President Donald Trump directed the Food and Drug Administration to expedite approval reviews for psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, which combat veterans and conservative lawmakers increasingly advocate as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction, despite current federal restrictions classifying these substances as high-risk illegal drugs.

Executive Order Targets Treatment Barriers

Trump signed the executive order Saturday in the Oval Office, stating the directive will help Americans suffering from debilitating conditions “reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.” The Republican president promised to “dramatically accelerate” access to potential treatments, adding that if these drugs prove as effective as supporters claim, “it’s going to have a tremendous impact.” The ceremony included Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., podcaster Joe Rogan, and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, whose Afghanistan combat experience inspired the film “Lone Survivor.”

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced the agency will issue national priority vouchers next week for three psychedelic drugs, cutting standard review times from several months to just weeks. Makary emphasized these vouchers will allow rapid approval for drugs “in line with our national priorities.” This marks the first time the FDA has deployed this accelerated review mechanism for psychedelic treatments, which veteran organizations claim show tremendous promise for conditions resistant to conventional therapies.

Bipartisan Support for Medical Access

The executive order fulfills pledges from Kennedy and other administration officials to ease medical access to psychedelics, an issue gaining rare bipartisan backing in Washington. Ibogaine, derived from a West African shrub, remains banned under federal law’s most restrictive drug category alongside heroin and LSD. However, veteran groups and psychedelic advocates have long argued the substance offers breakthrough potential for treating PTSD and opioid addiction where traditional medications have failed.

Veterans Share Personal Success Stories

Luttrell told Trump during the signing ceremony that psychedelic treatment “absolutely changed my life for the better,” urging the president that the initiative would “save a lot of lives.” Rogan revealed he texted Trump information about ibogaine, and the president responded enthusiastically, asking “Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.” The order addresses growing demand from military veterans seeking alternative treatments after exhausting conventional options for combat-related mental health conditions and chronic pain management.