President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on April 18 to accelerate research and access to psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine compounds, for the treatment of serious mental illnesses in the United States.
The order aims to address high rates of suicide and persistent mental health challenges among Americans, especially veterans. According to the document, over 14 million American adults have a serious mental illness, with about 8 million using prescription medication for these conditions. The order notes that suicide rates increased by 37 percent from 2000 to 2018 but fell by five percent between 2018 and 2020 before rising again during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump said that innovative methods are needed because current medical research has not produced therapies that lead to lasting improvements for patients with complex conditions such as major depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder. He highlighted clinical studies showing potential benefits of psychedelic drugs for those who do not respond fully to standard treatments. "It is the policy of my Administration to accelerate innovative research models and appropriate drug approvals to increase access to psychedelic drugs that could save lives and reverse the crisis of serious mental illness in America," Trump said.
The executive order directs several federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to prioritize review processes, funding collaborations with states developing related programs, facilitate patient access under existing laws like the Right To Try Act, promote data sharing between agencies, and expedite rescheduling reviews for certain substances after successful clinical trials.
Trump's directive also calls on HHS through its Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to allocate at least $50 million from existing funds toward partnerships with state governments advancing programs related to psychedelic therapies. The FDA is instructed both to provide National Priority Vouchers for eligible breakthrough-designated psychedelics in development as well as collaborate with VA on increasing trial participation among veterans.
The executive order concludes by stating it does not create enforceable rights or benefits beyond what is already provided by law but seeks rapid progress through coordination across federal departments.
