Trump Signs Order to Accelerate Review of Psychedelic Substances

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to expedite the review of several psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, for potential therapeutic use. The order calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate at least $50 million to states that have implemented or are developing programs to advance psychedelic research.

The executive order comes ahead of several actions by the FDA, which will issue “national priority” vouchers for three psychedelics, allowing certain drugs to be approved quickly if they align with national priorities. The agency is also set to clear the way for the first-ever human trials of ibogaine in the US, following previous research that was stalled due to concerns over potential heart problems.

The event was attended by podcaster Joe Rogan, who has been a vocal advocate for ibogaine as a treatment for post-traumatic stress. Trump reportedly texted Rogan after learning about ibogaine, expressing interest in FDA approval and moving forward with the process. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr had previously pledged to ease access to psychedelics for medical use.

The executive order is seen as a significant development in the push for increased research into psychedelics, which have been banned under the federal government’s most restrictive category for illegal drugs. The move is also notable for its bipartisan support, with advocacy groups and some lawmakers having long pushed for more research into the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics.

Former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell was also present at the ceremony, praising ibogaine as a treatment that “absolutely changed my life for the better.” The event comes ahead of several other actions by the FDA and state governments to loosen restrictions on psychedelic research.

Source: Al Jazeera