Puerto Rico advances psychedelic therapy research

Puerto Rico's new initiative on psychedelic therapy research

Puerto Rico is making strides in psychedelic therapy research following an executive order signed by Governor Jenniffer González-Colón on August 4, 2026. The order mandates the Department of Health to develop a pilot clinical research program focusing on ibogaine, MDMA, and psilocybin. This move positions Puerto Rico as a potential leader in the field within the United States.

What the executive order entails

The executive order establishes a Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Committee composed of experts in psychiatry, pharmacology, and ethics. This committee is tasked with evaluating existing evidence, determining necessary infrastructure, and seeking funding and partnerships with federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Veterans Affairs (VA), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The initiative particularly emphasizes veteran involvement, coordinating with Puerto Rico’s Veterans Advocate office to facilitate veteran participation in the research trials.

Regulatory context

The order does not authorize the general clinical use of these psychedelic substances, which remain classified as Schedule I under federal law. Instead, it aims to streamline the research process by outlining legal pathways and enhancing research capabilities. This aligns with previous federal efforts, including an executive order from former President Trump aimed at expediting psychedelic research, particularly concerning ibogaine.

Why it matters

Governor González-Colón stated that the initiative could position Puerto Rico as a leader in clinical research, providing new opportunities for patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, and veterans. The order builds on momentum from similar initiatives in Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico, which have enacted laws to facilitate psychedelic research and use.

From summit to action

The executive order follows Puerto Rico's inaugural Psychedelic Summit in 2025, organized by the Pravan Foundation, a local mental health advocacy group. The summit brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community members to discuss evidence and potential regulations. Pravan co-founder David Melchor, present at the signing, highlighted the potential for Puerto Rico to establish a responsible framework for studying these substances, offering hope to those with persistent mental health challenges.

Puerto Rico's adherence to federal law means that these substances remain illegal outside approved research. However, the order provides a clearer path for conducting trials, potentially offering new treatment options for residents with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions.

The initiative reflects a growing interest in psychedelic therapies across the United States, with Puerto Rico poised to contribute significantly to this emerging field.