Breaking Waves in Raleigh: Veterans, Lawmakers, and Advocates Gather for In Waves and War Screening

Last week in Raleigh, we had the privilege of co-hosting a powerful evening with VETS: Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition, Democratic Representative Eric Ager, and Republican Senator Bob Brinson at the Alamo Drafthouse. Together, we brought community members, Veterans, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers into the same room for a screening of the award-winning documentary In Waves and War.

The film follows three Navy SEALs returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with treatment-resistant, unrelenting psychological pain, and their journey to the cutting edge of a different frontline: lifesaving psychedelic therapies.

A Moving Conversation

We were humbled to welcome 50 attendees, including representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Student Veterans of America, the NC Department of Veteran Affairs, the Governor’s Institute, the North Carolina Institute of Medicine State Task Force on Veterans Health, staff from the House Health Committee, and several VETS grant recipients.

The screening was followed by an impactful panel discussion, moderated by Iraq War Veteran  Allison Jaslow, that brought together:

• Senator Bob Brinson, retired U.S. Army Aviation officer
  
• Representative Eric Ager, retired U.S. Navy pilot
  
• Matt Ammel, North Carolina Special Operations Veteran and Ibogaine VETS Grant Recipient
  
• Dr. Robert McClure, UNC Chapel Hill psilocybin researcher
  
• Elias, Ibogaine clinical trial participant featured in the film
  

The panel and Q&A revealed just how deeply the film resonated. One recurring question echoed in the room: “Why are we making it so hard for people to access these treatments in North Carolina?”

Building Momentum for Change

The emotion and energy in the room was undeniable. Attendees walked away both moved and motivated reminded of the urgency of expanding access to safe, effective psychedelic treatments for Veterans and others in need.

This event highlighted not only the dedication of our community but also the bipartisan support this effort has garnered from both chambers of the North Carolina legislature. With Senate Bill 568 (SB568) under consideration, we are continuing conversations with the NC House and Senate, working across party lines to ensure this issue remains front and center as the state budget is finalized in the spring.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and to our partners at VETS, the NC Psychedelic Policy Coalition, and our legislative champions.