Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 3) discussed marijuana legalisation and psychedelics. In an interview with YouTube podcaster Lex Fridman, Trump said opposing marijuana legalisation could be challenging — especially for a presidential candidate in an election year — and said if it has to be done, then it should be done in “a safe way” with regulation and age restrictions.

Fridman touched upon the supposed medical benefits of psychedelic drugs like magic mushrooms, saying, “We’d probably have a better world if everyone in Congress took some mushrooms,” prompting a chuckle from Trump.

“…there’s a lot of people that speak to sort of the health benefits and the spiritual benefits of these different psychedelics … (military) veterans use it for dealing with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and all that kind of stuff. So … it’s interesting that you’re thinking about being more accepting of some of these drugs, which don’t just have a recreational purpose, but a medical purpose, treatment purpose,” Fridman said.

Magic mushrooms, or ‘shrooms,’ contain the hallucinogenic compounds psilocin and psilocybin, which can induce euphoria and alter perceptions. Historically, cultures in Central America used these mushrooms for ceremonial purposes.

Today, research suggests psilocybin may help treat mental health conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction, though these uses remain unapproved by the US drugs regulator.

Effects typically begin within 30 minutes and last 3-6 hours, depending on individual factors. While some may experience positive effects, others might face risks, including nausea, anxiety, or ‘bad trips.’ Misidentifying poisonous mushrooms is a significant danger, as many resemble psilocybin varieties.

Currently, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most US states, with only a few cities allowing their use — Ann Arbor, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Oakland, California; and Seattle, Washington.

However, Trump chose not to delve into the subject of psychedelics, instead directing his focus toward marijuana policy.

“So we put out a statement the other day,” Trump said, referring to a post on Truth Social where he expressed support for a marijuana ballot measure in Florida.

He added, “We’re gonna put another one probably next week, to be more specific,” indicating that further details would be forthcoming. Trump acknowledged the challenges of opposing marijuana legalisation, stating, “But it’s coming up, and we’ll see how it does. I will say it’s been very hard to beat it. You take a look at the numbers; it’s been very hard to beat it… But you want to do it in a safe way.”

Throughout the conversation, Trump praised medical marijuana, noting that friends and doctors had described its effects as “absolutely amazing.” He remarked, “Medical marijuana has been amazing,” and emphasised that while marijuana can be acceptable, it must be managed carefully: “We can live with marijuana … it’s gotta be done in a really concerted way.”

Despite his support for medical marijuana, Trump expressed concerns about its presence in public spaces and potential safety issues. He said, “It’s gotta be done in a good way. It’s gotta be done in a clean way. You go into some of these places like in New York, it smells all marijuana.”

He commended Florida’s approach to marijuana legalisation, likely referencing the Amendment 3 ballot measure, which aimed to expand access to medical marijuana and regulate its use. “Very good,” he said, underscoring the importance of age restrictions and safety measures.

While Trump has historically taken a hardline stance on drugs, advocating for severe penalties for drug dealers, his recent remarks indicate a more nuanced perspective on marijuana. On Truth Social, he stated that arresting adults for marijuana possession is unnecessary. Yet, he remains concerned about public safety, particularly in Democrat-led cities where he believes marijuana use is rampant.

Trump’s comments signify a potential shift toward a more libertarian approach in some of his policies as he prepares for the 2024 presidential race. He has also expressed opposition to banning TikTok and criticised Florida’s six-week abortion law as “too short.”

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