In a move that could shift the landscape of mental health treatment, President Donald Trump is allegedly preparing to sign an executive order aimed at bolstering research into psychedelic drugs. This initiative could potentially facilitate their legal use within controlled environments, marking a significant step forward in their application for mental illness therapies.

Insiders have revealed to The Washington Post that the President is in discussions to finalize the order. This directive would outline new guidelines for medical research on substances like psilocybin and ibogaine, signaling a commitment to exploring these drugs as viable treatment options.

During a press briefing aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump hinted at a significant announcement slated for Saturday morning. He emphasized the importance of the forthcoming news, describing it as something he feels “strongly about.”

The President characterized the pending announcement as a “very positive thing,” noting that he would be joined by an individual he described as “very good, very smart, very caring” to officially unveil the details.

Initial reports from CBS News indicated that the executive order aims to unlock federal funding for research into ibogaine’s potential in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries. This could mark a pivotal moment in expanding treatment options for these challenging and often debilitating conditions.

Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound, is derived from the root of a shrub native to Central Africa. Its potential therapeutic benefits are being explored as part of this broader research initiative.

The drug is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning there are no accepted medical uses for it and a high potential for abuse. 

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign a new executive order that will increase research into psychedelic drugs used to treat mental illnesses

Trump is said to be in talks to draft the order, which would release new guidance for medical research on drugs such as psilocybin and ibogaine

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive from the root of a shrub native to Central Africa

Schedule I drugs also include drugs like heroin and ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine).

Drug classifications are sectioned into five different ‘schedules,’ with one being the highest potential for abuse. 

Ibogaine is unregulated in countries including Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany and Canada. 

The drug has gained popularity in recent years and generated the attention of medical professionals.

Stanford Medicine released a study in 2024, concluding that ibogaine effectively treated military veterans with traumatic brain injuries. 

The study found that when combined with magnesium to protect the heart, the drug safely and effectively reduced PTSD, anxiety and depression. 

‘No other drug has ever been able to alleviate the functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms of traumatic brain injury,’ said Nolan Williams, an associate professor of behavioral sciences and psychiatry. 

‘The results are dramatic, and we intend to study this compound further.’

Trump’s looming executive order could pave the way for future studies to explore ibogaine’s effectiveness. 

The potential move would be a win for advocacy groups who have lobbied for years to achieve alternative pathways to mental health therapy. 

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry helped launch the nonprofit, Americans for Ibogaine, last year to advance education, clinical research and responsible medical access to the drug. 

Trump’s looming executive order could pave the way for future studies to explore ibogaine’s effectiveness

Ibogaine is unregulated in countries including Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany and Canada

Perry also served as the Energy Secretary under Trump’s first administration. He appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience last month with the nonprofit’s CEO, W. Bryan Hubbard, to advocate for ibogaine. 

Amber ​Capone, the CEO and founder of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, told Reuters that the news of increased access to ibogaine marked a ‘huge sigh of relief.’ 

‘There’s no doubt whatsoever in our minds that it works,’ she said.

‘But we just can’t say, “Believe us.” The research has to corroborate ​what we know to be true, and it feels like we could finally, finally be making some impact.’

Trump has previously implemented legislation in support of loosening federal restrictions on drugs. 

He signed an executive order in December, paving the way for medical applications of marijuana and CBD products. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.