Trump orders accelerated research into psilocybin and ibogaine

Donald Trump signed a decree aimed at speeding up access to psychedelic therapies in the United States for substances such as psilocybin, the MDMA and theibogaine.

The decree, signed last week, allocates 50 million dollars federal funds to state-administered medical psychedelic programs and loads the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the review of several psychedelic compounds as potential treatments for serious mental health disorders.

In the text of the decree, titled «Speeding up medical treatment for serious mental illnesses,», The administration argues that existing psychiatric treatments often fail in patients with complex conditions.

«People suffering from major depressive disorders and substance use disorders, among other serious mental illnesses, may relapse or fail to respond fully to standard medical and psychiatric treatments,» the decree states. «Innovative approaches are needed to find long-term solutions for these Americans, beyond existing prescription medications.»

An approach based on clinical trials and reclassification

One of the most important elements of this decree is its provision requiring the «prompt reclassification» of any substance currently classified as Appendix I having successfully completed Phase 3 clinical trials for a serious mental disorder.

Although the decree does not immediately change the legal classification of psychedelics under the Controlled Substances Act, he says the White House wants to establish a clearer path between experimental research and regulated medical use.

The presidential decree also establishes a voucher program for «appropriate psychedelic medications» that have received the designation as an innovative therapy, thereby bringing this measure in line with a new federal framework aimed at accelerating medical innovation.

Ibogaine in the Spotlight

Theibogaine, a natural psychedelic that has attracted attention for its potential in the treatment of PTSD, head injuries, and addiction, appears to be at the heart of the administration’s approach.

According to CBS News, Trump’s initiative «aims to pave the way for federal funding to continue research into its effectiveness in treating PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, particularly among veterans.» Officials would like to determine whether ibogaine represents a genuine breakthrough or whether it is merely a «miracle cure.».

Some states have already begun to explore research on ibogaine. Texas, for example, recently announced its intention to launch its own program after failing to find a private company to lead a consortium under a law passed last year.

The signing ceremony also drew attention because of the presence of the podcaster Joe Rogan, who publicly supported the decree. «These substances are illegal not because they are harmful,» Rogan said, «but because of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.»

«For 56 years, we lived under these terrible conditions,» Rogan added. «We are free of them now.»

The decree on psychedelics raises questions about cannabis reform

This announcement is also seen as a possible indication of the future of the cannabis reform at federal level.

The executive order comes several months after Trump requested for federal agencies to expedite the reclassification of cannabis from Annex I to Annex III, but no final decision has been announced. The’DEA exam is still ongoing, and stakeholders have expressed their frustration with the slow pace of the process.

CNBC reports that the psychedelics executive order could represent a more strategic approach: focusing on accelerating research, clinical trials, and access to the «right to try» rather than on immediate legalization.

The lawyer specializing in cannabis Shawn Hauser, of the law firm Vicente LLP, described this moment as part of a broader shift in Washington. «The approach that prioritizes science, patients, and health care is currently gaining traction in Washington,» she said.

Ms. Hauser added that the structured, physician-led model currently being developed for psychedelics could serve as a model for cannabis advocates.

Concerns remain regarding safety, particularly with regard to ibogaine

Despite this enthusiasm, the decree also highlights the challenge posed by the integration of psychedelics into conventional medicine: the lack of safety data.

Ibogaine, in particular, has long raised concerns about cardiac risks, as research is still largely conducted outside the United States. Expanding access through «right to try» provisions could lead to increased oversight, as the law generally applies only after early-phase trials have demonstrated basic safety.

However, industry leaders view this initiative as a major step toward legitimacy.

«The opportunity we see today isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a matter of implementation: rigorous science, strict safety standards, physician-led protocols, and real-world outcome data,» said Tom Feegel, CEO of Beond, a clinical center for neurohealth specializing in ibogaine therapy.

For now, the executive order clearly puts psychedelics on the federal agenda, while raising a question familiar to those in the cannabis industry: Will Washington be able to act quickly enough to turn this political momentum into concrete reform?