logo
RFK Jr. and other Trump officials embrace psychedelics after FDA setback

RFK Jr. and other Trump officials embrace psychedelics after FDA setback

Time of India17-07-2025
Washington: For decades, proponents of psychedelic drugs have come to Washington with a provocative message: Illegal, mind-altering substances like LSD and ecstasy should be approved for Americans grappling with depression, trauma and other hard-to-treat conditions.
A presidential administration finally seems to agree.
"This line of therapeutics has tremendous advantage if given in a clinical setting and we are working very hard to make sure that happens within 12 months," Health Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy
Jr. recently told members of Congress.
His suggested timeline for green-lighting psychedelic therapy surprised even the most bullish supporters of the drugs. And it comes as psychedelics are making inroads in deep red states like Texas, where former
Trump
cabinet secretary and ex-governor Rick Perry has thrown his full support behind the effort.
The administration's embrace of psychedelics has sparked both excitement as well as concern from those in the field, who worry the drugs might be discredited if they appear to be rushed onto the market or are too closely linked with Kennedy, who is known for controversial views on vaccines, antidepressants and fluoride.
"I'm quite optimistic," says Rick Doblin, whose organization has pursued the medical use of MDMA (or ecstasy) since the 1980s. "But I'm also worried that the message the public might get is 'Well,
RFK
likes psychedelics and now it's approved.'"
FDA
may reconsider MDMA Under President Joe Biden, the FDA rejected MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, citing flawed data and questionable research. Regulators called for a new study, likely taking several years. It was a major setback for Doblin and other advocates hoping to see the first U.S. approval of a psychedelic for medical use.
But the agency appears ready to reconsider. FDA chief Marty Makary, who reports to Kennedy, has called the evaluation of MDMA and other psychedelics "a top priority," announcing a slate of initiatives that could be used to accelerate their approval.
One new program promises to expedite drugs that serve "the health interests of Americans," by slashing their review time from six months or more to as little as one month. Makary has also suggested greater flexibility on requirements for certain drugs, potentially waiving rigorous controlled studies that compare patients to a placebo group.
That approach, considered essential for high-quality research, has long been a stumbling point for psychedelic studies, in which patients can almost always correctly guess whether they've received the drug or a dummy pill.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and FDA also recently hired several new staffers with ties to the psychedelic movement.
"These are all very promising signs that the administration is aware of the potential of psychedelics and is trying to make overtures that they're ready to approve them," said Greg Ferenstein, a fellow at the libertarian Reason Foundation, who also consults for psychedelic companies. "We didn't hear anything about that in the Biden administration"
A spokesperson for HHS did not respond to a request for comment.
As a presidential candidate, Kennedy discussed how his son and several close friends benefited from using psychedelics to deal with grief and other issues.
A number of veterans lobbying for psychedelic access have already met with Trump's Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins.
"What we're seeing so far is positive," Collins told House lawmakers in May.
But some experts worry the hope and hype surrounding psychedelics has gotten ahead of the science.
Philip Corlett, a psychiatric researcher at Yale University, says bypassing rigorous clinical trials could set back the field and jeopardize patients.
"If RFK and the new administration are serious about this work, there are things they could do to shepherd it into reality by meeting the benchmarks of medical science," Corlett said. "I just don't think that's going to happen."
Texas goes all-in on ibogaine research As officials in Washington weigh the future of psychedelics, some states are moving ahead with their own projects in hopes of nudging the federal government. Oregon and Colorado have legalized psychedelic therapy.
And last month, Texas approved $50 million to study ibogaine, a potent psychedelic made from a shrub that's native to West Africa, as a treatment for opioid addiction, PTSD and other conditions. The research grant - the largest of its kind by any government - passed with support from the state's former GOP governor, Perry, and combat veterans, some who have traveled to clinics in Mexico that offer ibogaine.
Ibogaine is on the U.S. government's ultra-restrictive list of illegal, Schedule 1 drugs, which also includes heroin. So advocates in Texas are hoping to build a national movement to ease restrictions on researching its use.
"Governmental systems move slowly and inefficiently," said Bryan Hubbard of Americans for Ibogaine, a group formed with Perry. "Sometimes you find yourself constrained in terms of the progress you can make from within."
Ibogaine is unique among psychedelics in both its purported benefits and risks. Small studies and anecdotal reports suggest the drug may be able to dramatically ease addiction and trauma. It was sold for medical use in France for several decades starting in the 1930s, but the drug can also cause dangerous irregular heart rhythms, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Some veterans who have taken the drug say the risks can be managed and ibogaine's healing properties go far beyond antidepressants, mood stabilizers, counseling and other standard treatments.
Marcus Capone struggled with anger, insomnia and mood swings after 13 years as a Navy Seal. In 2017, at the urging of his wife Amber, he agreed to try ibogaine as a last resort. He described his first ibogaine session as "a complete purge of everything."
"But afterward I felt the weight just completely off my shoulders," he said. "No more anxiety, no more depression, life made sense all of a sudden."
A nonprofit founded by the Capones, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, or VETS, has helped over 1,000 veterans travel abroad to receive ibogaine and other psychedelics.
But federal scientists have looked at the drug before - three decades ago, when the National Institute on Drug Abuse funded preliminary studies on using it as an addiction treatment. The research was discontinued after it identified "cardiovascular toxicity."
"It would be dead in the water," in terms of winning FDA approval, longtime NIDA director Nora
Volkow
said.
But Volkow said her agency remains interested in psychedelics, including ibogaine, and is funding an American drugmaker that's working to develop a safer, synthetic version of the drug.
"I am very intrigued by their pharmacological properties and how they are influencing the brain," Volkow said. "But you also have to be very mindful not to fall into the hype and to be objective and rigorous in evaluating them."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sold Out on Day One: India Can't Get Enough of McDonald's New ‘Protein Plus Slice'
Sold Out on Day One: India Can't Get Enough of McDonald's New ‘Protein Plus Slice'

Fashion Value Chain

timean hour ago

  • Fashion Value Chain

Sold Out on Day One: India Can't Get Enough of McDonald's New ‘Protein Plus Slice'

McDonalds India (West & South), operated by Westlife Foodworld, witnessed unprecedented demand following the launch of its innovative Protein Plus Slice, with multiple outlets selling out of the new item on the very first day. The brand served more than 32,000 slices within 24 hours of launch, delivering approximately 160,000 grams of plant-based protein to customers across West and South India. Hon'ble FDA Min of Maharashtra, Shri Yogesh Kadam, Director – CSIR-CFTRI, along with the CEO and the MD of Westlife Foodworld at the launch event of McDonalds Protein Plus Slice The response was immediate and overwhelming, with customers eagerly customizing their favorite burgers with the protein enhancement. Mumbai led the region with over 11,000 slices sold, while Pune and Ahmedabad each surpassed 3,000 slices. Strong performance was also observed in Bengaluru and Chennai, with each exceeding 1,500 slices. The New Protein Plus Slice co-developed by CSIR-CFTRI The newly launched Protein Plus Range, features a first-of-its-kind 100% vegetarian, plant-based protein slice that adds 5 grams of protein to any burger. For the first time in the QSR industry, McDonalds is revolutionizing how people eat by allowing customers to add one, two, or even three slices to their favourite burgers, empowering them with greater nutritional choice without compromising taste. The launch event was inaugurated by Shri Yogesh Kadam, Honble Minister of State for FDA, Government of Maharashtra, who emphasized the growing need for safer and nutritious food choices that meet the needs of todays consumers. Developed in collaboration with the prestigious CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, the Protein Plus Slice contains no artificial colours or flavours and is free from onion and garlic, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Akshay Jatia, Chief Executive Officer, Westlife Foodworld said, 'At McDonald's India, we have always believed in giving our customers more choice, and this time, we are giving them the power to personalize their protein intake. The Protein Plus Range allows them to enjoy their favourite McDonald's burgers without compromising on their protein needs or the taste. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our 'Real Food, Real Good' philosophy, bringing together flavour, nutrition, and food science. We are grateful to CSIR-CFTRI for partnering with us to bring this forward-thinking product to life. Together, we remain committed to crafting menu items that are both wholesome and delicious, combining locally available ingredients in a way where great taste and nutrition go hand in hand.' Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI said, 'Building on our earlier success with the Multi-Millet Bun, we are excited to continue our partnership with McDonald's India to advance nutritional innovation in the QSR space. The Protein Plus slice is an outcome of science-backed formulation and a shared vision to elevate everyday meals through nutrition. This partnership showcases how industry and scientific institutions can come together to bring meaningful nutritional upgrades to mainstream eating.' This remarkable market response reinforces McDonalds Indias commitment to its Real Food, Real Good philosophy and demonstrates the brands leadership in menu innovation that genuinely addresses evolving consumer preferences. Customers across West and South can now savour their favourite burgers with the added nutritional goodness of protein, whether dining in, picking up via Drive-Thru, or ordering from the comfort of their homes through the McDelivery app. For more infromation, please visit:

Pregnant women taken on bullock cart, cot through slushy roads after heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh
Pregnant women taken on bullock cart, cot through slushy roads after heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Pregnant women taken on bullock cart, cot through slushy roads after heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh

Pregnant women and other people in emergency situations have been facing severe problems as many villages in Madhya Pradesh have lost contact with their district headquarters due to inundation after heavy rains. Two such cases of pregnant women bearing the brunt of poor roads due to overflowing rivers and streams have come to the fore in the last few days. In one case, a woman experiencing labour pain was taken to hospital by crossing a river in a bullock cart, while in another case, a pregnant woman had to be taken on a cot to an ambulance as the vehicle could not reach her house due to the waterlogged road. Also Read | Woman delivers baby in ambulance; concern raised over lack of facilities in hospital, poor road Videos of the ordeal faced by the two women have gone viral on social media. While a government official said they will probe which department was responsible for the poor road conditions, the Opposition Congress targeted the ruling BJP and asked if the government was making efforts to address the people's woes. A State BJP leader, however, said road networks were laid up to villages in the last 20 years, enabling people to use health services in emergency situations. A tribal labourers' organisation warned of an agitation if the government did not take concrete steps to address their problems by August 15. Sunita, resident of Bod Raiyat village under Chicholi development block, located 60 km from Betul district headquarters, started getting labour pains on Sunday. Her husband Bablu Adivasi told PTI that when he could not find a way to take her to hospital due to the flooded Bhanji river causing inundation in their area, he discussed the matter with others villagers. "The villagers showed courage and Sunita was taken across the river in a bullock cart and then to Chirapatla Hospital in an ambulance," he said. A video shared widely on social media showed the woman lying in the bullock cart and four-five persons pushing it across the river to take her to the other side. Bablu said his wife later gave birth to a healthy baby in the hospital and both the mother and child were fine. "If the villagers had not come forward showing courage, I would not have been able to take my wife to the hospital. Anything could have happened in such a situation," he said. Rajendra Garhwal of the Shramik Adivasi Sangathan, an NGO in Betul, said the Bhanji river passes through the village and several agitations have been held to demand the construction of a bridge over it, but no concrete steps have been taken so far. Many accidents have occurred in the river, but the administration remains "careless", he claimed. Garhwal said if concrete steps are not taken towards the construction of the bridge by August 15, then the sangathan will launch a big agitation. In a similar case, Chanchal, aged around 30 and resident of Barokhari village under Lahar assembly constituency in Bhind district, experienced severe labour pain on Monday. The Dalit woman's family called an ambulance but it was unable to reach their house, located 60 km from the district headquarters, as the approach road was waterlogged and slushy following heavy rainfall. Four persons then carried her on a cot through the muddy road to the ambulance. Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sunil Dubey later told reporters that an inquiry will be conducted to determine which department was responsible for the poor condition of the road, and further action will be taken based on the findings. On the poor condition of roads in rural areas during the monsoon, Dubey said gram panchayats get limited funds, making it difficult to carry out many development works. Garhwal, however, claimed there was no shortage of financial resources in the state, but the work was being postponed by making excuses for the budget. "But, now playing with the lives of villagers will not be tolerated," he added. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari shared a video of the Betul incident on X to hit out at the state government. Referring to the video, he said, "This is the scene from Chicholi area of Ghoradongri assembly constituency in Betul! Is this compulsion to cross the Bhanji river a sign of strong leadership?" Patwari also targeted state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, who represents Betul in the state assembly. "The public, tired of protesting, is asking, does the BJP state president not even listen to them now?" he said in the post. MP BJP media in-charge Ashish Agrawal, however, said, "The Congress should not forget its 50 years' rule during which no development took place, especially in rural areas. By raising such issues, they are exposing themselves and it reflects on their poor track-record of governance." In the last 20 years, road networks were laid right up to villages and that was the reason ambulances were able to reach to the nearest point, enabling people to use the services in emergency situations, he added. As per the IMD, Madhya Pradesh recorded 645.8 mm rainfall in this monsoon season, compared to 418.4 mm during the same period last year, which is 54 per cent more than normal.

Broken and biased: Health Secretary RFK Jr. vows to reform Vaccine Court
Broken and biased: Health Secretary RFK Jr. vows to reform Vaccine Court

India Today

time10 hours ago

  • India Today

Broken and biased: Health Secretary RFK Jr. vows to reform Vaccine Court

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a scathing attack on the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) on Monday, calling the federal system 'broken,' 'corrupt,' and 'inefficient.' He pledged to lead a sweeping overhaul to restore its original mission of supporting victims of vaccine a long-time vaccine sceptic and former lawyer for vaccine injury plaintiffs, said the program, along with its adjudication arm, commonly known as the 'Vaccine Court' has strayed far from its founding intent. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), he accused the system of prioritising government finances over children's health and VICP has devolved into a morass of inefficiency, favouritism, and outright corruption,' Kennedy wrote. 'Government lawyers and the Special Masters who serve as Vaccine Court judges prioritize the solvency of the HHS Trust Fund over their duty to compensate victims.' The VICP was established in 1986 after Congress granted vaccine manufacturers immunity from direct lawsuits. It was meant to ensure swift and fair compensation for individuals harmed by vaccines. It is funded by a 75-cent surcharge on each vaccine dose and has disbursed over $5.4 billion to more than 12,000 Kennedy claims the system no longer serves those it was designed to help.'Instead of quickly and fairly awarding compensation,' Kennedy said, 'Special Masters dismiss over half of the cases. Most of those that proceed typically take 5+ years to resolve, with many languishing for more than 10 years.'Kennedy pointed to structural flaws within the programme, noting that claimants face the vast resources of the US Department of Justice not the vaccine manufacturers themselves. He also criticised the court's lack of transparency, saying there is 'no discovery,' and that petitioners' lawyers are denied access to critical CDC data on vaccine injuries.'The structure itself hobbles claimants,' he argued. 'Attorney compensation is in the hands of notoriously biased Special Masters... who can leverage this power to turn petitioner attorneys against their clients' interests.'He further alleged that expert witnesses for injured children are 'intimidated' and risk losing research funding if they testify.'The government pays its own medical expert witnesses promptly while simultaneously slow-walking payments for petitioners' experts sometimes for years,' Kennedy the challenges, Kennedy vowed reform. 'The VICP is broken, and I intend to fix it,' he declared, adding that he was working with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and HHS staff to 'steer the Vaccine Court back to its original Congressional intent.''I will not allow the VICP to continue to ignore its mandate and fail its mission of quickly and fairly compensating vaccine-injured individuals,' he concluded.- EndsMust Watch

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store