Donald Trump signed an order lifting restrictions on research into psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and LSD to accelerate the study of their potential for treating mental illnesses.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the easing of restrictions on research into psychedelic substances – the so-called 'magic mushrooms' – which have shown promise in treating individuals with mental illnesses.
In the presence of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior medical officials, and podcaster Joe Rogan, who advocated for drug access, Trump signed an order that will help federal scientists overcome bureaucratic hurdles and expedite research.
The president stated that the order 'will eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles, improve data sharing between the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and facilitate the rapid review of the list of psychedelic substances that will be approved by the FDA.'
Currently, many psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin ('magic mushrooms'), are classified as drugs with a high potential for abuse and addiction and are not approved for medical use, limiting opportunities for their study.
If the FDA, which is tasked with regulating pharmaceutical activities in the U.S., officially recognizes the medical benefits of certain psychedelics, they may be moved to a different schedule, allowing for expanded clinical applications.
The order only provides for expedited research and does not require law enforcement to immediately reclassify drugs, meaning that therapeutic use will not be expanded immediately.
In recent years, there has been increasing research into the effects of these substances on treating individuals – especially war veterans – with complex cases of anxiety and depression, particularly those who have experienced traumatic stress.
Many veterans and other patients have complained that traditional antidepressants not only do not help but also change their personalities in ways that distance them from friends and family.
In 2023, 6,398 veterans died by suicide, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
During the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump pointed to one substance called ibogaine, stating that patients who took it 'experienced an 80-90 percent reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety within one month.'
'Can I have some, please?' he joked.
The full extent of the benefits and potential side effects of psychedelic substances is still unknown, as research is limited.
Although many are believed to have promising effects on mental health, there are also risks. For example, ibogaine is thought to potentially harm the heart.
