Trump signs order expanding medical use of psychedelics

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday boosting federal research into psychedelics, like ibogaine, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, and expanding access to these substances in controlled therapeutic settings.

With Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcaster Joe Rogan standing behind him, Trump characterized the move as a decisive step in addressing the national mental health crisis.

The order mandates the FDA to support new clinical trials for psychedelic substances. He said the government has committed $50 million in additional funding specifically for ibogaine research.

Examination of psychoactive drugs has proven to help with a wide array of disorders. A recent study published in JAMA showed LSD reduced generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Patients who received a 200-microgram dose experienced perceptual changes, which researchers said may help with GAD.

While these substances are currently classified as Schedule I drugs—meaning they have no accepted medical use—Trump pledged to reschedule any that receive FDA approval.