President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at speeding up access to medical research and treatment involving psychedelic drugs. The directive mandates the US Food and Drug Administration to expedite the review of drugs such as ibogaine, a substance that veteran groups report can aid in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for ibogaine and similar drugs as alternative treatments for conditions including depression. Officials stated these reforms could lead to the reclassification of these drugs, which can cause hallucinations and are largely illegal, following successful clinical trials. President Trump also announced $50 million in federal funding for ibogaine research.
US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary indicated decisions on these drugs could be made as early as this summer. Ibogaine, derived from an African shrub, is currently classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.
Globally, ibogaine is used in countries with fewer restrictions to treat mental health conditions. Mexico hosts ibogaine treatment centers frequently visited by US veterans.
President Trump noted that ibogaine came to his attention partly through podcast host Joe Rogan, who featured discussions on its potential to treat veterans. Trump stated there is now sufficient scientific evidence to support the potential use of ibogaine for mental health treatment. He contrasted the current openness to the drug with its past taboo status.
This initiative follows a previous executive order in December that supported research into marijuana and cannabidiol, also illegal substances at the time. That order directed the attorney general to reclassify marijuana, a move that has not yet been implemented by the Justice Department's Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lawmakers, including Representatives Morgan Luttrell and Michael McCaul, have expressed intent to pursue legislative efforts to expand access to ibogaine, emphasizing their commitment to veterans. US Representative Lou Correa, a Democrat, applauded the action, noting the potential for ibogaine and stressing the need for declassification from Schedule I to facilitate further medical studies.