How Republicans came to embrace psychedelic drugs
Former Texas governor Rick Perry and ibogaine advocate W. Bryan Hubbard met with President Donald Trump, leading to an executive order to accelerate research into psychedelic medicines for mental health conditions. The order has buoyed hopes of advocates for broader access to the drugs, particularly for military veterans suffering from PTSD.
Former Texas governor Rick Perry and ibogaine advocate W. Bryan Hubbard requested a meeting with President Donald Trump after taping Joe Rogan's podcast. Less than three weeks later, Hubbard was in the Oval Office as Trump announced efforts to accelerate research into ibogaine and other psychedelic medicines. The Republican Party has historically supported the 'war on drugs' approach, but some Republicans have begun embracing psychedelics due to advocacy from veterans. High-ranking administration officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have championed the drugs. Trump's executive order was followed by the FDA granting priority vouchers to three companies studying psychedelic treatments. Experts caution against overhyping the drugs, while White House spokesman Kush Desai said the administration is guided by 'gold standard science'.
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