President Donald Trump (R) last week signed an executive order to support psychedelics as a potential treatment for some mental health conditions. The order directs $50 million in federal funds to make the drugs more accessible via state-run programs, and requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite a review of some psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin and ibogaine.
The order includes a provision that would require “timely rescheduling” of any current Schedule 1 substance that successfully completes Phase 3 clinical trials for a serious mental health disorder.
“Individuals suffering from major depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder, among other serious mental illnesses, can relapse or not fully respond to standard medical and psychiatric therapies. Despite massive Federal investment into researching potential advancements in mental health care and treatment, our medical research system has yet to produce approved therapies that promote enduring improvements in the mental health condition of these most complex patients. Innovative methods are needed to find long-term solutions for these Americans beyond existing prescription medications.” — “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness” Executive Order, 4/18/26
In a video of Trump signing the order, podcaster Joe Rogan, who attended the ceremony, noted that “These drugs are illegal not because they are harmful” but “because of the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.”
“For 56 years we’ve lived under those terrible conditions,” Rogan said. “We’re free of that now, we’re free of that now.”
The order also includes the creation of a voucher program for “appropriate psychedelic drugs” that have received a Breakthrough Therapy designation and are in line with the criteria of the National Priority Voucher Program.
Meanwhile, it’s been nearly five months with no updates since the president issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to fast-track the rescheduling of cannabis.
