Historical Perspective

This endeavor marks the first sanctioned investigation into MDMA's therapeutic applications for PTSD within active-duty military personnel. Historically, the U.S. government's engagement with psychedelics in military contexts has been controversial, often associated with unauthorized experiments during the mid-20th century. This contemporary research signifies a departure from past practices, emphasizing scientific rigor and ethical standards.

The Broader Context: Veterans and Alternative Therapies

While the DoD's commitment to exploring psychedelics is a progressive step, it occurs against a backdrop of governmental resistance to alternative treatments for veterans. Efforts to expand access to cannabis and psychedelics for medical purposes have faced legislative hurdles. For instance, amendments proposing research into psilocybin and MDMA for PTSD and traumatic brain injury were recently rejected, leaving many veterans without access to potentially life-changing therapies.

FDA Approves Landmark Cannabis for PTSD in Veterans - The BluntnessFDA Approves Landmark Cannabis for PTSD in Veterans - The Bluntness Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

The Imperative for Innovative Solutions

The urgency for effective mental health interventions in the military community cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that women veterans are 1.8 times more likely than their civilian counterparts to commit suicide, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive and effective treatment options.

The DoD's $9.8 million investment in psychedelic research represents a hopeful development in addressing the complex mental health challenges faced by service members. As these studies progress, they hold the potential to reshape treatment paradigms and offer new avenues for healing to those who have served.

The Latest

farmers market, fruits, vegetables for sale
News

Cannabis Farmers Markets Here to Stay

a reaction to a great compliment
Wellness

Compliments: The Power Move

Comprehensive Glossary of Cannabis Terminology - The Bluntness
News

Are You Ready to Master Cannabis Lingo? Explore Essential Terms Now

What is Moon Rocks Weed? - The Bluntness
Strains

Moon Rock Weed: Out of This World

More For You

Senator Hickenlooper Resurrects Landmark Cannabis Legalization Bill
Senator Hickenlooper Resurrects Landmark Cannabis Legalization Bill

PREPARE Act: Senator Hickenlooper Resurrects Landmark Cannabis Legalization Bill

In a significant move towards federal marijuana legalization, Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) has refiled a groundbreaking bill known as the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (PREPARE) Act. 

The legislation, introduced recently in the Senate, aims to establish a commission responsible for formulating a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis, similar to the existing system in place for alcohol. The bill seeks to address key issues surrounding cannabis regulation, including safety, criminalization, banking barriers, and coexistence with the hemp industry. Let's delve into the details of this important bill and its potential impact on the cannabis industry and the broader society.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kanye West Is Spiraling—And Our Mental Health System Is Letting It Happen - The Bluntness
Kanye West Is Spiraling—And Our Mental Health System Is Letting It Happen - The Bluntness
Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist on Unsplash

Kanye West Is Spiraling—And Our Mental Health System Is Letting It Happen - The Bluntness

Kanye West, aka Ye, isn’t just trending—he’s unraveling in real time. And instead of intervention, we get viral clips, condemnation, and an audience watching a man self-destruct. His latest stunt? Airing a Super Bowl ad promoting a swastika-emblazoned Yeezy shirt on his site—a move so blatantly antisemitic that even the most die-hard supporters had to step back. This act garnered significant media coverage, leading to brands cutting ties and agents dropping him. His social media account faced scrutiny and was ultimately deleted after a history of controversial postings. But here’s the problem: canceling Kanye doesn’t fix Kanye.

At this point, the question isn’t whether his actions are inexcusable (they are). The question is, what happens when one of the world’s most influential figures is also one of the most untreated cases of mental illness in pop culture history?

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Gov. Hochul’s Cannabis Crackdown Stinks of Regression - The Bluntness

Why Gov. Hochul’s Cannabis Crackdown Stinks of Regression - The Bluntness

Giphy

Hochul's Cannabis Crackdown: A Smelly Situation

If you thought New York’s legal weed rollout was already a trainwreck, buckle up—Governor Kathy Hochul wants to take us even further off the rails. Her latest bright idea? Making the mere smell of cannabis a “probable cause” for law enforcement searches. Yes, you read that right.

Just when we thought we were inching toward a rational, equity-driven cannabis policy, Hochul’s proposal drags us back into the bad old days of stop-and-frisk, racial profiling, and arbitrary police power.

Keep ReadingShow less
70% of Americans Support Marijuana Legalization
70% of Americans Support Marijuana Legalization

Cannabis Legalization’s Momentum Continues as Ohio Joins the Fold

In a groundbreaking development this week, Ohio voters have overwhelmingly approved a marijuana legalization referendum, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing shift towards greater acceptance of cannabis use in the United States. 

This move has now made Ohio the 24th state in the country to legalize adult-use marijuana. A recent Gallup poll, conducted in October, demonstrates that this decision aligns with a broader consensus across the nation, with an impressive seven out of ten (70%) Americans now in favor of legalizing marijuana. One more state legalizes and half the country will have access to legal cannabis. 

Keep ReadingShow less
California Takes a Progressive Step: Cannabis Cafes and the Blossoming of Enlightened Cannabis Experiences
California Takes a Progressive Step: Cannabis Cafes and the Blossoming of Enlightened Cannabis Experiences

Cannabis Cafes in California Awaiting Governor's Signature Following Final Assembly Vote

In a significant step toward expanding marijuana access and consumption options in California, a bill that would legalize marijuana cafes has cleared its final legislative hurdle and is now on its way to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for approval. The legislation, known as AB 374, has garnered bipartisan support and aims to provide a more welcoming environment for cannabis users while generating additional revenue for the state.

After receiving amendments from the Senate, the Assembly voted 48-7 in favor of the bill, indicating strong support for this innovative approach to marijuana legalization. If signed into law, AB 374 would allow dispensaries to offer non-cannabis food and drinks at their locations, subject to local government approval.

Keep ReadingShow less