President Trump has signed an executive order to relax restrictions on the psychedelic drug ibogaine, which is used in some countries to treat PTSD. The move signals a significant shift toward boosting U.S. research into the potential medical benefits of psychedelics, with the administration committing $50 million to support studies on ibogaine. Trump highlighted the potential impact of these treatments, particularly for veterans facing high suicide rates, and emphasized the importance of accelerating access to promising therapies.

The order also facilitates pathway options under the FDA's Right To Try rule, enabling desperate patients to access the drug legally. Health officials, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcaster Joe Rogan, participated in the announcement. The FDA will include three psychedelics in a priority review program to shorten approval times and begin human trials for ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound from an African shrub used historically for depression and addiction. Despite promising early results, scientific evidence remains limited, and concerns about safety, especially heart risks, persist, with at least 27 deaths linked to the drug. The move marks a pivotal moment in US drug policy, aiming to address unmet public health needs while navigating regulatory and safety challenges.