Executive Order Accelerates Research and Review of Psychedelic Drugs

On April 18, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing multiple federal agencies to accelerate research and regulatory review of certain psychedelic drugs as potential treatments for serious mental illnesses. The order includes directives for funding, regulatory pathways, and a review of drug scheduling.

Key Directives of the Executive Order

The order outlines several specific actions for federal agencies:

• FDA Review Prioritization: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner is directed to issue National Priority Vouchers to psychedelic drugs that have received a Breakthrough Therapy designation. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated that three psychedelics would be added to this pilot program, which can shorten regulatory review times from months to weeks. This is the first time the FDA has offered such fast-tracking for psychedelic substances.
• Funding for State Programs: The Secretary of Health and Human Services is directed to allocate at least $50 million from existing funds to support state governments developing programs for psychedelic drug research and treatment.
• "Right to Try" Pathway: The FDA and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are instructed to establish a pathway for eligible patients to access psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine compounds, under the federal Right to Try Act.
• Interagency Collaboration: The Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA are to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private sector to increase clinical trial participation and data sharing.
• Rescheduling Review: The Attorney General is directed to initiate a review for rescheduling any Schedule I substance that has successfully completed Phase 3 clinical trials for a serious mental health disorder, contingent on FDA approval.

Background on Psychedelics and Ibogaine

The order focuses on substances including psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ibogaine, which are currently classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification denotes that they are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

• Ibogaine: Derived from the root bark of a West African shrub, ibogaine has been cited in the order and by advocates as having potential for treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and addiction, particularly opioid dependence.
• Research and Risks: Scientific evidence for ibogaine's efficacy consists largely of small observational studies. A 2023 review of medical literature noted ibogaine has been linked to more than 30 deaths, as it can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. The National Institutes of Health discontinued research on ibogaine in the 1990s due to cardiovascular toxicity concerns.
• Recent Studies: A recent Stanford University study of 30 U.S. veterans treated with ibogaine at a clinic in Mexico reported improvements in symptoms of traumatic brain injury, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The study did not include a placebo control group.
• State-Level Actions: Two states, Oregon and Colorado, have legalized psychedelic therapy with psilocybin. In 2025, Texas enacted a law providing $50 million for ibogaine research.

Reactions and Statements

From the Signing Ceremony

The order was signed in the Oval Office. Attendees included Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., podcast host Joe Rogan, and retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. During the event, Luttrell stated the treatment "absolutely changed my life for the better."

Podcast host Joe Rogan recounted texting President Trump about ibogaine, receiving a response that said, "Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it."

From Federal Officials

President Trump stated the order would "dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments" and that over 14 million American adults have a serious mental illness. He highlighted potential benefits for veterans, citing veteran suicide rates.

From Veteran and Advocacy Organizations

Multiple organizations issued statements. The American Legion's National Commander emphasized that treatments must be grounded in sound science and accessible through the VA. The Disabled American Veterans applauded the order as a step toward closing a care gap. The Special Operations Association of America called it a "monumental victory for veteran healthcare."

From Researchers and Industry

Frederick Barrett, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, noted the difficulty of studying ibogaine in the U.S. due to its cardiotoxicity but said enabling objective research could determine its efficacy. Executives from several psychedelic pharmaceutical companies welcomed the order as recognition of unmet treatment needs and emphasized the importance of a science-driven framework.

From Lawmakers

Several members of Congress issued statements of support. Sen. Rand Paul thanked the president for speeding up the federal review. Rep. Dan Crenshaw stated that "countless lives could be saved" and that the order changes previous regulatory obstacles. Rep. Morgan Luttrell said he could personally attest to the benefits of such therapies.

Context and Provisions

The order cites statistics indicating that suicide rates increased by 37 percent from 2000 to 2018 and that the veteran suicide rate is more than twice that of the non-veteran adult population. It states that the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently participating in at least five trials of psychedelic drugs.

The order includes a general provision stating that its implementation is subject to applicable law and the availability of appropriations and that it does not create any legally enforceable right or benefit.