AdvisorShares Applauds Executive Order Accelerating Access to Psychedelic Therapies

Rhea-AI Summary

AdvisorShares (NYSE: PSIL) praised the Executive Order signed April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to fast-track review and expand access to psychedelic-assisted treatments including psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine.

The statement frames the order as a pivotal policy shift for PTSD, TBI, depression and addiction, cites recent peer-reviewed research, and reiterates Fund risks and investment-access details at PSIL.AdvisorShares.com.

Positive

• Executive Order (Apr 18, 2026) to fast-track psychedelic treatments
• Highlights peer-reviewed research showing strong ibogaine PTSD results
• ETF provides dedicated investor access to psychedelic medicine ecosystem

Negative

• FDA/DEA scheduling and approval remain required and uncertain
• No guarantee psychedelic drugs will be approved as medicines
• Regulatory and legal risks in U.S. and Canada could limit growth

Key Figures

PTSD prevalence: 29.5 million Americans Daily veteran suicides: 17 veterans per day Annual veteran suicides: more than 6,000 annually +1 more

4 metrics

PTSD prevalence 29.5 million Americans Estimated lifetime PTSD impact in the U.S.

Daily veteran suicides 17 veterans per day Estimated U.S. veteran suicide rate

Annual veteran suicides more than 6,000 annually Estimated yearly veteran suicides in the U.S.

TBI-affected service members 414,000+ individuals Active-duty service members and veterans with TBI since 2000

Market Reality Check

Price: $18.75 Vol: Volume 8,664 vs 20-day av...

normal vol

$18.75 Last Close

Volume Volume 8,664 vs 20-day average 10,706 suggests no outsized trading response. normal

Technical Price 18.755 is trading above 200-day MA at 17.58, indicating a pre-existing upward bias.

Peers on Argus

No peer ETFs or related securities appeared in the momentum scanner, pointing to...

No peer ETFs or related securities appeared in the momentum scanner, pointing to a stock-specific reaction to the psychedelics-focused policy news.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement centers on an Executive Order directing faster review and expanded access to psych...

Analysis

This announcement centers on an Executive Order directing faster review and expanded access to psychedelic-assisted treatments, framed against a large unmet need, including 29.5 million Americans with PTSD and 414,000+ service members and veterans with TBI. For PSIL, the news reinforces its thematic focus on the psychedelics ecosystem. Investors may watch future regulatory actions, clinical data publications, and changes in federal scheduling as key markers for how this policy signal develops.

Key Terms

psilocybin, mdma, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, +3 more

7 terms

psilocybin medical

"treatments, including ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA, for mental health disorders"

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms that alters perception, mood and consciousness; when taken the body converts it into an active substance that produces short-term hallucinogenic effects. Investors watch psilocybin because researchers and drug developers are exploring it as a potential treatment for depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions, so clinical trial results, regulatory decisions and changing stigma can create large commercial opportunities or risks—think of it as a new drug category whose approval pathway can drive big swings in company value.

mdma medical

"treatments, including ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA, for mental health disorders"

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive compound best known for producing strong mood and empathy effects; it appears both as a recreational drug and as an experimental medicine used alongside psychotherapy. Investors watch MDMA because positive clinical results or regulatory changes can create a new prescription market—like discovering a potent new ingredient for treatments—while legal controls, safety data, and public perception can sharply limit commercial and financial upside.

post-traumatic stress disorder medical

"mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury"

A mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, causing persistent symptoms such as intrusive memories, heightened stress reactions, avoidance of reminders, and trouble sleeping or concentrating. For investors it matters because it can reduce employee productivity, increase healthcare and disability costs, alter consumer behavior, and create demand for treatment and support services—think of a business whose systems keep freezing after a shock, requiring ongoing fixes and higher operating costs.

traumatic brain injury medical

"such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression"

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by a sudden external force—like a blow, jolt, or penetration—that disrupts thinking, movement, senses, or emotion; think of the brain as a delicate computer that can short-circuit after a hard impact. For investors, TBI matters because it drives demand for medical devices, drugs, rehabilitation services, and long-term care, and it creates financial risks for insurers and companies facing liability or costly clinical research and regulatory hurdles.

ibogaine medical

"treatments, including ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA, for mental health disorders"

A naturally derived psychoactive compound used experimentally to treat substance use disorders and certain mental health conditions; it acts on the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Investors care because a successful, approved therapy could open a new treatment market, while safety concerns, mixed clinical evidence, and strict regulatory oversight create high development risk—think of it as an experimental key that may unlock value but must pass several safety locks first.

schedule iii regulatory

"psilocybin, are classified as Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Drugs and"

A Schedule III classification is a regulatory category for drugs and substances that have a recognized medical use but a moderate risk of dependence or abuse, placing them between higher-risk controlled drugs and over-the-counter medicines. For investors, this matters because it shapes how a product can be manufactured, prescribed, marketed and distributed — affecting potential sales, regulatory hurdles, labeling requirements and legal exposure in the market; think of it as a middle level of control that influences commercial access and compliance costs.

controlled substances act regulatory

"psilocybin, are classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act ("CSA")"

A federal law that creates the rules for which drugs and chemicals are legal, how they are classified by risk, and what licenses and controls are required for manufacture, distribution, research, and medical use. For investors, these classifications act like traffic signals — they determine how easy or hard it is for companies to develop, sell, or research certain medications and can sharply affect a company’s regulatory cost, market access, and legal risk.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Portfolio manager of the AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (PSIL) calls executive action a pivotal moment for psychedelic medicine

BETHESDA, Md., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AdvisorShares, a leading sponsor of actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today issued the following statement in response to the Executive Order signed by President Donald J. Trump on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to fast-track review and expand access to psychedelic-assisted treatments, including ibogaine, psilocybin and MDMA, for mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression and addiction.

"This executive order is a historic signal and a long-overdue step for patients, veterans and the clinicians caring for them," said Dan Ahrens, managing director at AdvisorShares and portfolio manager of the AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (Ticker: PSIL). "For years, the clinical evidence has pointed toward psychedelic-assisted therapies as a genuine breakthrough for PTSD, treatment-resistant depression and TBI—conditions that have devastated millions of Americans, often without adequate conventional treatment options. We believe President Trump's action meaningfully advances the public health conversation and strengthens the long-term investment case for this emerging space."

The scale of the mental health challenge facing the United States, particularly the military and veteran community, underscores why federal action has become increasingly urgent:

• PTSD affects an estimated 29.5 million Americans at some point in their lives, with veterans disproportionately impacted
• The U.S. veteran suicide rate remains tragically elevated, with approximately 17 veterans dying by suicide each day, more than 6,000 annually
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects an estimated 414,000+ active-duty service members and veterans since 2000, with limited treatment options under conventional care
• Recent peer-reviewed research published in Nature Medicine found ibogaine treatment produced dramatic reductions in PTSD symptom severity, suicidal ideation and depression among special operations veterans with TBI, with results that outpaced any existing standard of care

Ahrens added, "What makes this moment different is the convergence of science, policy and public health urgency. Recent peer-reviewed research, including studies on ibogaine for special operations veterans with TBI, has produced results that rival or exceed existing standards of care. While meaningful regulatory work remains ahead, the Executive Order signals that psychedelic medicine has moved from the periphery of clinical research into a national priority. PSIL was built to provide investors with dedicated access to this evolving ecosystem."

The actively managed PSIL offers access to the psychedelic medicine ecosystem—a space where science, policy, and public health urgency are now converging—through the full transparency, intraday liquidity and operational efficiencies of an ETF vehicle.

For information, including fund performance, holdings and more, please visit PSIL.AdvisorShares.com.

About AdvisorShares

AdvisorShares is a leading provider of actively managed ETFs, providing investment solutions across equities, alternatives and thematic strategies. Financial professionals and investors seeking more information may call 1-877-843-3831 or visit advisorshares.com.

Each weekday at 12:00 p.m. ET, AdvisorShares hosts the AlphaNooner, a live market discussion focused on timely investment topics. Past discussions have covered thematic investing, risk management and hedging strategies, active portfolio construction, interest-rate and policy cycles, and the long-term forces shaping market leadership. Viewers can watch live, submit questions, and engage in real time on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by visiting the Fund's website at www.AdvisorShares.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, distributor.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested.  

Psychedelic drugs, also known as hallucinogens, are a group of substances, including psilocybin, that are used to change and enhance sensory perceptions, thought processes, and energy levels. Psychedelic medicines, therapeutics, and healthcare treatments may be used in the treatment of illnesses such as depression, addiction, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychedelic medicine companies include life sciences companies having significant business activities in, or significant exposure to, the psychedelics industry including producers or distributors of psychedelic medicines, biotechnology companies engaged in research and development of psychedelic medicines, and companies that are part of the supply chain for psychedelics.  

Psychedelics Companies Risk. Psychedelics companies are subject to various laws and regulations that may differ at the state/local and federal level. These laws and regulations may significantly affect a psychedelics company's ability to secure financing, impact the market for psychedelics and business sales and services, and set limitations on psychedelics use, production, transportation, and storage. There can be no guarantees that such approvals or administrative actions will happen or be favorable for psychedelics companies, and such actions may be subject to lengthy delays, and may require length and expensive clinical trials. Additionally, therapies containing controlled substances may generate public controversy. Political and social pressures and adverse publicity could lead to delays in approval of, and increased expenses for, companies and any future therapeutic candidates they may develop. All of these factors and others may prevent psychedelics companies from becoming profitable, which may materially affect the value of certain Fund investments. In addition, psychedelics are subject to the risks associated with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

In Canada, certain psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, are classified as Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ("CDSA") and, as such, medical and recreational use is illegal under Canadian federal laws. In the United States, certain psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, are classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act ("CSA") and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (the "CSIEA") and, as such, medical and recreational use is illegal under the U.S. federal laws. There is no guarantee that psychedelic drugs or psychedelic-inspired drugs will ever be approved as medicines in either jurisdiction.  

In the United States, scheduling determinations by the Drug Enforcement Agency ("DEA") are dependent on Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approval of a substance or a specific formulation of a substance. Unless and until psilocybin, psilocin, or other psychedelics-based products receive FDA approval, such products may be prohibited from sale, which could limit the growth opportunities for certain portfolio companies of the Fund. Even if approved by the FDA, the manufacture, importation, exportation, domestic distribution, storage, sale, and legitimate use of such products will continue to be subject to a significant degree of regulation by the DEA.

Security prices of small cap companies may be more volatile than those of larger companies and therefore the Fund's share price may be more volatile than those of funds that invest a larger percentage of their assets in securities issued by larger-cap companies. These risks are even greater for micro-cap companies. 

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SOURCE AdvisorShares

FAQ

What did AdvisorShares announce about the Executive Order affecting psychedelic therapies (PSIL) on April 20, 2026?

AdvisorShares said the Executive Order (Apr 18, 2026) will fast-track review and expand access to psychedelic-assisted treatments. According to AdvisorShares, the action advances public-health discussion and strengthens the long-term investment case for psychedelic medicine and the PSIL ETF.

Which psychedelic drugs did AdvisorShares say the Executive Order targets and how does that affect PSIL?

The Executive Order targets psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine for accelerated review and access. According to AdvisorShares, PSIL offers investors dedicated exposure to companies in this evolving ecosystem through an actively managed ETF structure.

How did AdvisorShares describe scientific evidence supporting psychedelic therapies in the April 20, 2026 statement?

AdvisorShares highlighted peer-reviewed research showing notable reductions in PTSD, suicidal ideation and depression in special operations veterans. According to AdvisorShares, recent studies, including ibogaine research, produced results that rival or exceed existing standards of care.

What risks did AdvisorShares note for investors in PSIL following the Executive Order?

AdvisorShares warned that FDA approval and DEA scheduling remain required, so legal and regulatory uncertainty persists. According to AdvisorShares, there is no guarantee approvals will occur, and regulatory differences in the U.S. and Canada could limit portfolio company growth.

Does the AdvisorShares statement give any data on mental-health prevalence relevant to PSIL investors?

The statement cites concrete prevalence figures for investor context: PTSD affects about 29.5 million Americans and roughly 17 veteran suicides occur daily. According to AdvisorShares, these figures underscore public-health urgency for expanded treatment options.

Where can investors find PSIL fund details and disclosures after the April 20, 2026 statement?

Investors can find fund performance, holdings, and the prospectus at PSIL.AdvisorShares.com. According to AdvisorShares, the prospectus contains investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses and should be read before investing.