President Trump on Saturday signed an executive order to expedite research into the psychedelic ibogaine – a drug championed by podcaster Joe Rogan – so it can be used to treat PTSD in veterans and traumatic brain injuries.
The drug is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
The order will remove legal restrictions that had prevented extensive studies into the medicine and how it works.
The order will also establish FDA protocols for the “safe therapeutic use” of psychedelics.
Preliminary research indicates that psychedelic ibogaine helps alleviate mental illnesses, including addiction and especially post traumatic stress disorder suffered by US veterans.
“I’ve always believed in ensuring that the American patients have access to breakthrough treatments and therapies with love for our veterans, and I have a real love for our veterans,” Trump said Saturday.
“Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life. They’ve been through so much.”
The change represents a “an entire paradigm shift” in how the US approaches such drugs, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said during a Saturday news conference announcing the order.
