President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday that directs federal agencies to move faster on research and review of psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine. The order focuses on possible treatments for serious mental illness and conditions that have been difficult to treat with current options.
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from a plant native to West Africa. It has been used for generations in spiritual practices connected to the Bwiti religion in countries such as Gabon. In more recent years, interest in ibogaine has grown among some patients seeking help for addiction, trauma, depression, and neurological injuries.
During the signing ceremony in Washington, Trump said the federal government would support faster access to research and possible therapies involving psychedelics. He also announced a $50 million funding plan tied to state partnerships and clinical studies.
Under the order, the Food and Drug Administration is instructed to use National Priority Vouchers for qualifying psychedelic treatments that already hold Breakthrough Therapy status. Officials said the program may shorten review timelines for selected drugs that meet federal standards.
The order also tells the FDA and the Drug Enforcement Administration to develop a route for eligible patients to access investigational psychedelic drugs through the Right to Try framework. That law was designed to let certain patients seek treatments still being reviewed by regulators.
Another section directs the Department of Health and Human Services to use ARPA-H funds to match state spending on psychedelic research programs. The money would support data collection, trial participation, and cooperation between states, federal agencies, veterans programs, and private groups.
The issue has drawn support from people across the political spectrum. Those present at the White House included Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., podcast host Joe Rogan, and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. Texas lawmakers have also promoted ibogaine studies, approving $50 million in state funding last year.
Many veterans have shown interest in psychedelic therapy, especially for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Some have traveled to clinics in Mexico, where ibogaine treatment is available in some settings. Clinic operators say demand has increased, though treatment often remains expensive and is not usually covered by insurance.
Researchers continue to caution that ibogaine has known safety concerns. Medical reports have linked the drug to dangerous heart rhythm problems and deaths in some cases. Because of those risks, experts say any broader use would require strict screening, monitoring, and carefully designed trials.
Universities including Stanford University, Harvard University, and Johns Hopkins University have studied psychedelics for depression, addiction, and trauma-related disorders. Other substances under research include psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD.
The executive order does not legalize these drugs or guarantee approval. Instead, it aims to speed research, increase funding, and create faster review pathways while keeping federal oversight in place. Future clinical trial results and agency decisions will determine whether these treatments become available on a wider scale.
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