Could Veterans Drive Cannabis and Psychedelic Reform?
Could the VA be the quiet catalyst for federal cannabis and psychedelic reform? On the latest Trade to Black podcast, host Shadd Dales welcome back former Top Gun fighter pilot and founder of No Fallen Heroes, Matthew “Wiz” Buckley, to discuss the potential timing of cannabis rescheduling and broader drug policy shifts under the Trump administration. With Veterans Day approaching, Dales raised the question on many minds—could a major announcement be imminent for cannabis or psychedelic reform?
Buckley, who has had direct conversations with top lawmakers and VA officials, expressed both hope and frustration. In May, he attended a cabinet meeting where President Trump reportedly asked about veteran suicide, signaling potential interest in psychedelic medicine as a solution. However, despite early optimism, Buckley said momentum has stalled due to bureaucratic inertia and pharmaceutical lobbying. “22 veterans will die today,” he stressed, blaming Big Pharma and VA red tape for the slow progress on legalizing entheogenic treatments like Ibogaine and MDMA.
With veterans caught between mental health struggles and fear of losing their benefits, pressure is mounting—and the Trump administration may be positioning the VA to lead the charge. TDR Trade To Black podcast presented by Dutchie features host Shadd Dales in conversation with Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, former TOPGUN fighter pilot and frequent guest on Fox News, Megyn Kelly, and CBS. Buckley shares what he’s hearing from inside the veteran community: that many are avoiding treatment because they worry the VA will cut off disability payments if they admit to using cannabis or psychedelics.
During the conversation, Buckley revealed he founded Sacred Warrior Fellowship, an entheogenic church based in Florida aimed at helping veterans heal domestically without risking their benefits. He cited personal healing through psychedelics and emphasized the need to shift from VA-prescribed medication toward plant-based therapies.
He also opens up about the hidden brain injuries affecting Navy pilots and the fallout from Project Odin—a secret military program now under congressional review. With rumors swirling about cannabis rescheduling and expanded psychedelic access, the VA may be the testbed for a major federal shift.
Despite rumors, Buckley and Dales confirmed no credible intel yet supports a Veterans Day announcement. Still, both remain cautiously optimistic that reform is inevitable—if not imminent. Find out why when you tune in.
