Trump Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track Ibogaine and Psychedelic Research for Veterans

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at accelerating research and medical access to psychedelic drugs, with a particular focus on ibogaine as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions affecting U.S. military veterans.

The order, signed on Saturday in the Oval Office, directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the review of ibogaine and similar substances. It also allocates $50 million in federal funding for research into ibogaine.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary indicated that decisions on the drug could be made as early as this summer. Trump was flanked by veterans’ advocates, including former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell and his brother, Representative Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), as well as podcaster Joe Rogan, who has publicly supported the therapeutic use of ibogaine.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time proponent of alternative mental health treatments, also attended the signing.

Ibogaine, derived from a shrub native to Africa, is currently classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, meaning it is considered to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Despite this, it has gained attention in recent years for its reported ability to help treat trauma, addiction, and depression, particularly among veterans. Mexico has several ibogaine treatment centres that frequently attract American patients.

During the ceremony, Trump acknowledged that he had only recently become aware of ibogaine through discussions with Rogan and veterans’ groups. “I never heard anything about it in the past. It was almost like, taboo. It’s not taboo anymore,” he said.

The executive order follows unsuccessful attempts by lawmakers, including Representatives Morgan Luttrell and Michael McCaul, to pass legislation expanding access to psychedelic therapies. Both lawmakers vowed to continue pushing for legislation to build on the president’s action. U.S. Representative Lou Correa, a Democrat from California, welcomed the move on social media, stating that more medical studies are needed and calling for declassification from Schedule I status.

The order also instructs the FDA to fast-track review of other psychedelic substances that show promise for treating mental health conditions. Officials emphasised that the reforms are intended to pave the way for potential reclassification after successful clinical trials.

Lilly is already conducting a trial comparing the pill with insulin glargine in participants with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are at increased cardiovascular risk. The FDA also asked Lilly to run a trial using ultrasound to measure the effects of temporary treatment interruption and fasting duration on retained gastric contents, to evaluate delayed gastric emptying associated with the drug.

Informed observers view the executive order as a significant policy shift. While some critics have raised concerns about the safety and long-term effects of psychedelic substances, supporters argue that the potential benefits for veterans suffering from severe PTSD outweigh the risks, especially given the current limitations of existing treatments.

The move aligns with growing bipartisan interest in exploring alternative mental health therapies and with several states already decriminalizing or regulating certain psychedelics for therapeutic use, and the federal government’s involvement could accelerate nationwide access.

As implementation begins, the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services will work to establish clear guidelines for clinical trials and eventual medical use. The $50 million research funding is expected to support studies that could provide the scientific evidence needed for broader approval.

This executive order represents one of the most notable federal actions on psychedelic medicine in recent years and could open the door for further policy changes in the coming months.