Trump signs order to accelerate psychedelic research for veterans' mental health

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 25, 2026 to cut bureaucratic barriers for federal research into psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and ibogaine, aiming to fast-track studies for mental health conditions including veteran depression and anxiety. The order, signed with Health Secretary RFK Jr. and medical officials present, directs the FDA and VA to improve data sharing and facilitate rescheduling if drugs prove medically beneficial—though it does not immediately reclassify substances currently listed as Schedule I with high abuse potential.

Trump cited veteran suicide statistics (6,398 in 2023 per VA) and claimed ibogaine showed 80-90% symptom reduction in some patients within one month, though he acknowledged full benefits and side effects remain unknown due to historical research restrictions. The order specifically notes it does not require law enforcement to reclassify drugs, meaning therapeutic use won't expand immediately despite growing veteran advocacy for access.

For US veterans experiencing crisis, immediate help is available by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or visiting veteranscrisisline.net. The policy represents a potential shift in federal approach to mental health treatment but maintains current legal barriers until FDA approval triggers rescheduling—leaving immediate therapeutic access unchanged while accelerating the research pipeline.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/18/trump-signs-order-to-fast-track-research-on-psychedelic-drugs/