How Joe Rogan and Trump Are Driving the Push for Ibogaine Research and Legalization

Trump Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track Psychedelic Research, Cites Joe Rogan’s Influence

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday, March 15, 2025, directing federal agencies to accelerate research into psychedelic drugs—including ibogaine—as potential treatments for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. Joe Rogan, the popular podcaster and commentator, stood beside Trump as he signed the order.

During the signing, Trump acknowledged Rogan’s role in inspiring the push to expedite ibogaine research and legalization. Ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from the iboga plant, is currently used outside the U.S. to treat addiction and PTSD but remains classified as a Schedule I drug in the country.

Rogan’s Long-Standing Advocacy for Ibogaine

Rogan has been a vocal advocate for ibogaine for years. In a podcast episode aired in March 2024, he described the drug’s potential benefits, stating:

"Ibogaine, in particular, has helped a lot of people. It gives you, like, a review of your life, apparently."

Two weeks prior to the executive order, Rogan interviewed the CEO of Americans for Ibogaine on his podcast. The CEO was also present at the White House during the signing, further highlighting the alignment between advocacy groups and the administration’s new policy direction.

Rogan’s Texts to Trump Sparked the Initiative

Rogan’s relationship with Trump has faced recent strains, particularly after Rogan criticized the president’s approach to foreign policy, including the war in Iran. Trump responded by labeling Rogan a "liberal," a claim Rogan has disputed. However, Rogan revealed that a direct text exchange with Trump played a pivotal role in advancing the executive order.

According to Rogan, he messaged Trump:

"Sounds great, do you want FDA approval?"

"It was literally that quick."

Major Investors and Organizations Fueling the Psychedelics Movement

The push for psychedelic drug research and legalization is not solely driven by political figures. Early-stage investors and advocacy groups are also playing a significant role, positioning psychedelics as the next major frontier in mental health treatment—comparable to the cannabis industry’s growth.

Peter Thiel’s Decade-Long Bet on Psychedelics

Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel has invested heavily in psychedelic pharmaceutical companies over the past decade. His portfolio includes:

• Compass Pathways, a British company focused on commercializing psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in "magic mushrooms") for therapeutic use, particularly in treating depression.
• AtaiBeckley, a German biotech firm developing hallucinogenic compounds for medical applications.

The stocks of both companies surged on March 13, 2025, following reports that Trump would endorse ibogaine research over the weekend.

Texas Allocates $50 Million for Ibogaine Clinical Trials

The state of Texas announced plans to conduct its own ibogaine clinical trials, with a budget of $50 million. The trials are scheduled to begin in late March 2025, marking a significant step toward integrating ibogaine into mainstream medical research.

Mercer Family Foundation Donates Over $1 Million to PTSD Research

The Mercer Family Foundation, a major conservative grantmaking organization that supported Trump’s 2016 and 2020 election campaigns, has donated over $1 million to psychedelics-related research for PTSD treatment in combat veterans.

Trump’s Personal Interest in Ibogaine

At the White House signing event, Trump’s enthusiasm for ibogaine extended beyond policy. He humorously requested a sample of the drug, saying:

"Can I have some, please? I’ll do whatever it takes… I don’t have time to be depressed. If you stay busy enough, maybe that’s what works too—that’s what I do."