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U.S. Senate Committee To Hold Hearing On Benefits Of Psychedelics For Military Veterans

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6 months ago

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The U.S. Senate Commission has heard “alternative therapies” for military veterans, many witnesses expected to discuss therapeutic benefits of psychedelic.

Field hearing will be excluded from Capitol, including the Commission of Veteran Senate Affairs in Montevallo, Alabama, Friday, veteran and psychedelic mental health treatment.

Witnesses are an officer for veteran issues (VA), coalition of veteran health care coalition Adam Marr, Compass pathways at Steve Levine, University of Alabama in Brian Schiefer (SCI-DI).

“This is a call for action. Veterans don’t break the system,” The marijuana moments said on Thursday Thursday. “VA makes some good things, but what they don’t do well are these new innovations and have approaches to bring them.”

Writing the testimony to be submitted to the committee “alternative therapies” said “, therefore,” therapies are being created or psychedelic, psilocybin, dmt, 5-meo-dmt, Methylon. “

“In general, these therapies of psychedelic therapies are also fast and solid symptoms offer rapid and strong improvements.

“Despite the promising results, psychedelic therapies face the regulatory research barriers” and the access said in the testimony. It also said that “difficult understanding” is why federal federations only offered “minimum” funding to support research on therapeutic benefits of substances.

Most witnesses selected hearing They have somehow been psychedelic research and defense.

For example, Ixse Wiechers, Director General of Veterans Health Administration (VHA), was among the authors of a 2024 report among the authors of research on research and implementation of psychedelic research research on VA 2024.

Levine serves as a director of patients compass, a biotechnology research company specializing in Psychodelics, who helped protect a nomination of the Psilocybin of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Schiefer also promotes the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicine as the role of SCI-DI to spread access to alternative therapies for veterans with severe mental and physical conditions with severe mental and physical conditions.

Notable, in the situation of a member of the Audition Committee, Tommy Tuberville (R-al), who has provided support for the Canavy Industry Bank But it is not particularly proactive in the face of psychedelic reform.

The meeting of the Senate is broader in Congress carefully to the subject. On both sides of Congress, as well as key officials of the administration to deform reform.

For example, Vako’s head recently He assumed his role to promote access to psychedelic access to veterans With serious mental health conditions, it was possible to open “wider than thought that door”.

VA Secretary Doug Collins, who He has raised attention to the President Donald TrumpHe said, “We will do the right way,” Ibogaine, MDMA and PSilocybin to face the clinical trials that are being investigated.

Last month, the Secretary also confirmed “Very open” to spread access to psychedelic therapy for veterans-Massionate that people with serious mental health conditions intend to find “healing” ways and not only treat surface symptoms.

Collins pointed out that VA is actively performed through internal or private cooperation in clinical trials “actually results in different substances that are good results”, including One is investigating a supported MDMA-based therapy based on VA Bronx health care “Actually, good results.”

In that conversation, it was also Collins He showed the last clip of the army stamps in Rob O’Neill, who killed Osama bin Laden, The federal government intentionally avoided his theory, because he has prevented access to psychedelic medicine, because cures are more profitable than long-term treatments. Collins replied in response: “I will tell you right now: this secretary of veterans, myself, I want to heal people.”

In the meantime, the GOP-controlled household board approved a change attached to the defense invoice “Progress Report” is required in a Psychedelic Pilot Therapy program For active duty for military service members and veterans.

However, the Congress has been a research proposal for psychedelic research in recent sessions, last week, has blocked a change of bipartisan bipartisa (R-TX) that would provide another $ 10 million. Clinical essays in therapeutic potential of substances like ibogaine and psilocybin in the therapeutic potential of clinical support.

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One by one, Bipartisan Congress legislators met with VA secretary Discuss paths to access psychedelic medicine As an alternative treatment for conditions like PTSD.

After Meeting by asking for Collins In May, reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Jack Bergman (R-Mi) The chairs of psychedelic psychedelic psychedelic psychedelics (path) Caucus said three.

Collins, in particular, is highlighted as VA Secretariat for Sustnator, which explores the potential of Ubogaine and MDMA, providing relief of serious mental health conditions, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS head, is his goal. Release plant-based medicine options within 12 months.

New Gingrich (R-GA) separated the former speaker of the US Psychedelic Ibogaine is a “amazing breakthrough” The current “patient care system” has left people with serious mental health conditions, unintentionally intended by alternative treatment options, and intends to use its impact on the problem.

One by one, he entered the change of expenditure invoices in Correa and BergmanResearch on the benefits of psychedelic treatment to treat medical conditions It usually affects military veterans.

Legislators separated the bill in April to provide $ 30 million each year Establish psychedelic by the “Centers for Excellence” at VA FacilitiesVeterans to receive an innovative treatment that contains substances such as Psilocybin, MDMA and Ibogaine.

Collins, for his part, also known in April he had “open eye” with Kennedy About the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine. And he said that the government is open to the idea of ​​giving boots to cover the costs of psychedelic therapy for veterans who receive external services from VA. As a congress.

Bergman also has Advanced Psychedelic Reform Opportunity to advance through TrumpThe administration argues that federal expenditure and the efforts will give the “spine” agencies to deal with complex problems.

Kennedy, for his part, also said in April Had “wonderful experience” with LSD in 15 yearsHe thought he could see the dinosaurs, as he portrayed in a comic book.

Last October, Kennedy criticized the FDA “Psychodelics Support” of the Agency and said the laundry of other issues.

In December, VA reported individually to finance $ 1.5 million to finance Learn the effectiveness of therapy assisted by MDMA for veterans PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Last year, VA Yehuda also financed the initial examination agency “Amazing and strong results” from the first clinical test of MDMA therapy.

In January, Shereef Elnahah Bed secretary was VA (it was very gratifying) Trump said Kennedy Lead HHS protected Psychedelics reform. And he He hoped to work with him For the next administration, but that did not come out.

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Oklahoma Governor wants to shut down medical cannabis program

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5 hours ago

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February 4, 2026

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt he said He wants to return the state’s medical marijuana program to voters. In his State of the State address, Stitt called for a state question in 2026 for citizens to decide whether to end the program, citing concerns about “bad actors” and criminal influence.

Dispensary owner Dana Herrick he reacted to the adHe noted that in 2018 medical cannabis was approved by voters. Herrick said the program gave patients access to drugs and raised questions about what returning the issue to a public vote would mean for existing companies.

The state’s medical cannabis system has grown since 2018. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority oversees growers, processors and dispensaries with more than 1,500 active licenses. Regulators have implemented measures such as credential checks and a temporary moratorium on new licenses to manage the industry’s growth.










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Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions

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6 hours ago

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February 4, 2026

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Virginia senators have passed a pair of bills to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana and reduce penalties for people with prior cannabis convictions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-6 on Wednesday to advance legislation for Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D) to sell marijuana. Members also voted 12-TK3 to approve Senate President Louise Lucas’ (D) anti-cannabis measure.

Both measures then go to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, potentially before reaching a date.

Aird told colleagues in Wednesday’s speech that his bill “establishes a marketplace that protects consumers and puts health and safety first, ensures a balance in our regulatory framework that ensures legalization is consistent with public health and safety goals, and avoids past mistakes built into alcohol laws that allow the legal substance to continue to be criminalized.”

“I know there’s interest in aligning the approach we take in this legislation with (the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s) enforcement structure, but if we do that too narrowly, we risk building a legal system that relies on arrests, mandatory fines, mandatory minimums, prison sentences and low-level offenses,” he said. “And that approach has failed with alcohol and will fail again for cannabis.”

The panel accepted several amendments from Sen. Scott Surovell (D), the panel’s chairman, over Aird’s objection.

Among the changes are amendments to “essentially align the penalties for the illegal sale of alcohol with the illegal sale of marijuana,” Surovell said, bringing the penalties for minors in possession of cannabis on par with those for alcohol.

Another bench-approved amendment adds criminal penalties for buying marijuana from an unlicensed dealer.




Marijuana Justice’s Chelsea Higgs Wise supported the overall bill, but expressed concern about the recently passed criminal amendments, calling it “a step backwards.”

A representative of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP also said, “If we really want to prepare our children for success, we’re not going to criminalize them, but we’re going to figure out how to support them so they can make better choices.”

JM Pedini, director of development for advocacy group NORML and executive director of Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the organization is “deeply concerned about committee members’ re-criminalization of cannabis users and mandatory minimum approvals for marijuana.”

“It is particularly troubling that as this body moves to address resentment of marijuana-related penalties, it is simultaneously entertaining new ways to further criminalize consumers,” Pedini said.

Approval of the amended sales invoice comes in about a week The House General Laws Committee approved a supplemental version of the legislationDel. Paul Krizek (D).

As passed in committee, the legislation is largely in line with recommendations released by the legislature in December. Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition to the Commonwealth Retail Cannabis Market.

Since legalizing cannabis ownership and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have been working to establish a commercial marijuana market– Only for those efforts to stall under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures sent to his desk by the Legislature.

the senate the version calls for sales to begin on January 1, 2027, while the House bill stipulates that the sale of cannabis for adult consumption can begin on November 1 of this year.

Here are the main details of Virginia’s legal marijuana sales legislation:

  • Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products, as determined by regulators.
  • The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana.
  • A tax of up to 12.625 percent would apply to the retail sale of any cannabis product. That would include a 1.125 percent state retail and use tax on top of a new 8 percent marijuana-specific tax. Local governments can charge an additional 3.5 percent.
  • The tax revenue would be divided between the costs of administering and enforcing the state’s marijuana system, a new Cannabis Equity Investment Fund, pre-kindergarten programs, substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs, and public health programs such as awareness campaigns designed to prevent drug-impaired driving and discourage underage use.
  • Local governments could not allow marijuana companies to operate in their area.
  • Delivery services would be allowed.
  • Serving sizes would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with no more than 100 mg of THC per package.
  • Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a $10 million license conversion fee.
  • Cannabis businesses should implement peaceful labor agreements with their employees.
  • A legislative committee would direct the addition of local consumer licenses and micro-enterprise cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to hold sales at farmers markets or pop-up locations. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority would also investigate the possibility of involvement in marijuana regulation and enforcement.

Just sworn Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing the sale of marijuana to adults.

Another cannabis law passed by a Senate committee Wednesday would require people with certain felonies to automatically receive resentencing hearings and adjust their sentences. A Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. Also advanced House Companion version of (D). recently

The legislation would create a process for people who are incarcerated or under community supervision for certain crimes involving the possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana to receive an automatic sentencing hearing.

The invoice It applies to people with convictions or convictions for conduct that occurred before July 1, 2021, when a state law that legalized personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect.

The panel approved some technical changes before passing the legislation.

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Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers have introduced other marijuana-related legislation for the 2026 session, among other things. allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals.

Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has published a new defining workplace protections for cannabis users.

Mike Latimer’s photo.

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Gavita International launches Agrolux Operating System

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1 day ago

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February 3, 2026

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During Fruit Logistica, Gavita International launches the future Agrolux Operating System and the LYRA modular product platform. “The latest developments highlight Gavita International’s evolution into a fully integrated solution that supports growers throughout the crop cycle,” says CEO Marc Salvany.

After the management buyout on October 1, 2025, Gavita International is led by Marc Salvany (CEO) and Ad van der Vorst (CFO). With the launch of the Agrolux Actuator System, Gavita International is presenting not only a future-ready platform, but also its new strategic location: this presentation is the basis for the future developments of the globally operating lighting systems supplier.

The launch of the Agrolux brand underlines the company’s strategic move towards a fully integrated solution for professional growers.

© Agrolux

Agrolux Operating System
“The Agrolux Operating System is a future-proof and user-friendly platform that enables professional farmers to improve performance, efficiency and return on investment, while actively contributing to a more sustainable, circular and resilient horticultural ecosystem,” explained Marc. “It supports electrical power and wireless communication, the Horticultural Lighting Protocol (HLP), and can work seamlessly with a climate computer or standalone. The system is also fully compatible with all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires as well as third-party brands.”

The Agrolux Operating System has capabilities on its development page, such as AI-based lighting strategies and integration with sensors, providing advanced automation, monitoring and control for modern greenhouse operations. The Agrolux Operating System protects existing investments while enabling smarter and more sustainable farming.

LYRA: the modular product platform of the future, fully complementary to the Agrolux portfolio
Together with the Agrolux Operating System, Gavita International is proudly developing LYRA; A new modular and future product platform to support current and next generation greenhouses. “At the heart of the LYRA platform is a modular design that supports multiple applications, including multi-channel configurations to enable lighting strategies, combined with a flexible power range from 340W to 1200W, depending on the producer’s requirements.”

The LYRA is designed around a single driver housing concept that allows LED modules to be added, upgraded and adjusted, ensuring the luminaire adapts to evolving technology, regulations and grower needs. Together with LYRA, the Agrolux OS system will continue to offer renewed features and innovations to the product platform.

LYRA complements the entire Agrolux (LED) luminaire portfolio, and the Agrolux Operating System supports all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires. “Together, they are designed to offer the professional greenhouse grower as much as possible
flexibility and long-term certainty in a rapidly evolving technology innovation landscape.”

LYRA will initially be available in a 4-channel version.

The defining moment
“Unveiling the Agrolux Operating System and previewing LYRA at Fruit Logistic is a defining moment for our company. This presentation marks a significant and exciting chapter for Gavita International, thanks to our dedicated team and the continued support of our trusted partners and respected growers. We look forward to meeting visitors in Berlin and showcasing our new developments,” said Marc.

Live demonstration at Fruit Logistica
At Fruit Logistica 2026, Gavita International will demonstrate the Agrolux operation
System live at stand A-46 in the Dutch Pavilion (Hall 3.2), seen first hand.
LIRA

Appointments for a demonstration can be booked online.

For more information:
Gavita International
(email protected)
www.agrolux.com

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