Trump to Ease Psychedelic Drug Restrictions and Boost Research Funding
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Apr 18
Trump to Ease Psychedelic Drug Restrictions and Boost Research Funding
6 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Apr 18
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order easing federal restrictions on psychedelic drugs to promote research into their therapeutic potential.
The order would provide $50 million for state-level research, notably benefiting Texas, and expedite approvals for investigational treatments for mental health conditions.
This move follows increasing evidence of psychedelics’ effectiveness for depression and PTSD, aiming to address opioid deaths and veteran suicides more rapidly.
How will this federal push align with the patchwork of varying state psychedelic laws?
The FDA recently rejected MDMA therapy. What has changed to ensure future approvals?
Ibogaine has known fatal heart risks. How will new federal guidelines protect patients?
With conflicting studies on effectiveness, what will be the new standard for FDA approval?
Natural psychedelics lack patent protection. How will companies be incentivized to fund development?
Beyond research, what is the plan to train therapists for administering these treatments?
Accelerating Psychedelic Research: The 2026 Executive Order and $50 Million State Investment in Ibogaine Trials
Overview
In April 2026, President Trump signed an executive order to speed up research on psychedelics like ibogaine, directing federal agencies to ease clinical trial rules and fund $50 million for state-level studies, with Texas leading efforts. This move was driven by veterans seeking treatment abroad and strong advocacy from political leaders. Despite promising early results showing ibogaine's potential to treat PTSD and addiction, serious safety risks and limited private investment slow progress. Meanwhile, states like Oregon are expanding access to other psychedelics, creating new pathways for patients as federal approval and rescheduling processes continue to evolve.