AdvisorShares Supports New Executive Action to Expand Psychedelic Therapy Access

AdvisorShares Applauds Executive Action on Psychedelic Therapies

In a significant move towards enhancing mental health treatment, AdvisorShares, a notable sponsor of actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs), expressed strong approval for a recent executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump. The order, enacted on April 18, 2026, instructs federal agencies to expedite the review and broaden access to psychedelic-assisted treatments such as ibogaine, psilocybin, and MDMA. This initiative aims to combat mental health disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and addiction.

Dan Ahrens, the managing director at AdvisorShares and the portfolio manager of the AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (Ticker PSIL), described this executive action as a historic milestone for both patients and clinicians. He asserted, “This legislation is a crucial and long-awaited step for veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges. Clinical evidence has increasingly showcased that psychedelic-assisted therapies can serve as significant breakthroughs for PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and TBI, affecting millions of Americans who often lack sufficient conventional treatment options.”

The scope of mental health issues in the United States is particularly concerning, especially among military and veteran communities. Current statistics reveal that approximately 29.5 million Americans are affected by PTSD at some point in their lives, a condition disproportionately experienced by veterans. Tragically, the U.S. veteran suicide rate is alarmingly high, with around 17 veterans taking their own lives daily, equating to over 6,000 annually. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries have impacted over 414,000 active-duty service members and veterans since 2000, often with limited treatment options available through conventional care.

Recent peer-reviewed studies published in Nature Medicine further validate the potential effectiveness of psychedelic treatments. These studies highlighted dramatic reductions in PTSD symptoms, suicidal ideation, and depression among special operations veterans with TBI who underwent ibogaine treatment, showcasing results that surpass existing standards of care.

Ahrens notes that the confluence of scientific research, policy reform, and public health urgency signifies a transformative moment. He commented, “What sets this moment apart is the integrated approach of science, policy, and the pressing need for improved public health. Research into ibogaine and its effects on veterans has yielded promising results, indicating that psychedelic medicine is no longer relegated to the outskirts of clinical research but has emerged as a national priority.”

The AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) offers investors an opportunity to engage with the burgeoning psychedelic medicine ecosystem, characterized by its evolving nature, commitment to scientific transparency, and the potential for intraday liquidity typically associated with ETF products.

About AdvisorShares

AdvisorShares is recognized as a leading provider of actively managed ETFs. The company focuses on a broad range of investment solutions across equities, alternative assets, and thematic strategies. Financial professionals and investors seeking further information can visit AdvisorShares.com or call 1-877-843-3831.

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Investment considerations necessitate thorough evaluation of the Fund's objectives, risks, and expenses. The prospectus, detailing essential information, is accessible on the Fund’s official website. It is important to read the prospectus carefully before proceeding with investments. Furthermore, investors should be aware of the inherent risks associated with psychedelic therapy development and the potential for delays due to regulatory scrutiny and public perception.

As AdvisorShares continues to align itself with significant legislative actions aimed at enhancing mental health treatments, this initiative could reshape the landscape of therapeutic practices in the United States, bringing new hope to countless individuals grappling with mental health issues.