Psychedelic treatments for mental illness made more accessible

(The Center Square) – Some say President Donald Trump’s new executive order on psychedelics goes too far, while others say it’s a good first step, but more action is needed. The president signed an executive order over the weekend aimed at making psychedelic treatments for mental illness accessible to those who may need them. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the review time for psychedelic drugs that have shown promise over existing treatments for mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse disorder. It also directs $50 million in existing federal funding toward state programs looking to advance psychedelic treatments for mental illness. The battle over behavioral and emotional health affects many Americans, but veterans in particular “often suffer in greater measure” than other demographic groups, according to the order. More than 6,000 veterans commit suicide each year.