Lawmakers push for FDA to approve MDMA for new veteran mental health treatment WSB-TV Channel 2 [Video]

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers are pushing the Food and Drug Administration to approve using MDMA, also known as ecstasy, as a treatment for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The push comes after an FDA advisory committee voted against recommending the controversial drug for approval in June.

Channel 2 Washington Correspondent Candice Cole spoke with supporters, and opponents, of the use of MDMA for treatment to learn more as the treatment remains unavailable.

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Using psychedelics to treat PTSD is controversial, but it’s gaining support from veterans and a variety of lawmakers.

However, the lawmakers in favor of the treatment say the FDA is ignoring data that shows MDMA and other psychedelic substances work well as a way to treat PTSD.

Still, the FDA advisory committee says more research is needed, even though clinical trial data shows the drugs have been highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. In June, the committee …