EO Directs Feds to Expand Psychedelic Research Pathways: Trump Order on FDA, HHS, VA Speed for Therapies

Trump signs an executive order on April 18 directing US federal agencies to speed aspects of psychedelic drug review, research coordination, and limited investigational access pathways, with attention to serious mental illness and veteran care. The order focuses on procedural tools rather than legalization or approval. It directs the FDA to use Commissioner’s National Priority Vouchers for psychedelic therapies with Breakthrough Therapy designation for serious mental illness, and it calls for an access pathway for eligible patients to receive investigational psychedelic drugs under existing legal frameworks, explicitly naming ibogaine compounds. HHS is instructed to allocate at least $50 million via ARPA-H to match state investments in psychedelic research programs, and HHS, FDA, and the VA are told to share clinical data. The piece emphasizes that scheduling and reimbursement hurdles remain. The order does not deschedule psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, or LSD, and it does not guarantee insurance coverage. It also notes safety and evidence constraints for ibogaine, including cardiac toxicity and the role of Phase 3 evidence in any subsequent rescheduling review.