Trump Signs Executive Order Fast-Tracking Psychedelic Drug Research for Mental Health
President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate research on psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and ibogaine for treating depression, PTSD, and addiction. The FDA will issue priority vouchers to speed approval of three psychedelic treatments.
Historic Executive Order
President Trump has signed an executive order to make certain psychedelic drugs more available to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. He directed $50 million in federal funds to make them more accessible, and ordered the Food and Drug Administration to fast track a review of such drugs as psilocybin and ibogaine.
FDA Fast-Track Process
Next week, the FDA will issue national priority vouchers to three psychedelics, which the agency's commissioner, Mary Makary, said will allow the review of those drugs to be approved quickly – perhaps in just weeks. This is the first time the FDA has offered to fast-track any psychedelics.
Mental Health Crisis Context
"Today, over 14 million American adults have a serious mental illness, defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder," the order notes. "And about 8 million are on prescription medication for these conditions."
Veterans and Research Focus
Trump touted the success of some psychedelic drugs tested on active military personnel and veterans with post traumatic stress disorder. The Department of Veterans Affairs is now participating in at least five trials of the drugs in New York, California, and Oregon.
Safety Considerations
While promising, ibogaine carries serious safety risks, particularly a dangerous irregular heart rhythm known as arrhythmias which can be fatal, along with neurologic and gastrointestinal side effects. The order prioritizes safety through controlled therapeutic settings.