President Trump signed an executive order on 18 April directing $50 million in federal funds toward research into psychedelic drugs as treatments for severe mental illness. The order fast-tracks FDA review of psilocybin and ibogaine.
Why it matters
The order is the most significant federal action on psychedelic medicine in US history. It shifts substances long classified as dangerous narcotics toward mainstream medical use, with direct implications for millions of Americans with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
What the order does
The executive order instructs the FDA and the Drug Enforcement Administration to establish a pathway for eligible patients to access investigational psychedelic drugs under the Right to Try Act. It directs $50 million in federal funding to support clinical research.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will participate in at least five trials of psilocybin and ibogaine in New York, California, and Oregon. Trump said the treatments “have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression,” specifically naming veterans.
The Rogan connection
Joe Rogan, the podcaster and commentator, stood directly behind Trump at the Resolute Desk during the signing. Trump said Rogan called him about the issue and “I looked into it.”
Rogan has promoted psychedelic therapy on his podcast for years. His presence at the signing drew criticism from some medical researchers who said policy should follow clinical evidence, not celebrity advocacy.
The regulatory path
The FDA has granted “breakthrough therapy” designation to psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression in previous years. The new order accelerates the timeline but does not bypass the approval process. Full FDA approval for any psychedelic compound is still likely years away.
The DEA must also agree to reschedule psilocybin and ibogaine from Schedule I, which currently defines them as having no accepted medical use. That reclassification process typically takes 12 to 18 months.