President Trump recently signed an executive order to make certain psychedelic drugs more accessible. This move aims to address the mental health crisis affecting millions of Americans. With a $50 million federal funding boost, drugs like psilocybin and ibogaine will undergo expedited reviews by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
During the announcement, Trump humorously asked if he could try the drugs himself. He was joined by various health officials and notable figures, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcast host Joe Rogan. Rogan even mentioned that he had previously texted Trump about ibogaine, prompting a quick endorsement from the president.
The FDA is set to grant national priority vouchers for three psychedelic substances, marking the first time such expedited reviews will be conducted. This initiative comes against the backdrop of rising mental health issues in the U.S., where over 14 million adults suffer from serious mental illnesses, and about 8 million take prescribed medications for their conditions.
Historically, psychedelics faced scrutiny after recreational use surged in the 1960s, halting research into their therapeutic potential. Recent studies, however, have reignited interest. A 2025 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a single dose of LSD alleviated anxiety and depression for months. Today, approximately 21 million adults in the U.S. report experiencing major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is also exploring psychedelics for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As of now, they’re conducting trials in several states, aiming to find effective treatments for veterans.
Currently, psilocybin and ibogaine are classified as Schedule I drugs, indicating they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, the push for reclassification shows a significant shift in public and governmental perspectives toward these substances. As discussions around mental health evolve, experts believe psychedelics could play a crucial role in treatment strategies.
For more information on the benefits and risks associated with psychedelic therapy, check out the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
