Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed an executive order on Tuesday instructing the Department of Health to evaluate a clinical research pilot program involving psychedelics and other emerging therapies.
“Scientific innovation represents an opportunity to transform the future of Puerto Rico’s healthcare system,” González Colón said at a press conference. “It is our responsibility to prepare the island to participate in the research that will define the treatments of tomorrow, always maintaining the highest scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards. With this executive order, we are moving toward making Puerto Rico a leader in clinical research and opening new opportunities for our patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, and veterans.”
Executive Order 2026-037 does not authorize the general clinical use of psychedelic therapies, ibogaine, psilocybin, MDMA, or other compounds currently under investigation. For the time being, it mandates a study of the scientific, ethical, regulatory, and financial feasibility of the pilot program.
The Health Department is tasked with identifying federal and private funding opportunities, fostering partnerships with universities, hospitals and research centers, and presenting public policy recommendations to the governor.
The order also establishes a Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Committee comprising specialists in clinical research, public health, bioethics, pharmacology, neurology, psychiatry, psychology and regulatory affairs.
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