Study: 5 million veterans have used psychedelics
A new study from the RAND Corporation reveals that approximately 5 million American veterans have used psychedelic substances including psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, or MDMA at some point in their lives. The research, released this week by the Washington think tank, found that 27.5 percent of all veterans have used these substances, with LSD being the most common and veterans showing higher lifetime usage rates than the general population. The study also examined veterans' levels of support for legalizing these drugs and their understanding of VA policies surrounding them.
The timing of this research is significant given the Trump administration's recent push to fund psychedelic therapy studies, particularly for treating veteran mental health conditions. In April, President Trump signed an executive order committing at least $50 million in federal funds to research ibogaine, a powerful hallucinogen, specifically citing the suicide epidemic among veterans as a national tragedy. Last year, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center received a $4.9 million Defense Department grant to study MDMA's effects on active-duty soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder, and the VA has since launched a clinical trial evaluating MDMA-assisted therapy for severe mental health disorders.
The study affects all veterans regardless of disability rating, service era, or enrollment status, but it highlights a critical gap in communication between veterans and their healthcare providers. Lead author Michelle Priest noted that about half of veterans surveyed were unsure whether discussing their psychedelic use with VA doctors would put their benefits at risk. This confusion exists despite the VA issuing a 2023 policy clarifying that marijuana use won't affect benefits, though no similar guidance exists for other substances.
Veterans showed varying levels of support for legalizing these substances, with 23 percent supporting legal use of psilocybin mushrooms and 11 percent supporting LSD legalization. Support for MDMA stood at 9 percent, roughly matching the general population's views. Interestingly, less than 1 percent of veterans reported using ibogaine, the substance now receiving significant federal research funding, though about 5 percent of veterans who hadn't used it expressed willingness to try it.
For disabled veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other service-connected mental health conditions, this research underscores a troubling disconnect between emerging treatment possibilities and current VA policy. While the federal government invests heavily in psychedelic research specifically marketed toward helping veterans, the VA's official stance remains that it "strongly discourages self-medicating or attempting to replace other mental health treatment options with psychedelics or any other unprescribed substances." The agency's website emphasizes that proven, evidence-based treatments are currently available at VA facilities and urges veterans to consult healthcare providers before making treatment decisions.
The practical reality is that many veterans are already using or considering these substances, yet half feel uncertain about having honest conversations with their VA doctors about it. This creates a dangerous situation where veterans may be combining psychedelics with prescribed medications or VA treatments without medical oversight, potentially compromising both their health and the effectiveness of their care. Unlike the clear marijuana policy established in 2023, veterans currently have no guarantee that disclosing psychedelic use won't trigger negative consequences.
Veterans currently receiving VA mental health care should know that open communication with providers remains legally protected under patient confidentiality rules, though concerns about benefits are understandable given the policy vacuum. If you're considering any alternative treatments or are already using substances not prescribed by your doctor, discussing this with your VA provider or a veterans service organization can help you understand your options and risks. As federal research continues and policies potentially evolve, staying informed about both emerging treatments and official VA guidance will be essential for making safe, informed decisions about your mental health care.