STAT+: Trump’s boosting of psychedelics, cannabis signal a new era in GOP drug policy

STAT PlusHealth Trump’s boosting of psychedelics, cannabis signal a new era in GOP drug policy Lenient moves on ‘soft’ substances draw criticism from drug policy hawks Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Lev FacherApril 23, 2026 Addiction Reporter Lev Facher[email protected]Lev Facher covers the U.S. addiction and overdose crisis. The days of “Just Say No,” it seems, are long gone. Over the weekend, President Trump signed an executive order to increase the availability of certain psychedelics as treatments for mental health conditions, ordering that $50 million be spent, and that the Food and Drug Administration fast-track reviews to usher in their approval. At one point, the president joked to the motley assembly of administration officials, a former Navy SEAL, and the podcaster Joe Rogan: “Can I have some, please?” Advertisement On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced it had downgraded medical marijuana from the highest tier of controlled substances, and was pushing the Drug Enforcement Administration to do the same for recreational marijuana. The president’s lenient tack on some mind-altering drugs ushers in a new world of right-wing drug policy. While the administration has emphasized hardline, militaristic tactics when it comes to fentanyl, its recent actions on “softer” drugs could represent a new era not just for Republican politics but also for American drug policy writ large. “With this imminent move, we are now confronted with the most pro-drug administration in our history,” Kevin Sabet, the CEO of the anti-legalization advocacy group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said in a statement. “Policy is now being dictated by marijuana CEOs, psychedelics investors, and podcasters in active addiction — it is a travesty and injustice to the American people of unprecedented proportions. The marijuana industry is the new Big Tobacco, and President Trump is welcoming them to the homes of families across this country with open arms.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In addiction, chronic disease, HHS, Mental Health, opioids, politics, research, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Lev Facher Addiction Reporter Lev Facher covers the U.S. addiction and overdose crisis. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Biotech April 24, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA to speed up review of three psychedelics as mental health treatments Biotech April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump celebrates closing first round of drug pricing deals, promises more ahead Advertisement First Opinion April 23, 2026 Dropping the flu vaccine requirement puts U.S. military readiness at risk D.C. Diagnosis April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. backs off some MAHA issues Politics April 23, 2026 Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in a historic shift Subscriber Picks