Former President Donald Trump, accompanied by podcast host Joe Rogan, signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at accelerating federal review of psychedelic substances for potential therapeutic applications.
The directive instructs multiple government agencies to streamline regulatory barriers surrounding compounds like ibogaine, psilocybin, and MDMA, which have shown promise in treating conditions such as PTSD, depression, and addiction in preliminary studies.
"This is about cutting red tape to explore real solutions for veterans and others suffering," Trump stated during the signing ceremony. "We cannot let outdated policies stand in the way of potential breakthroughs."
Rogan, whose popular podcast has frequently featured discussions on psychedelic research, voiced strong support for the measure. "The science here is compelling," he remarked. "We owe it to people struggling with mental health to investigate every possible avenue."
The order specifically calls for expedited review processes at the FDA and DEA, along with increased federal funding for clinical trials. It also encourages collaboration between academic institutions and pharmaceutical developers.
While the move has been praised by some mental health advocates and researchers, critics caution that rigorous scientific evaluation must remain paramount. The administration emphasized that the order focuses on research pathways, not immediate legalization or recreational use.
This executive action represents one of the most significant federal steps to date in re-evaluating psychedelic compounds, which have been largely restricted since the 1970s. Proponents argue it could pave the way for new treatment options within the coming years.