BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
President Donald Trump on Saturday directed federal agencies to accelerate the review and research of certain psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, marking a notable shift in U.S. policy even as medical experts warn about serious health risks.
The executive order instructs regulators to streamline approval processes and expand clinical research into psychedelics as potential treatments for severe mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. Trump said the move is aimed at giving patients new options where traditional treatments have failed.
“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,” Trump said at the White House. He added that the policy could “dramatically accelerate” access to promising therapies if they prove effective.
Ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from a plant native to West Africa, has gained attention in recent years, particularly among U.S. military veterans and some conservative lawmakers. Supporters claim it may help treat conditions such as opioid addiction and trauma-related disorders that are difficult to manage with existing treatments.
Despite growing interest, ibogaine and similar substances remain classified as Schedule I drugs under federal law, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The administration’s order does not change that classification but seeks to reduce barriers to research.
The initiative follows similar commitments from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has supported expanding access to alternative mental health therapies. The issue has drawn rare bipartisan backing in Washington.
Trump was joined at the announcement by podcast host Joe Rogan and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who has spoken publicly about his positive experience with ibogaine. Rogan said he had previously shared information about the drug with Trump, encouraging federal action.
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to introduce a new system to fast-track certain psychedelic drugs. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency will issue priority review vouchers that could shorten approval timelines from months to weeks for qualifying treatments.
At the same time, the FDA is working to enable the first controlled human trials of ibogaine in the United States, something researchers have long sought but struggled to achieve due to safety concerns.
Those concerns are significant. Ibogaine has been linked to dangerous heart complications, including irregular heart rhythms, and has been associated with more than 30 deaths in medical literature. Previous research funded by the National Institutes of Health was halted due to the drug’s cardiovascular risks.
Researchers say more rigorous studies are needed. Frederick Barrett of Johns Hopkins University noted that ibogaine has been difficult to study under existing regulations, but expanded research could help determine whether it is safe and effective compared to other psychedelics.
Other substances, including psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD, are currently being studied in large clinical trials for mental health treatment, though none have yet been fully approved for medical use in the United States. Some states, including Oregon and Colorado, have moved forward with regulated psychedelic therapy programs.
Ibogaine has long been used in spiritual ceremonies in parts of Central Africa, particularly in the Bwiti tradition. In recent years, some Americans—especially veterans—have traveled to clinics in Mexico to receive ibogaine treatment under medical supervision.
Support from veterans groups has helped push the issue into mainstream policy discussions. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry has advocated for research funding and helped secure $50 million in Texas for studying the drug.
Trump’s order also directs federal funding toward states that are developing psychedelic research programs, creating partnerships to support studies, share data, and expand treatment infrastructure.
Even with these changes, experts say widespread access to ibogaine is still far off. The drug remains unapproved, meaning treatments are not covered by insurance and are often expensive.
Early research findings are limited. A small study by Stanford University involving veterans treated with ibogaine abroad showed improvements in symptoms such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. However, the study did not include a placebo group, making it difficult to confirm the drug’s effectiveness.
While supporters see the new policy as a breakthrough that could bring innovative treatments into the medical mainstream, critics warn that moving too quickly could expose patients to serious risks without sufficient scientific evidence.
The administration’s decision reflects a broader effort to explore new approaches to mental health treatment, balancing urgency with the need for careful scientific validation.
Original article
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