Puerto Rico and its pilot program for psychedelic therapy

In a significant move aimed at reforming Puerto Rico's approach to serious mental disorders and substance use, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón signed an executive order on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, designed to transform the U.S. territory into a pioneering center for clinical research of emerging medical therapies.

Executive Order 2026-037 will create a comprehensive assessment to establish a “Clinical Research Pilot Program for Emerging Therapies.” The program will lay the groundwork for clinical trials with novel and historically restricted therapeutic compounds, prioritizing scientific rigor and strict adherence to state and federal regulatory frameworks.

The administration cited the island's ongoing struggle with complex mental health issues, neurodegenerative diseases, and a growing substance use disorder as the primary catalyst for the new public policy. Recognizing that existing treatments are often insufficient for vulnerable populations, the government is exploring novel compounds such as ibogaine, as well as other emerging therapies, including psilocybin and MDMA.

“Scientific innovation represents an opportunity to transform the future of Puerto Rico’s healthcare system. Our responsibility is to prepare the island to participate in the research that will define tomorrow’s treatments, always adhering to the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethics, and regulatory compliance. Through this Executive Order, we are moving forward to make Puerto Rico a leader in clinical research and opening new opportunities for our patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, and veterans,” González-Colón reported. Advocacy organizations across the island, including the Puerto Rico Psychedelic Collective, hailed the executive order as a watershed moment for Puerto Rico’s psychedelic ambitions.

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