Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, praised recent action by President Donald Trump to accelerate federal approval pathways for psychedelic-assisted therapies targeting mental health and addiction. Pae has authored several measures in recent years to study the use of certain psychedelic drugs for such treatments.

The executive order directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to fast-track review of psychedelic therapies and expand research access for patients suffering from serious conditions such as depression and substance use disorders. It expands access to experimental treatments, including through pathways like the federal Right to Try Act.

"President Trump's executive order marks a major step forward in addressing our nation’s mental health and addiction crises," Pae said. "Emerging research shows these treatments could offer real hope for individuals who have exhausted traditional options. I commend President Trump for responsibly accelerating research so we can better understand these tools and, if proven safe, make them available to those who desperately need help. I look forward to continuing this work in Oklahoma and supporting further study at both the state and federal level."

Last year, Pae introduced House Bill 4293 to expand research opportunities and further evaluate the safety and efficacy of psychedelic treatments for Oklahomans struggling with mental illness and addiction. In 2024, he passed House Bill 2107, which established a pilot program to study the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for certain mental health conditions. The measure was approved in the House but was not heard in the Senate.

Growing evidence suggest that psychedelic compounds may have significant therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and substance use disorders when used in controlled, clinical settings. A 2025 study found that a single dose of lysergide, combined with psychotherapy, could ease anxiety for up to a year.