With Executive Order, Trump Accelerates Psychedelic Research, Joking: ‘Can I Have Some?’

President Trump on Saturday signed an executive order to fast-track the review of psychedelic drugs for mental health treatments, pausing during the Oval Office ceremony to joke about trying the controversial substances himself. “Can I have some, please? I’ll take some,” Mr. Trump said to laughter in the room, adding that he would “take whatever it takes.” He quickly pivoted away from the joke, explaining his own coping mechanism. “I don’t have time to be depressed. You know, if you stay busy enough, maybe that works, too. That’s what I do,” he said.The president was joined by influential podcaster Joe Rogan, who was positioned right behind Mr. Trump, seated at the Resolute Desk. Mr. Rogan has been a leading proponent of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound derived from a West African plant that has been embraced by some military veteran groups to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.Mr. Rogan explained his direct outreach to the president.“I want to tell everybody how this happened,” he said. “I sent President Trump some information.” Recalling the president’s rapid response, Mr. Rogan said, “The text message that came back … ‘sounds great, do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.’” Mr. Rogan said the exchange was “literally that quick.”Mr. Rogan’s endorsement helped boost Mr. Trump in advance of the 2024 election, though the podcaster has recently made headlines by publicly questioning the administration’s handling of the war with Iran.The executive order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to invest $50 million in states developing programs to advance the use of psychedelic drugs for serious mental illness, with a specific focus on ibogaine.“In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression, including our cherished veterans,” Mr. Trump said at the signing. “Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life. If these turn out to be as good as people are saying, it’s going to have a tremendous impact.”Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the move was a necessary response to a national emergency. “HHS will accelerate research approval and access to new mental health treatments, including psychedelic therapies, such as for taking this decision, this decisive step to confront one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our nation, the mental health crisis,” he said.Mr. Kennedy said the executive order removes “legal impediments that block American researchers, scientists, physicians, and clinicians on properly studying these medicines and, where appropriate, establishing protocols for their safe therapeutic use.”The initiative arrives ahead of several actions from the Food and Drug Administration to loosen restrictions. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary noted that the timeline for treatments will be heavily accelerated. “Drugs can get approved in weeks, not a year or a year-plus but in weeks, if they are in line with our national priorities,” Dr. Makary said.The FDA is also taking steps to clear the way for the first-ever U.S. human trials of ibogaine. Previously, research had stalled due to concerns over the drug — currently a Schedule I substance — potentially triggering fatal heart problems.Despite the risks, advocates stress the drug’s transformative potential. A former Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell, who attended Saturday’s ceremony, praised ibogaine. “It absolutely changed my life for the better,” he said.While scientists have expressed concerns about bypassing rigorous medical research benchmarks, increasing research into psychedelics has proven to be an issue with rare bipartisan support. Beyond ibogaine, drugs like LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin are actively being studied in the U.S. as breakthrough treatments for severe depression and PTSD.

With Executive Order, Trump Accelerates Psychedelic Research, Joking: ‘Can I Have Some?’

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