Trump Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track Psilocybin and Ibogaine Research for Serious Mental Illness

Trump signs an executive order, dated 18 April 2026, directing US federal agencies to accelerate review, funding, and potential reclassification of psychedelic compounds including psilocybin and ibogaine for serious mental illness. The order instructs the FDA to issue Commissioner's National Priority Vouchers to qualifying psychedelic drugs that already have Breakthrough Therapy designation, aiming to shorten review timelines to weeks. It also directs the FDA and DEA to create an access pathway for eligible patients under the Right to Try Act, and it calls for rescheduling reviews for psychedelics after successful Phase 3 trials and FDA approval. The policy is framed around a public health crisis, citing high prevalence of serious mental illness and rising suicide rates, with emphasis on veteran suicide. Reporting mentions existing state and university research activity and notes ongoing safety hurdles, including cardiovascular risk concerns for ibogaine and prior FDA setbacks for psychedelic-assisted therapies.