Trump Initiates Psychedelic Research Reforms for Medical Advancement

US President Donald Trump announced reforms to expedite access to medical research and treatment based on psychedelic drugs. The initiative includes an executive order directing the FDA to review drugs like ibogaine, which could help treat PTSD, supported by a $50 million federal research fund.

US President Donald Trump, on Saturday, unveiled reforms aimed at accelerating access to medical research and treatments grounded in psychedelic substances. The reforms underscore a pioneering approach to mental health care, primarily focusing on substances traditionally deemed illegal.

President Trump intends to sign an executive order directing the US Food and Drug Administration to expedite the assessment and potential approval of drugs such as ibogaine. This particular drug has received support from US military veteran groups for its potential to alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The reform is anticipated to reclassify these substances following successful clinical trials.

Notably, the US government has pledged a substantial $50 million to fund federal research on ibogaine, marking a significant investment in the exploration of alternative medicine. However, the hallucinogenic nature of these drugs remains a subject of controversy, highlighting the cautious optimism surrounding these reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)