health
April 18, 2026
Trump Signs Executive Order to Research Psychedelics, Including Ibogaine, for Mental Health Treatment
Updated on: April 18, 2026 / 11:54 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump signed an executive order to ease research restrictions on psychedelics.
- The order includes the drug ibogaine, used in some countries to treat PTSD.
- The federal government will invest $50 million into psychedelic research.
- A pathway is being opened for ibogaine to be administered to 'desperately ill patients' under the FDA's Right To Try rule.
- Three psychedelics will be added to the National Priority Voucher pilot program to reduce review times.
- The FDA will begin the process for human trials into ibogaine's use.
- Ibogaine, a Schedule I substance, is currently grouped with drugs like heroin and ecstasy.
- Studies show ibogaine can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, and at least 27 people have died after taking it.