Trump’s surgeon general pick promotes the use of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, in a 2024 book and her personal newsletter.
President Donald Trump’s choice for U.S. surgeon general is wellness influencer Dr. Casey Means, recommended by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, is illegal under federal law and classified as a Schedule 1 drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
While some states have legalized certain forms of psychedelic therapy, Means’ promotion of psilocybin-assisted therapy is controversial given its legal status.
Means, with degrees from Stanford University, began a medical residency in Oregon but never completed it. Her medical license is inactive.
Despite the legal and medical concerns surrounding psilocybin, Means advocates for its use based on her personal experiences and scientific evidence.
While research suggests psychedelics may have therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions, experts caution about the risks associated with their use.
In addition to psilocybin, Means also supports the use of MDMA (ecstasy) as a potential therapy for PTSD, although the FDA has not approved it for this purpose due to safety concerns and limited research.
Means’ advocacy for psychedelic treatments aligns with her brother, Calley Means, a health adviser in the Trump administration, who has also spoken about his positive experiences with psilocybin.
For more information on psychedelics, visit Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Citation: Trump’s surgeon general pick touts psychedelics for health (2025, May 15) retrieved 15 May 2025 from MedicalXpress
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