President Donald Trump has signed an executive order dramatically accelerating federal efforts to study and approve psychedelic drugs for medical use. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast track the review of certain psychedelics already designated as breakthrough therapies, including substances like ibogaine, which has shown promise in treating severe mental health conditions.

At the center of the initiative is a growing crisis in the US, particularly in mental health among U.S. veterans. The administration pointed to high rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, with thousands of veterans dying by suicide each year, as a driving force behind the policy shift. The executive order also allocates at least $50 million in federal funding to support research partnerships with states and expand clinical trials for psychedelic based treatments.

As aforementioned, one of the most talked-about drugs is ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic derived from an African plant, which is currently classified as a Schedule I substance in the U.S., meaning it is considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Despite that classification, interest in the drug has surged, particularly among veterans who have traveled abroad for treatment. Supporters say early results are promising, especially for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies.

The order is designed to remove regulatory barriers that have long slowed research in this field, allowing scientists and doctors to more easily study and potentially use these treatments under controlled conditions.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Medical experts warn that while psychedelics may show promise, they also carry big risks, including heart complications and the need for strict clinical oversight.