Trump signs order to speed up access to psychedelics

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at making it faster to access medical research and treatments involving psychedelic drugs.

The order directs the US Food and Drug Administration to speed up the review process for drugs such as ibogaine. Some groups representing military veterans say this drug may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Speaking at a signing event in the Oval Office, officials said these steps could lead to such drugs being reclassified if they prove safe and effective in clinical trials. Trump also announced $50 million in federal funding for research on ibogaine.

The event was attended by veterans, including Marcus Luttrell and Congressman Morgan Luttrell, along with media figure Joe Rogan. Trump said he became aware of ibogaine partly through discussions raised by Rogan, who had featured the topic on his show.

Officials said there is growing scientific evidence that supports the possible use of ibogaine for mental health treatment.

Trump said he had only recently started hearing about the drug, noting that it was once considered a taboo subject but is now gaining wider attention.