The executive order, signed by President Trump, aims to accelerate research into psychedelic drugs and expand access to them, major media outlets reported. According to Josh Hardman, founder of Psychedelic Alpha, the three applications likely involve psilocybin for two types of depression and MDMA for PTSD. The FDA previously rejected an application for MDMA for PTSD in 2024, according to reports.
Following the announcement, stocks of psychedelic companies surged, reflecting investor optimism about the policy shift. The order states that investigational psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, will become available under 'right to try' legislation. However, according to The Guardian - Science, Logan Davidson, legislative director of Vets, noted that the DEA has said schedule I compounds are ineligible for right to try, creating potential legal conflict.
At least to date, the DEA has said that schedule I compounds are ineligible for right to try.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced a $139 million initiative for behavioral health, which includes promoting the safe use of psychedelics, according to reports. At least $50 million of that initiative will be earmarked to match state psychedelic research initiatives, according to reports.
The order specifically calls for increasing clinical study participation among veterans, a key demographic for psychedelic treatments, according to reports.
Most people didn't have Trump accelerating psychedelic research on their bingo cards.
Jon Stewart praised Trump on The Daily Show for signing the executive order, according to The Independent - Main. Stewart described the order as fast-tracking FDA processes for novel psychedelic treatments for veterans with PTSD and addiction, adding that it was a good thing. Trump amplified Stewart's praise on Truth Social, despite having previously called Stewart 'a wiseguy with no talent' and 'the most overrated joke on television,' according to reports.
According to The Guardian - Science, Ismail Ali, co-director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, remarked that most people did not expect Trump to accelerate psychedelic research. The order's implementation faces uncertainties, including whether the DEA will challenge the application of 'right to try' to schedule I psychedelics and which specific drug candidates will be fast-tracked.
He signed an executive order in front of his fraternity brothers, fast-tracking the FDA process for novel psychedelic drug treatments for veterans suffering from all forms of PTSD and other psychiatric conditions, including addiction.
It's good. You did a good thing. I'm nitpicking. I apologize. A lot of the people are going to get the help they need.