US Administration Advances Psychedelic Therapy for Depression, Trauma

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a push to approve psychedelic therapies, such as LSD and MDMA, within the next 12 months to treat depression, trauma, and other difficult conditions, surprising even longtime advocates. This initiative has gained support from prominent Republicans like former Trump cabinet secretary Rick Perry, reflecting bipartisan interest as psychedelics gain traction in conservative states. However, some experts express concern that the rapid timeline and close association with Kennedy, known for controversial views, could undermine the credibility of these therapies. Under President Joe Biden, the FDA had previously rejected MDMA for PTSD treatment due to flawed data, but current FDA chief Marty Makary, who reports to Kennedy, has made evaluating psychedelics a top priority and introduced programs to accelerate their approval. Advocates like Rick Doblin remain optimistic but worry the public might perceive approval as politically driven rather than science-based. The administration’s embrace of psychedelics marks a significant shift in U.S. drug policy, balancing excitement about therapeutic potential with caution over proper scientific vetting.