Executive Order on Psychedelic Research Signed by Trump and Rogan
In Washington, podcaster Joe Rogan joined President Donald Trump on Saturday to formalize an executive order aimed at accelerating “access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs.”
During the signing at the Oval Office, Rogan was accompanied by notable officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty McCulley.
Before putting pen to paper, Trump announced, “I am pleased to announce historic reforms that will dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs.”
He emphasized that these experimental therapies show promising potential for individuals facing severe mental health issues and depression, specifically mentioning veterans as a group that stands to benefit significantly.
Trump mentioned that he was prompted to act after receiving input from “the great Joe Rogan” and other advocates regarding the urgency of the matter.
Later, Rogan shared that he had texted Trump about ibogaine, stating that research indicates more than 80 percent of opioid addicts who take a single dose of this substance overcome their addiction.
Rogan recounted the feedback he received from Trump, saying, “The text message that came back was, ‘Great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s get it approved.'” He described the process as remarkably swift.
According to Trump, he instructed Kennedy Jr., Oz, McCulley, and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharyya to look into these possibilities. He expressed frustration with the typical delays in getting treatments approved, saying, “Why do we have to wait three or four years or even 10 years to get it done? Let’s do it now.”
Trump further noted the widespread support for this initiative, especially highlighting its importance for veterans, referring to the high rates of suicide among them as a “national tragedy.”
Rogan also pointed out that the psychedelics being promoted for this research aren’t illegal due to their harmfulness but rather because of the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, which he claimed aimed to “target” civil rights and anti-war movements.
