On April 18, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order accelerating the development of psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs).

Key elements of the executive order, according to Pharmacy Times, include:

• National Priority Vouchers (NPVs) that can reduce the time it takes to complete regulatory reviews from as much as 10 months to as little as one month.

• Right to Try pathway, allowing people with life-threatening conditions access to psychedelic therapies prior to drug approval.

• Better coordination between the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on clinical trials being conducted by both agencies.

Research into the use of ibogaine for the treatment of PTSD received a $50 million boost in funding for trials involving veterans. In addition to PTSD, the executive order allows research into the use of ibogaine and other psychedelic drugs for the treatment of depression, SUDs, and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Pharmacy Times points out that the rate of suicide for military forces veterans is double that of the general population as a whole. Treatment with ibogaine has gained a cult following among veterans, with many having to travel outside the United States to receive treatment.

Ibogaine is a natural product derived from the root bark of a shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, native to Western Africa. It is a psychedelic hallucinogen and extremely dangerous. Josie Ensor, chief U.S. reporter for The Times, writes that a systematic review of scientific studies of ibogaine found 27 deaths out of 700 patients.

Ibogaine has been shown to be dramatically effective after a single treatment. Treatments usually involve ingesting a powdery mix with water under medical supervision for 12 to 36 hours. Conor McGregor, the famous martial arts fighter from Ireland, underwent ibogaine treatment and said it saved his life. He was present at the signing of the executive order.

Also present was podcaster Joe Rogan, who recently had a falling out with President Trump over the war in Iran. Rogan has long advocated for fast-tracking ibogaine for PTSD and SUDs. Last year, The Wall Street Journal sent a team to Mexico to cover ibogaine treatments for OUD, producing an incredible video of the experience.

Pharmacy Times points out that “no psychedelic therapies are currently approved by the FDA, and these agents remain federally restricted.” Ibogaine, psilocybin, LSD, and other drugs included in the executive order are still Schedule 1 drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.

There is a big learning curve ahead, as researchers must consider interactions with other drugs prescribed for serious mental illness. It’s hoped this research results in new drugs that retain the benefits of ibogaine without the harmful side effects. We will keep you posted here at AddictionNews.

Written by Steve O’Keefe. First published April 29, 2026.

Sources:

“Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” White House Executive Orders, April 18, 2026.

“Trump Executive Order Seeks to Accelerate Psychedelic Drug Development for PTSD, Addiction,” Pharmacy Times, April 20, 2026.

“What is ibogaine, the psychedelic drug Trump approved for research?,” The Times, April 18, 2026.

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