Will President Trump Decide Psychedelic Rescheduling and Federal Reform?

The future of psychedelic policy in the United States could take a dramatic turn depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. With former President Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, his potential return to the White House raises critical questions: Would a Trump administration support rescheduling psychedelics like DMT, psilocybin, or MDMA? Could federal reform on psychedelics accelerate under a second Trump term? How does Trump’s stance compare to Biden’s policies on psychedelic research and decriminalization? This article examines the possibilities of psychedelic policy under a potential Trump presidency, analyzing past precedents, political influences, and the broader landscape of drug policy reform. Trump’s Record on Drug Policy 1. First-Term Policies (2017-2021) During his first administration, Trump’s drug policy was largely defined by: Tough-on-crime rhetoric, including support for harsher penalties for drug trafficking. The 2018 SUPPORT Act, which focused on opioid addiction but did not address psychedelics. Silence on cannabis reform, despite state-level legalization advances. However, Trump also: Signed the Right to Try Act (2017), allowing terminally ill patients access to experimental drugs—potentially opening doors for psychedelic therapy. Appointed FDA and DEA leaders who did not block early psychedelic research but did not actively promote reform. 2. Trump’s Personal Views on Psychedelics No public statements on psychedelics like psilocybin or DMT. Reported past drug use (alcohol, occasional prescription stimulants) but no known experience with psychedelics. Influenced by advisors with mixed drug policy views (e.g., some hardliners vs. libertarian-leaning figures like Jared Kushner). Could Trump Reschedule Psychedelics? 1. Pathways to Federal Reform Rescheduling would require: DEA/FDA recommendation (e.g., based on medical evidence). Congressional action (unlikely unless bipartisan support emerges). Executive order (Trump could direct agencies to review scheduling, similar to Biden’s cannabis review). 2. Influencing Factors Veterans’ advocacy: Trump has voiced support for veterans; if psychedelic therapy (e.g., MDMA for PTSD) gains traction, he might back it. Big Pharma influence: If companies invest in psychedelic medicine, lobbying could sway policy. Public opinion: Growing bipartisan support for psychedelic research may pressure Trump to act. 3. Potential Scenarios Status quo: Trump may ignore the issue, leaving psychedelics Schedule I. Limited reform: Rescheduling only FDA-approved psychedelics (e.g., MDMA if approved in 2024). Unexpected support: If key advisors push reform (as seen with criminal justice changes in his first term). Trump vs. Biden on Psychedelics Policy Area Trump (Potential 2nd Term) Biden (Current Admin) Rescheduling Unclear; could defer to FDA/DEA Ordered review of cannabis scheduling (could set precedent) Research Likely to continue existing studies Actively funding psychedelic research (e.g., VA trials) Decriminalization Opposed to state-level drug reforms Silent on state psychedelic reforms (e.g., Oregon, Colorado) Medical Use Might support FDA-approved therapies Supports FDA process for MDMA/psilocybin What Would Psychedelic Reform Under Trump Look Like? 1. Best-Case Scenario FDA fast-tracks MDMA/psilocybin, leading to rescheduling. Right-to-Try expansion for psychedelic therapy access. No crackdown on state decriminalization efforts. 2. Worst-Case Scenario DEA resists reform, keeping psychedelics Schedule I. Federal pushback against state-level decriminalization. Stalled research funding. 3. Most Likely Outcome Limited, industry-driven reform (e.g., only FDA-approved psychedelics rescheduled). No major decriminalization push, but no aggressive enforcement against churches/retreats. Key Takeaways Trump’s stance on psychedelics is unknown, but his administration could follow FDA science or resist reform. Veterans’ health and pharmaceutical lobbying may influence policy. State-level reforms (e.g., Oregon, Colorado) will likely continue, but federal law remains a barrier. Final Thoughts A second Trump presidency could go either way on psychedelics—either ignoring the issue or unexpectedly embracing reform if political incentives align. While Biden has taken small steps toward research, Trump’s approach would depend heavily on advisors and industry pressure. What do you think? Would Trump support psychedelic reform? Share your predictions below!