Trump signs order accelerating access to psychedelics for mental health treatments

President Donald Trump yesterday signed an executive order authorizing expanded research into psychedelic drugs as treatments for serious mental illnesses and accelerating the drug approval process, saying increased access “could save lives and reverse the crisis of serious mental illness in America.”

The order points to early clinical studies that have shown psychedelics, including the drug ibogaine, can help serious mental health issues that continue after standard therapy. As Zeale News previously reported, ibogaine has been used to mitigate symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and brain trauma. 

The administration is especially pushing for extended research in order to assist veterans, some of whom have taken psychedelics in clinics outside the U.S. seeking relief from mental struggles. According to the order, more than 6,000 veterans commit suicide each year, and the veteran suicide rate is double that of non-veterans.

The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner to issue national priority vouchers to qualifying psychedelic drugs that have received Breakthrough Therapy designation. According to the White House, the measure ensures “that red tape does not delay the FDA’s gold standard review of any potential therapy.”

At the order’s signing, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said drugs could be approved within weeks “if they are in line with our national priorities,” rather than taking a year or more, CNN reported.

The order also directs the FDA to create a pathway for eligible patients to access psychedelics under the Right to Try Act as long as the drugs are under FDA review and have met basic safety requirements. 

To support more research, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) is required to provide $50 million for supporting and partnering with state government programs exploring the use of psychedelics as treatments for serious mental illnesses.

Additionally, the FDA and HHS are required to collaborate with the Department of Veterans and the private sector to expand clinical trials and data sharing. The Attorney General is also directed to promptly review and potentially reschedule psychedelic drugs that have completed Phase 3 clinical trials for serious mental health conditions.

Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, applauded the executive order on X, citing its potential impact on veterans across the country.

“I can personally attest to the significant benefits of this treatment. It changed my life, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on countless others,” he said. “We’re losing too many veterans. If this treatment gives us a chance to change that, then we owe it to them to pursue it. The President’s executive order brings us closer to a lasting solution that our veterans deserve.”