Trump Signs Order to Fast-Track Research on Psychedelic Treatments for Veterans
Accelerating Access to Psychedelic Drugs
On Saturday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to speed up the evaluation of medical research and treatments involving psychedelic substances. This directive instructs the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize the review of compounds like ibogaine, which some veteran organizations believe may assist in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has endorsed the use of ibogaine and similar substances as alternative therapies for mental health issues, including depression.
During a ceremony in the Oval Office, federal officials indicated that these changes could lead to the reclassification of such drugs—currently illegal and known to induce hallucinations—if clinical trials yield positive results. Additionally, Trump announced a $50 million federal investment in ibogaine research. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary mentioned that decisions regarding the drug could be made "as soon as this summer." Ibogaine, which comes from a shrub found in Africa, is classified as a Schedule I substance in the US, indicating it has "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In some nations with more lenient regulations, ibogaine is utilized for mental health treatments, attracting US veterans to treatment centers in Mexico seeking access to the drug.
At the signing event, surrounded by veterans like Marcus Luttrell and Representative Morgan Luttrell, Trump shared that he learned about ibogaine partly through Joe Rogan's podcast, which has featured advocates for the drug. "I've been hearing about it a little bit over the last year," Trump remarked. "I never heard anything about it in the past. It was almost like, taboo. It's not taboo anymore." Officials stated that there is now enough scientific evidence to warrant further exploration of ibogaine as a potential treatment for mental health conditions.
Trump has previously utilized executive orders to push forward policies when legislative efforts have stalled. In December, he signed an order promoting research into marijuana and cannabidiol, which are also classified as illegal substances. This order directed the attorney general to initiate the reclassification of marijuana, although the DEA has yet to act on this. Representative Michael McCaul and Luttrell expressed their commitment to advancing legislation on ibogaine, stating, "We will continue working in Congress to build on the president's leadership and expand access to this life-saving treatment. Our veterans answered the call for us. Now we must deliver for them." There has been some bipartisan support for reassessing restrictions on such substances. Representative Lou Correa welcomed the initiative, posting on social media: "Is it the magic cure? That’s what it looks like. Let’s find out. First, we need to declassify from schedule one so that more medical studies are performed."