Trump Signs Order Fast Tracking Review of Psychedelics for Mental Health

President endorses psilocybin and ibogaine, directing $50 million in federal funds to make them more accessible

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A minimalist, neon-outlined illustration of a human brain in vibrant shades of blue, green, and purple, conveying the mental health benefits of psychedelic treatments.The president's executive order aims to make psychedelic drugs more accessible for treating mental health conditions, a move that could revolutionize the way we approach depression, anxiety, and other disorders.NYC Today

President Trump has signed an executive order to make certain psychedelic drugs more available to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. He directed $50 million in federal funds to make them more accessible, and ordered the Food and Drug Administration to fast track a review of such drugs as psilocybin and ibogaine.

Why it matters

This order aims to address a national mental health crisis, with over 14 million American adults having a serious mental illness and around 8 million on prescription medication for these conditions. Psychedelics have shown promise in treating conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, but research was halted in the 1960s due to recreational use. This order seeks to revive research and make these drugs more accessible for medical purposes.

The details

Trump's order will expedite the reclassification of psilocybin and ibogaine, which are currently listed as Schedule I drugs with "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." The FDA will issue national priority vouchers to three psychedelics, allowing their review to be approved quickly, perhaps in just weeks. This is the first time the FDA has offered to fast-track any psychedelics.

  • Trump signed the executive order on April 18, 2026.
  • Next week, the FDA will issue national priority vouchers to three psychedelics.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the executive order to fast track the review of psychedelics for mental health treatment.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services who joined Trump for the announcement.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

The administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who joined Trump for the announcement.

Marcus Luttrell

A former Navy SEAL whose memoir about a deadly mission in Afghanistan was the basis of the film Lone Survivor, and who joined Trump for the announcement.

Joe Rogan

A podcast host who texted Trump about ibogaine and joined him for the announcement.

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What they’re saying

“Can I have some, please?”

— Donald Trump, President

“You're going to save a lot of lives through it. It absolutely changed my life for the better.”

— Marcus Luttrell, Former Navy SEAL

“Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it.”

— Donald Trump, President

What’s next

The FDA will issue national priority vouchers to three psychedelics next week, allowing their review to be approved quickly, perhaps in just weeks.

The takeaway

This order represents a significant shift in the federal government's approach to psychedelics, recognizing their potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions and seeking to make them more accessible for medical use. It marks the first time the FDA has offered to fast-track the review of psychedelics, signaling a growing acceptance of these drugs as viable treatment options.