Story perspectives

Trump Orders Faster Psychedelic Research, Raises Child Safety Concerns

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump signed an April 18 executive order to accelerate federal psychedelic medicine research, without mentioning minors.
Dominic Sisti of the University of Pennsylvania warns the order could quickly expand psychedelic trials to children, noting that psychedelics can alter a developing brain and raise ethical and safety concerns.
A Swedish trial is recruiting youths as young as 16 for psilocybin treatment of anorexia nervosa, with parental consent and therapist supervision.

1 of 1

Story summary

President Donald Trump signed an April 18 executive order to accelerate federal psychedelic medicine research, without mentioning minors.
Dominic Sisti of the University of Pennsylvania warns the order could quickly expand psychedelic trials to children, noting that psychedelics can alter a developing brain and raise ethical and safety concerns.
A Swedish trial is recruiting youths as young as 16 for psilocybin treatment of anorexia nervosa, with parental consent and therapist supervision.