Trump Signs Order Promoting Psychedelics Research

Executive order directs federal agencies to speed up trials on therapeutic effects of illegal drugs like LSD and ibogaine.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:39pm

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to accelerate research into the therapeutic potential of illegal psychedelic drugs like LSD and ibogaine. The order was drafted within a week after Trump was contacted by podcast host Joe Rogan, a longtime proponent of expanded therapeutic use of psychedelics. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advocated for psychedelics' benefits, also attended the Oval Office signing.

Why it matters

The order represents a significant shift in federal policy, as psychedelics are currently classified as Schedule 1 substances, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Proponents argue these drugs could help treat conditions like depression, addiction, and PTSD, but critics warn the order could encourage hasty research.

The details

The executive order directs the FDA to provide National Priority Vouchers to qualifying psychedelics and allow terminally ill patients to take them under the Right to Try Act. It also allocates $50 million for HHS to partner with states on psychedelics programs and directs HHS and the VA to work with the private sector to boost clinical trial participation and data sharing. The order also directs the attorney general to review the drugs for rescheduling 'as quickly as practicable' once they become FDA-approved.

  • The executive order was drafted on Sunday, just one week after Trump was contacted by podcast host Joe Rogan.
  • The FDA is expecting three applications for clinical trials and plans to issue National Priority Vouchers next week.
  • Decisions on the clinical trials and rescheduling of the drugs will come 'later this summer,' according to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the executive order promoting psychedelics research.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services who has advocated for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs and joined Trump for the signing of the executive order.

Joe Rogan

A prominent podcast host who has long been a proponent of expanded therapeutic use of psychedelics and helped set the executive order in motion by texting Trump statistics on ibogaine's use to treat addiction.

Mehmet Oz

The Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who said the executive order represents 'an entire paradigm shift.'

Marty Makary

The FDA Commissioner who said the agency is expecting three applications for clinical trials on psychedelics and plans to issue National Priority Vouchers next week.

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What they’re saying

“Today's order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“This was an unimaginable task in one week. This is an entire paradigm shift.”

— Mehmet Oz, Director, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

“Sounds great. You want FDA approval? Let's do it. Literally, that quick.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The FDA is expecting three applications for clinical trials on psychedelics and plans to issue National Priority Vouchers next week. Decisions on the clinical trials and rescheduling of the drugs will come 'later this summer,' according to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

The takeaway

This executive order represents a significant shift in federal policy towards psychedelics, as the drugs are currently classified as Schedule 1 substances with no accepted medical use. While proponents argue these drugs could help treat conditions like depression and PTSD, critics warn the order could encourage hasty research and send the wrong message about the risks involved.