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A new survey from RAND shows a clear divide among Veterans on psychedelics, with views changing depending on the substance and how it would be used.
The report, “U.S. Veterans and Psychedelics: Prevalence of Use and Policy Preferences,” estimates that about 4.8 million Veterans have tried psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, or MDMA at least once, but support varies regarding legality, healthcare, and whether the VA should pay for or provide care.
According to RAND, its 2025 Psychedelics Survey included more than 10,000 U.S. adults. Of those respondents, 1,339 were Veterans. LSD had the greatest lifetime use rate among Veterans studied (19.6%), closely followed by psilocybin (18.6%). MDMA and mescaline were each reported by 7.7 percent of Veterans. Recent use was far less common. Past-year use stayed under three percent for every psychedelic substance included in the survey.
Depending on the substance, support for legal usage varied dramatically. Psilocybin mushrooms drew the strongest support, with 23 percent of Veterans saying they supported legal use. Support was much lower for LSD at 11.4 percent and MDMA at 8.5 percent. Marijuana, which RAND included for comparison, received support from 60.7 percent of Veterans.
The disparity is significant since psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and other drugs are frequently lumped together under one heading in public discussions. Some Veterans may be open to supervised psilocybin treatment, while still being uncomfortable with legal access outside a medical setting. Others may see potential in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD only if it clears FDA review and is delivered through a controlled health care setting. RAND’s report explains that since people may have varying opinions on each substance, asking them about “psychedelics” in general may provide unclear results.
The survey also found that past usage is not always associated with readiness for future use. Even though LSD and psilocybin had similar lifetime use rates among Veterans, more Veterans said they would consider psilocybin. RAND estimated that 11.1 percent of Veterans were willing to try psilocybin, compared with 5.1 percent for LSD. Ibogaine or iboga had been used by fewer than one percent of Veterans, but about five percent who had never used it said they might be willing to try it.
One of the biggest VA-related issues centers on whether Veterans feel safe talking about psychedelic use with their doctors. Nearly half of Veterans were unsure whether discussing psilocybin or MDMA with a VA provider could put their benefits in danger. About 48 percent were unsure about psilocybin, and 46 percent were unsure about MDMA. Only roughly one-third thought that disclosure would not put benefits at risk.
That uncertainty could affect care. A Veteran who has used psychedelics outside the VA, including in private retreats, informal settings, or outside the U.S., may avoid the topic if they fear benefits could be affected. VA has provided clear guidelines for discussions about cannabis, but it hasn’t done the same for psychedelics. As a result, many Veterans are unsure about how discussing psilocybin or MDMA with a doctor will impact their benefits. More transparent VA guidelines could encourage open dialogue between Veterans and doctors.
When it came to FDA-approved therapy, Veterans were more receptive to VA involvement. RAND found that 53.9 percent supported VA providing or paying for psilocybin-assisted therapy if approved by the FDA. Support for MDMA-assisted therapy was lower, at 44.9 percent. The most supported model allowed VA to pay for care while either VA or community providers delivered the treatment.
Researchers, legislators, and Veteran organizations are still investigating psychedelics as potential remedies for PTSD, depression, substance abuse disorders, and other mental health issues. VA is already funding clinical research involving some psychedelic treatments for PTSD and depression. Meanwhile, some members of Congress and outside groups are still advocating for additional research and potential access for Veterans.
Recent federal proposals are also shaping the discussion. The Freedom to Heal Act of 2025 would address access to investigational treatments, including some psychedelic substances, for patients facing life-threatening conditions. Another proposal, the Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act, would create a new office within VHA to work on novel mental health treatments, including certain psychedelics if they receive FDA approval.
Numerous states are either studying or have already modified their own psychedelic laws. New Mexico allows adults with specific medical problems to take psilocybin under supervision, and Oregon and Colorado have made it legal for adults to do so. Psilocybin and some other natural psychedelics may also be possessed, grown, and shared by adults in Colorado.
Federal action has also entered the conversation. An April 2026 executive order was designed to speed up and fund more clinical research on psychedelics for mental health conditions. The order also directed agencies to expand Right to Try access for certain patients seeking psychedelic treatments, including ibogaine-based options, and to review some Schedule I therapies that have finished advanced clinical trials for severe mental health conditions.
RELATED ARTICLE: Executive Order Speeds Research on Psychedelics for PTSD in Veterans
VA has warned Veterans against self-medicating or replacing existing mental health care with psychedelics or other unprescribed substances. Evidence-based treatments are still accessible at VA institutions, according to a VA statement related to an upcoming MDMA clinical trial. Veterans should speak with medical professionals before choosing a course of treatment.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.