Trump Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track Psychedelic Drug Research
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President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate federal review of psychedelic drugs for treating serious mental illness. The order, influenced by Joe Rogan, designates $50 million for ibogaine research and directs agencies to expand studies. Rogan, whose support is valued by the administration, attended the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.
Facts First
- President Trump signed an executive order to speed up the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of psychedelic drugs for mental illness.
- The order designates $50 million for ibogaine research and directs federal agencies to expand psychedelic research.
- Joe Rogan attended the Oval Office signing and had previously texted Trump about ibogaine, which some reports suggest may help curb opioid addiction.
- The White House has been building connections with Rogan for months, with Vice President Vance and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also meeting or appearing on his podcast.
- Rogan is scheduled to be a commentator at the UFC Freedom 250 fight night on the White House South Lawn on June 14.
What Happened
President Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to speed up the federal review of psychedelic drugs for treating serious mental illness. The order fast-tracks Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review for psychedelics, designates $50 million for ibogaine research, and orders federal agencies to expand research. Joe Rogan, who attended the signing in the Oval Office, had previously sent Trump a text message regarding ibogaine. Rogan recounted that Trump responded, "Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it." Two weekends ago, while traveling to a UFC fight night in Miami, Trump contacted Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), regarding ibogaine. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz subsequently began work on the executive order. Kennedy and Calley Means, an adviser to Kennedy and a supporter of psychedelic therapies, attended the signing.
Why this Matters to You
If you or someone you know struggles with serious mental illness or opioid addiction, this executive order could lead to new, federally reviewed treatment options becoming available more quickly. The $50 million designated for ibogaine research signals a significant investment in exploring a potential alternative for addiction treatment. The administration's focus on this area may encourage more private research and development into psychedelic therapies, which could expand the range of treatments your doctor might be able to recommend in the future.
What's Next
The FDA and other federal agencies are now directed to expedite their review processes for psychedelic drugs. The $50 million in research funding for ibogaine will need to be allocated to specific studies, which could begin later this year. The administration's continued engagement with figures like Joe Rogan, who is scheduled to commentate at a UFC event on the White House South Lawn in June, suggests this policy area may remain a public priority.