President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to expedite research into psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. The order aims to accelerate FDA review of substances already designated as breakthrough therapies, encouraging interagency data sharing and opening the door to rapid scheduling if safety and efficacy are demonstrated.
The move follows months of internal discussions led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and aides working on expanding access to alternative mental health treatments. Podcast host Joe Rogan reportedly played a role in accelerating the timeline after sharing information about ibogaine's success in treating opiate addiction with Trump.
The order focuses on research acceleration rather than legalization, directing agencies like the FDA to expand clinical trials and 'Right to Try' access for patients with serious mental health conditions. Psychedelic-focused drug developers, including Atai Beckley and Compass Pathways, saw stock gains following the announcement.
Meanwhile, progress on cannabis rescheduling has stalled since Trump's earlier directive to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The Drug Enforcement Administration's review remains ongoing, reflecting the slow-moving nature of drug policy once it enters interagency review.
Shawn Hauser, partner at cannabis law firm Vicente LLP, noted the frustration among stakeholders who have spent decades fighting marijuana's misclassification. The psychedelics order, however, reflects a broader shift in Washington toward legitimizing an industry that has long operated underground.