Psychedelics Policy Is Shifting In Washington: Here’s What One Biotech CEO Sees Coming
Over the past few weeks, a cascade of federal moves has reshaped the conversation around psychedelic-assisted therapy in the United States. What was once a fringe issue is now drawing bipartisan attention—and, increasingly, institutional support.
The clearest signal came from FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who recently called psychedelic research a “top priority” for the agency, citing growing scientific validation and unmet needs in mental health. Just days later, Texas lawmakers approved $50 million in public funding for ibogaine trials targeting veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, an unprecedented commitment from a Republican-led state.
Adding to the momentum, the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed it is exploring psychedelic treatment vouchers for veterans, with VA Secretary Doug Collins telling Congress his agency is seeing “positive outcomes” from ongoing studies. Even HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime advocate of alternative therapies, has backed legalizing psychedelics in clinical settings.
Now, the federal pivot has taken an even sharper turn: Matthew Zorn, a high-profile attorney known for challenging government secrecy around drug policy, has joined the Department of Health and Human Services as Deputy General Counsel. Internally referred to as the agency’s “psychedelics czar,” Zorn previously sued HHS to force the release of its cannabis rescheduling review and has represented patients seeking legal access to psilocybin under Right to Try laws.
While Zorn’s role does not change regulation in itself, his hiring marks a rare crossover from courtroom adversary to federal policymaker and could accelerate alignment between science, law, and public demand.
Against that backdrop, Doug Drysdale, CEO of Cybin Inc. (NYSE:CYBN), one of the most closely watched companies in psychedelic medicine, told Benzinga the FDA’s stance is more than symbolic.
“It is gratifying that the FDA Commissioner shares our belief in the potential therapeutic value of these innovative treatments… We agree wholeheartedly that the time is now to address the mental health crisis, and we applaud Dr. Makary’s commitment to expedite the regulatory review process for product candidates in development,” said Drysdale.
“We are encouraged by the FDA’s …