Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday signed an executive order to accelerate research, approval, and access to experimental mental health treatments based on psychedelic drugs, describing the move as a “historic reform” aimed in part at tackling a growing suicide crisis among military veterans.
Announcing the decision at a White House event, Trump said the order would “dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments” that have shown “life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression.”
“The suicide epidemic among veterans is a national tragedy,” he said, noting that “since 9/11, we’ve lost over 21 times more veteran lives to suicide than on the battlefield.”
The executive order directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expedite its review of certain psychedelic therapies already designated as breakthrough treatments. It also seeks to remove regulatory hurdles, improve data-sharing across federal agencies, and enable faster rescheduling of approved drugs.
Trump said the treatments were already in advanced clinical trials and could be made available more quickly if proven safe and effective. “Why would we wait three or four years… or 10 years frankly? Let’s get it done immediately,” he said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the order was aimed at addressing a widening mental health crisis, with more than 14 million Americans living with serious mental illness and suicide rates rising sharply over two decades.
“We owe it to our war fighters and veterans to turn over every stone,” Kennedy said, adding that many Americans with depression, PTSD, and addiction “do not respond to existing treatments.”
The administration also announced a $50 million federal investment in research into ibogaine, a psychedelic compound that has shown promise in treating trauma and addiction. The order expands access under the “right to try” law for eligible patients with treatment-resistant conditions.
FDA officials said new applications for psychedelic therapies were expected soon, with decisions possible “later this summer” under an accelerated review process.
Veterans and advocates present at the event described the treatments as transformative. Retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell said the therapy “absolutely changed my life for the better,” adding that he now lives “the best days of my life every single day.”
Podcast host Joe Rogan, who has publicly supported psychedelic therapies, cited data suggesting strong results in treating opioid addiction. “With one dose of ibogaine, more than 80% of people are free of that addiction,” he said.
The move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward substances that have long been restricted under federal law. Advocates have argued that earlier prohibitions on scientific research limited scientific study and delayed potential treatments.
(IANS)
