Story perspectives

Ocasio-Cortez Spends $19K on Controversial Ketamine Therapy

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spent nearly $19,000 of campaign funds last year on Dr. Brian Boyle, who specializes in ketamine therapy.
Federal Election Commission records show payments totaling $11,550 in March, $2,800 in May, and $4,375 in October, categorized as “leadership training and consulting.”
Ocasio-Cortez has advocated research into psychedelic therapies and co-sponsored legislation to study psilocybin for mental health treatment.
Critics warn of risks from ketamine therapy, including potential psychosis.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 established a federal framework for drug regulation, classifying substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. This legislation, part of a broader shift in U.S. drug policy, has influenced ongoing debates about mental health treatments, including ketamine therapy, amid rising mental illness rates, with approximately 1 in 5 adults affected.

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Story summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spent nearly $19,000 of campaign funds last year on Dr. Brian Boyle, who specializes in ketamine therapy.
Federal Election Commission records show payments totaling $11,550 in March, $2,800 in May, and $4,375 in October, categorized as “leadership training and consulting.”
Ocasio-Cortez has advocated research into psychedelic therapies and co-sponsored legislation to study psilocybin for mental health treatment.
Critics warn of risks from ketamine therapy, including potential psychosis.

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