Federal Policy

The American Alternative Care Policy Network has launched its Veterans Equal Access Initiative and formally endorsed federal legislation that would restore equal healthcare access for veterans by allowing VA physicians to discuss and recommend medical cannabis where permitted by state law.

Rep. Andy Barr has introduced the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act, legislation establishing a national regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products while protecting American farmers, improving consumer safety, and preserving the future of the domestic hemp industry.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs have announced a landmark partnership to accelerate research and implementation of rapid-acting mental health treatments for veterans, including psychedelic-assisted therapies. Read the official federal announcement below.

Nearly 5 Million U.S. Veterans Have Used Psilocybin Mushrooms, LSD or MDMA; Veterans' Policy Preferences Differ by Psychedelic Substance

New VA Trial of MDMA Psychedelic for PTSD

As a healthcare professional working directly with patients, Jonathan "Gio" Stelly argues that Congress should delay the November 12 restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages and instead pursue a regulatory framework grounded in science, consumer safety, and patient access.

The White House has urged Congress to reconsider forthcoming federal hemp restrictions and instead pursue a comprehensive regulatory framework. AACPN welcomes the recommendation and outlines why responsible regulation, consumer protection, and evidence-based policymaking offer a stronger path forward than prohibition.

The White House has identified Rep. Andy Barr's Amendment #54 as a model for revising federal hemp regulations. Learn what the proposal would have done, why it never received a House vote, and what comes next for H.R. 8646.

The November 12 restrictions on hemp-derived THC beverages may have unintended consequences for public health. Amanda Parker argues that Congress should pursue responsible regulation focused on safety, consumer protection, and harm reduction rather than restricting access to products that many adults use as an alternative to alcohol.

The American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) has announced a national policy agenda focused on expanding access to evidence-based integrative and alternative healthcare. Through its Alternative Care Access Campaign, Psychedelic Research Initiative, and Hemp Beverage Policy Initiative, AACPN seeks to advance healthcare access, scientific research, patient choice, and evidence-based policy for veterans, trauma survivors, first responders, and other underserved populatio

Millions of Americans—including veterans, first responders, seniors, and trauma survivors—face barriers accessing treatments that may improve their quality of life because insurance coverage has not kept pace with scientific research. AACPN's Alternative Care Access Campaign advocates for Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and private insurance policies that incorporate evidence-based alternative and integrative healthcare treatments shown to be safe, effective, and beneficial to patien

AACPN is calling for expanded scientific research into psychedelic-assisted therapies as potential trauma treatment options for survivors of sexual violence. The organization says survivors deserve compassionate, evidence-based care and continued research into emerging mental health therapies including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine-assisted treatment.

The American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) this week launched its Psychedelic Research Initiative to support continued scientific research into emerging therapies that may help address some of America's most difficult mental health challenges. At the center of this effort are veterans. For many veterans, the invisible wounds of service can persist long after they return home. Post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, substance-use disorders

AACPN welcomes the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ launch of a clinical trial evaluating MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans living with PTSD and alcohol use disorder. The organization says rigorous scientific research is essential to understanding whether emerging therapies can safely and effectively support veterans and other trauma survivors facing complex behavioral health challenges.

The TSA’s updated guidance on medical marijuana travel marks a significant step toward more practical and patient-centered federal cannabis policy. AACPN examines what the change means for veterans, medical cannabis patients, and the future of domestic travel reform.

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