President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at encouraging expanded research into psychedelic drugs as part of a broader push to explore emerging mental health treatments. “In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression, including our cherished veterans,” Trump said during a signing event in the Oval Office.
The federal government is making a $50 million investment for further research into the psychedelic drug ibogaine. Trump quipped that he wanted the drug himself, saying “Can I have some, please? I’ll take some,” adding that he would “take whatever it takes” and joking “I don’t have time to be depressed. You know, if you stay busy enough, maybe that works, too. That’s what I do.”
Trump invited Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others, including podcast host Joe Rogan, to speak about the initiative. Kennedy said the move is part of a broader effort to address the nation’s mental health crisis. “HHS will accelerate research approval and access to new mental health treatments, including psychedelic therapies,” Kennedy stated. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said the approval process could move far faster under the new initiative. “Drugs can get approved in weeks, not a year or a year-plus but in weeks, if they are in line with our national priorities,” Makary said. However, scientists have expressed concern that accelerating FDA approval could bypass rigorous benchmarks and potentially put patients at risk, as ibogaine has not received FDA approval and carries known risks including abnormal heart rhythms and vomiting.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://ktvz.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/04/18/trump-accelerates-research-on-psychedelic-treatments-and-asks-can-i-have-some/