Saturday 18/April/2026 – 10:13 AM
The American President is preparing Donald Trump To direct the federal government to re-evaluate restrictions on ibogaine, a compound with hallucinogenic effects used in some states to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric conditions.
Trump is considering easing restrictions on hallucinogenic inducers to treat PTSD
According to what was published by Reuters news agency, doctors revealed details that the drug ibogaine is currently classified as a Category 1 controlled substance in the United States by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that it is considered to have no officially recognized medical use and has a high potential for addiction, along with substances such as heroin and ecstasy.
Despite this classification, ibogaine is used in other countries as part of treatment programs, especially in specialized centers in Mexico, which receives a number of American veterans seeking alternative treatments for their psychological disorders.
Easing restrictions to facilitate scientific research
According to the sources, the anticipated decision may aim to ease restrictions to facilitate scientific research and potential medical uses, without radically changing the legal status of the drug, in light of the continuing debate within the US administration about the provisions of the decision.
Recent scientific studies have indicated promising results, as research published in 2025 at Stanford University showed that ibogaine, especially when used with magnesium, may help improve brain function and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, while other studies warned of its risks, including cardiac effects that could be fatal in some cases.
Supporters of this step, including groups representing veterans, hope that easing restrictions will contribute to opening the door to clinical trials within the United States, which may lead to the development of new treatments for difficult-to-treat mental illnesses, while emphasizing the need to prove safety and effectiveness through rigorous medical research.
