US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order accelerating federal research into psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions, including depression and PTSD. The directive instructs the FDA to fast-track studies on substances such as psilocybin and ibogaine, despite their current Schedule I classification.
The move follows claims by podcast host Joe Rogan that a direct message to Trump helped spark the policy shift. Within days, the FDA issued priority review vouchers to several companies developing psychedelic therapies.
While industry leaders welcomed the decision as a breakthrough for treatment-resistant conditions, scientists urged caution, noting that clinical evidence remains incomplete and no drugs have yet been approved. The FDA emphasised that expedited review does not guarantee safety or effectiveness.