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Trump Announces $50M Plan to Fast-Track Psychedelic Research for Veterans

4/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled reforms on April 18, 2026 to accelerate research on psychedelic drugs for veterans' mental health.
He signed an executive order directing the FDA to fast-track the review of substances like ibogaine.
The plan includes a $50 million federal research fund and aims to reclassify these drugs after trials.
The announcement was supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcaster Joe Rogan.

History

Historical Context

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified psychedelics like psilocybin as Schedule I drugs, severely limiting research funding to just 0.1%. Following decades of restricted studies, reforms proposed by Trump in 2026 aim to promote research on psychedelics, including ibogaine, for veterans' mental health, reflecting a shift towards recognizing alternative therapies in mental health treatment.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled reforms on April 18, 2026 to accelerate research on psychedelic drugs for veterans' mental health.
He signed an executive order directing the FDA to fast-track the review of substances like ibogaine.
The plan includes a $50 million federal research fund and aims to reclassify these drugs after trials.
The announcement was supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcaster Joe Rogan.

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