President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday directing federal agencies to accelerate approval of psychedelic drugs for mental health treatment, marking the first time the FDA has offered to fast-track such substances.
The order allocates $50 million in federal funding to states developing psychedelic treatment programs and instructs the Food and Drug Administration to expedite review of drugs including psilocybin and ibogaine. The ceremony featured an unusual gathering of Trump allies, including podcaster Joe Rogan, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell.
Today's order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life
Donald Trump, President — Al Jazeera English
Rogan, whose podcast reaches millions of listeners, has championed ibogaine as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder among military veterans. The substance, derived from a West African plant, remains federally banned under the most restrictive category for illegal drugs.
Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it
Donald Trump, in text message to Joe Rogan — Al Jazeera English
The FDA will issue national priority vouchers for three psychedelics this week, allowing certain drugs to be approved in weeks rather than years if they align with national priorities. Commissioner Marty Makary said the expedited process represents a significant shift in federal drug policy.
Trump framed the initiative as addressing a national mental health crisis affecting over 14 million American adults with serious mental illness. The Department of Veterans Affairs currently participates in at least five psychedelic trials across New York, California, and Oregon, testing treatments for PTSD among active military personnel and veterans.
Can I have some, please? I'll take some
Donald Trump, joking during ceremony — Al Jazeera English
Scientific interest in psychedelics has resurged after decades of prohibition. Government research ended in the 1960s when recreational use became widespread, but recent studies suggest therapeutic potential. A 2025 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a single dose of LSD could ease anxiety and depression for months.
Kennedy has previously pledged to ease medical access to psychedelics, positioning the substances as alternatives to traditional psychiatric medications. At least 21 million American adults experience major depressive episodes annually, according to federal health data.
The bipartisan nature of psychedelic research support contrasts with other polarizing health policies. However, questions remain about implementation timelines and which specific conditions will qualify for expedited treatment protocols.