Mugglehead
Puerto Rico’s psychedelic scene is heating up. Government moves, recent events and growing buzz around the prospect of a retreat centre landscape have put the territory on the map in the United States.
On Aug. 4, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón signed Executive Order 2026-037. It tells the Department of Health to explore a pilot clinical research programme focused on ibogaine, MDMA and psilocybin. The order sets up a Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Committee packed with experts in psychiatry, pharmacology and ethics.
Officials must weigh the evidence, check what infrastructure is needed and hunt for funding and partnerships with federal bodies such as the NIH, FDA, VA and DEA. Veterans get special attention through the Department of Health working with Puerto Rico’s Veterans Advocate office so they can learn about the research and, if eligible, take part in trials. The order does not green-light everyday clinical use of these substances.
It builds directly on President Trump’s April executive order, which aimed to speed up psychedelic research and cut federal red tape, especially around ibogaine. It also rides the wave already rolling through Oregon’s licensed psilocybin centres, Colorado’s Natural Medicine programme and New Mexico’s medical psilocybin law — the first passed by a state legislature.
“Through 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,” said the governor.
Puerto Rico governor signs executive order for psychedelic therapy research
