November 17, 2022
- The caucus will examine modern research on psychedelic-assisted therapies and lay the groundwork for expanded clinical research and future congressional funding
- MAPS hopes that the caucus will open up opportunities for education about and federal funding for critical and timely research into the possible medical uses of psychedelics
MAPS celebrates the formation of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Clinical Treatments (PACT) Caucus, announced today. Led by Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-MI), the caucus will consist of bipartisan members of Congress committed to “addressing ways to alleviate the national mental health crisis through psychedelic science and research.” PACT looks to advance research into the therapeutic use of psychedelic compounds and ensure any FDA-approved psychedelic-assisted therapies are available to those in need, in accordance with the law.
We are encouraged that Representatives Correa and Bergman are taking significant steps to bring the conversation about psychedelic research and therapy to Congress. This initiative will build upon the growing national interest in the potential for psychedelic care modalities to be incorporated into healthcare. We look forward to working with members of the caucus to educate their colleagues to replace drug war rhetoric with science, evidence, and compassion.
Ismail Ali, J.D., Director of Policy & Advocacy, MAPS
The PACT Caucus will not be offering recommendations on decriminalization, legalization, rescheduling or de-scheduling psychedelic substances. Rather, the goals of this caucus are to:
- Increase awareness of psychedelic-assisted therapies among members of Congress and their staffs,
- Support increases in federal funding for psychedelic science, and
- Examine regulatory impediments to psychedelic research.
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NOTE
The safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies are currently under investigation. No psychedelic-assisted therapy has been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities; no therapy works for everyone; and all therapies, even in clinical settings, carry risks.
ABOUT MAPS
Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education. MAPS has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.
