FAR OUT: President Trump signs EO fast-tracking FDA approval of psychedelics
The president signed an executive order over the weekend directing the FDA to accelerate its review of psychedelics in the treatment of severe mental illness or combat-related PTSD
by Summer Lane | April 20, 2026
President Trump made a major move on Saturday to fast-track FDA approval for psychedelic drugs for the treatment of major or serious mental illness, with a special emphasis on the needs of American military veterans.
The president, surrounded by medical professionals and even joined by top podcaster Joe Rogan and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, signed an executive order accelerating the FDA’s review of such potential psychedelic drugs, which have historically been illegal to use since the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, signed into law during the Nixon administration.
“I sent President Trump some information,” Rogan told reporters during the signing in the Oval Office. “We have a gigantic opiate problem in this country, obviously…more than five million people that are addicted to opiates right now in this country. With one dose of Ibogaine, 80 percent of people are free of that addiction. With two doses, it’s more than 90 percent. I sent him that information. The text message came back: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it!’”
Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound that can supposedly be used to treat addiction or PTSD, for example. It has been illegal to use in the United States, as it is registered as a Schedule I drug.
“The executive order I’m signing…is really a moment that directs the FDA to expedite their review of certain psychedelics already designated as breakthrough therapy drugs,” President Trump said.
He added, “If these turn out to be as good as people are saying, it’s going to have a tremendous impact on this country and other countries too.”
According to the White House, over 14 million American adults have “serious mental illness” diagnoses, and eight million of those Americans are currently taking prescription medications for those illnesses. American veterans often suffer tremendously from PTSD, and, tragically, there have been more than 6,000 veteran-related suicides every year for the past two decades.
Saturday’s EO regarding psychedelics could be a landmark moment for Americans seeking an alternative path to treating mental conditions.
Photo: White House/YouTube
