Trump Fast-Tracks Psychedelic Therapy Research for Veterans

Veterans who've tried everything for PTSD and depression may soon have access to breakthrough treatments that were once considered too controversial to study.

President Trump signed an executive order Friday directing the FDA to fast-track research on psychedelic therapies including psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. The focus is treating veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and addiction who haven't responded to traditional medications and talk therapy.

Jay Kopelman, a former Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and CEO of Mission to Live Foundation, called the order a pathway to life-saving medicine. "This will require the VA Health System to begin psychedelics research and clinical trials, making psychedelics available to veterans for whom traditional care hasn't worked," he told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, explained that psychedelics work by changing brain chemistry in ways that can reduce fear and shift perception positively. These compounds act through serotonin pathways, potentially modulating dopamine and other neurochemicals in controlled clinical settings.

Juliana Mercer, a 16-year Marine Corps veteran who leads a nonprofit advancing MDMA therapy for PTSD, sees the order as a meaningful step. "The people who need this most are those who have already tried everything and found no real relief," she said, thinking of fellow veterans still carrying the weight of their service.

The Bright Side

The research is showing real promise. Clinical studies have found that single doses of certain psychedelics can significantly reduce depression symptoms when administered in controlled settings with trained providers.

While supporters celebrate the potential breakthrough, medical experts emphasize these treatments need careful oversight. Dr. Siegel cautioned that doses and exact uses must be carefully determined through rigorous research, and that improper use outside clinical settings could increase risks of psychosis and anxiety disorders.

Kevin Sabet, president of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, raised concerns about ibogaine specifically, noting its documented heart risks. Kopelman acknowledged these cardiotoxicity concerns but explained they can be mitigated through rigorous medical examinations and monitoring during treatment.

Mercer stressed that these therapies aren't right for everyone and can have significant psychological and physiological effects. "Continued research is essential to better understand who these therapies are right for, and who they're not, before broader implementation," she said.

The substances still need to complete clinical trials and the standard FDA regulatory pathway, including rescheduling from their current controlled status. But for veterans who've exhausted other options, the accelerated timeline offers something many haven't felt in years: hope that relief might finally be within reach.