Trump signed an executive order Saturday directing the FDA to prioritize review of psychedelic drugs including ibogaine and psilocybin for PTSD, severe depression, and addiction. Two states, Oregon and Colorado, have already legalized psychedelic therapy with psilocybin, but no psychedelic has received federal approval. The signing took place in the Oval Office with RFK Jr., Dr. Oz, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, podcaster Joe Rogan, and retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell present. Rogan said he texted Trump about ibogaine research and Trump responded: “Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.” The order grants FDA priority review vouchers to psychedelics with Breakthrough Therapy designation, cutting approval timelines from months to weeks. It also allocates $50 million for federal-state research collaboration and establishes a Right to Try pathway for eligible patients. Ibogaine remains a Schedule I controlled substance and carries serious cardiac risks including fatal heart arrhythmias. A small Stanford University study of 30 veterans found significant improvements in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
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