Trump Advances Executive Order to Boost Ibogaine Psychedelic Research Amid Cannabis Policy Shifts

President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order focused on accelerating research into the psychedelic compound ibogaine, as reported by Marijuana Moment. This move comes nearly four months after Trump issued an order to reschedule marijuana, which has yet to be enacted. The executive order is expected as soon as this week and aims to examine both the benefits and potential risks associated with ibogaine, a substance gaining attention for its possible therapeutic uses. The timing underscores the administration’s growing interest in exploring alternative treatments and drug policy reform, even as action on cannabis rescheduling remains delayed

Legislative efforts at the federal and state levels are also intensifying around hemp and cannabis regulation. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are introducing a bipartisan bill to allow states to opt out of impending federal recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products, which is set to come into effect later this year. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) has defended her substantial amendments to a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana sales, citing conversations with governors from other states with established legal cannabis markets. "I proposed these amendments after speaking with governors of other states with legal cannabis markets," Spanberger explained, emphasizing the importance of learning from established frameworks

Community and advocacy groups are also mobilizing. The Marijuana Policy Project is actively seeking stories from individuals who have faced arrest due to cannabis, intending to compile a comprehensive report highlighting the ongoing impact of prohibition. In Missouri, hemp industry leaders have delivered thousands of letters to Governor Mike Kehoe (R), urging him to veto a bill that would ban intoxicating hemp THC products regardless of federal regulatory changes. Jason Leisey of Emerald Tea Supply Co. argues, "Because hemp and marijuana are both the same plant, they need to be held to the same standards," reflecting a growing sentiment for regulatory consistency

At the regulatory level, the U.S. Sentencing Commission has adopted changes to federal sentencing guidelines, including those covering drug offenses. Former Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) voiced strong opposition to marijuana use, stating, "Marijuana use is really dangerous to the future of our civilization," and citing concerns from healthcare professionals about its potential link to mental health crises. State-level developments continue to unfold, such as an Ohio judge pausing new cannabis restrictions and Minnesota reminding growers of upcoming licensing deadlines

The scientific and international landscape is also evolving. Recent reviews suggest that cannabis sativa phytochemicals hold promise for integrative oncology, while MDMA-assisted therapy has shown short-term benefits for PTSD symptoms, though further research is needed. Internationally, a Western Australia lawmaker criticized government inaction on protecting medical cannabis patients from driving-related charges. Meanwhile, the business sector is seeing movement, with Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. initiating a share repurchase program and Sun Extractions workers in New Jersey voting to unionize. For the global cannabis industry, these developments signal a period of rapid regulatory, scientific, and market change. From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, the Trump administration’s focus on psychedelics and the ongoing state and federal debates around cannabis and hemp will shape the trajectory of drug policy reform in the U.S. and beyond over the coming year