US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order easing restrictions on research into psychedelic drugs, including substances such as psilocybin (commonly known as “magic mushrooms”) and LSD, in a move aimed at accelerating mental health treatment studies.
The order, signed on Saturday at the White House, was issued alongside US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior medical officials, and media personality Joe Rogan, who has been a vocal advocate for expanded access to psychedelic therapies.
The directive is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays in scientific research, improve data sharing between agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and support faster evaluation of psychedelic compounds that may have therapeutic value.
Under current US law, many psychedelics are classified as Schedule I substances, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification has significantly limited scientific research into their possible medical benefits.
The executive order does not immediately change the legal status of these substances. Instead, it allows for expanded research and sets the stage for potential future reclassification if the FDA determines that certain psychedelics have approved medical uses.
If such findings are made, substances like psilocybin could be rescheduled, opening the door to regulated clinical use in medical settings.
In recent years, interest has grown in the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among military veterans.
Advocates argue that traditional antidepressants do not work effectively for all patients and may produce side effects that negatively affect emotional well-being and personal relationships.
According to data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, highlighting the urgency of finding new mental health treatment options.
During the signing ceremony, Trump referenced ibogaine, a lesser-known psychedelic compound, claiming that some patients have reported significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety after use, though he added a light-hearted remark, saying, “Can I have some, please?”
Despite growing optimism in parts of the medical community, experts caution that research into psychedelics is still in early stages, and their safety profiles are not yet fully understood.
Some substances, including ibogaine, have been linked to serious side effects such as potential heart complications, underscoring the need for careful clinical evaluation.
The order is expected to accelerate clinical trials and broaden scientific understanding of psychedelics, but experts note that widespread therapeutic use remains years away pending regulatory approval.
Support services remain available for US veterans in crisis through the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or visiting official support channels.
