President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to accelerate research and expedite the federal government's review of psychedelic drugs. The order aims to speed up access to medical research and treatments for mental health disorders, specifically directing the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the review of substances such as ibogaine.
Ibogaine is currently banned under the federal government's most restrictive category for illegal, high-risk drugs. However, it has been used internationally to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions. U.S. military veteran groups have stated that the drug can help treat PTSD, and such psychedelics have shown promise in treating a range of intractable mental health conditions, including severe depression.
The initiative, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will direct federal agencies to boost research and support clinical trials. Kennedy has advocated for using drugs like ibogaine as alternative treatments for mental health conditions such as depression.
This move comes as psychedelic therapy gains momentum, with studies suggesting benefits from the use of hallucinogens. The administration is taking these steps to ease restrictions and spur research on using the drugs for medical purposes.