Trump joined by Joe Rogan as he signs order to speed up psychedelic review

The order calls on the federal government to relax restrictions on psychedelics, including ibogaine, for potential treatments.United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to speed up the review of a handful of psychedelic drugs, including the controversial ibogaine.Trump was joined by podcaster Joe Rogan during Saturday’s Oval Office event.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US Congress extends controversial surveillance power under FISA for 10 dayslist 2 of 3Trump seeks ‘resolution’ of his $10bn lawsuit against IRS, spurring concernlist 3 of 3US judge blocks Justice Department bid to seize voter data in Rhode Islandend of listRogan, considered one of the most influential podcasters in the country, has been a leading proponent of ibogaine, which is derived from a plant that grows in West Africa and has been embraced by some military veteran groups as a treatment for post-traumatic stress.Speaking at the event, Rogan recounted how he had previously texted information to Trump about ibogaine.He recalled that the president quickly texted back: “Sounds great. Do you want FDA [Food and Drug Administration] approval? Let’s do it.”Advocacy groups have long pushed for more research into the possible use of psychedelics to treat an array of issues, including depression.“Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life,” Trump said at the signing.“If these turn out to be as good as people are saying, it’s going to have a tremendous impact.”At one point, the president quipped that he would be open to taking psychedelics himself: “Can I have some, please? I’ll take some.”But he quickly pivoted away from the joke. “I don’t have time to be depressed. You know, if you stay busy enough, maybe that works, too. That’s what I do,” he said.Increasing research into psychedelics has proven a rare issue with bipartisan support in the US, where ibogaine and other psychedelics remain banned under the federal government’s most restrictive category for illegal drugs.