Veterans Mental Health

Congress’s delay of new federal hemp restrictions protects near-term patient access and gives lawmakers more time to pursue a comprehensive policy that supports safety, clinical oversight and responsible state regulation.

AACPN welcomes House passage of legislation delaying most federal restrictions on consumable hemp products through December 11, providing Congress additional time to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Originally published by the Hartford Courant, John R. Gordon examines Connecticut’s approach to hemp regulation amid an evolving national policy debate and considers the implications of proposed federal restrictions for the state’s existing regulatory framework.

Reps. Beth Van Duyne and Greg Landsman have introduced the bipartisan Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, proposing federal standards for hemp-derived beverages ahead of the November 12 deadline. AACPN founder and Marine Corps veteran Adrian Bruneau is quoted in the congressional announcement.

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

Originally published in the Hartford Courant, this op-ed examines Connecticut's Public Act 26-108 and its implications for psychedelic-assisted therapy, evidence-based healthcare innovation, and patient access.

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.

Starting July 1, CT medical program using psychedelics opens to the public.

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.

New discoveries are reshaping scientific understanding of psychedelic compounds and their potential role in treating mental health conditions. The Atlantic explores the research driving this rapidly evolving field.

Oregon’s psilocybin services program offers an early case study for states considering how to expand access to psychedelics while maintaining responsible safety protections.

AACPN Director of Political & Public Affairs Adrian Bruneau recently appeared on The Decision Hour to discuss veteran mental health, resilience, recovery, and the challenges of life after military service. Watch the full interview.

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

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 applauds Connecticut’s enactment of Public Act 26-108, expanding the state’s psychedelic-assisted therapy pilot program and supporting continued clinical research involving MDMA and psilocybin therapies for veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and individuals living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions.