Trump Signs Order to Speed Review of Psychedelics

Executive order aims to accelerate access to drugs like controversial ibogaine for medical use.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:05pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image revealing the intricate neural structures of a human brain, conceptually illustrating the potential of psychedelic drugs to unlock new pathways for mental health treatment.A groundbreaking executive order aims to accelerate research into psychedelic drugs and their potential to treat debilitating mental health conditions.Washington Today

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing his administration to speed up reviews of certain psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, which has been embraced by some combat veterans and conservative lawmakers despite having serious safety risks. The order aims to ease restrictions and spur research on using the drugs for medical purposes, including conditions like severe depression.

Why it matters

Ibogaine and other psychedelics remain banned under the federal government's most restrictive category for illegal, high-risk drugs. However, veteran organizations and psychedelic advocates have long argued that ibogaine, which is made from a shrub native to West Africa, has great promise for hard-to-treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid addiction. Trump's directive could dramatically accelerate access to these potential treatments.

The details

The executive order will help 'dramatically accelerate' access to potential treatments using psychedelic drugs. Trump said the order will ensure that 'people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.' The administration is taking steps to ease restrictions and spur research on using the drugs for medical purposes.

  • President Trump signed the executive order on April 19, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who signed the executive order to speed up reviews of certain psychedelic drugs.

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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 and lead a happier life.'”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

The administration will now work to accelerate the review process for psychedelic drugs like ibogaine, with the goal of potentially easing restrictions and expanding medical research.

The takeaway

This executive order represents a significant shift in the federal government's approach to psychedelic drugs, which have long been tightly restricted despite growing evidence of their potential therapeutic benefits. The move could have major implications for the treatment of conditions like PTSD and opioid addiction, particularly for veterans and other vulnerable populations.