Texas Funds Ibogaine Research as Federal Support Grows for Psychedelic Studies
Texas has allocated $50 million to study ibogaine for opioid addiction treatment, following legislative approval. The Trump administration recently issued an executive order to expedite psychedelic research, including ibogaine. Advocates, including former officials, are promoting the substance derived from an African plant.
japantimes.co.jpTexas has allocated $50 million for research into ibogaine, a molecule derived from the iboga plant native to Central Africa, to develop treatments for opioid addiction. The funding was approved through SB 2308, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott after passing the state legislature.
This positions Texas as a leading investor in psychedelic research, despite cannabis remaining illegal in the state. Ibogaine is the primary active compound in iboga, similar to psilocybin in mushrooms. Initial studies indicate it may help reduce opioid dependence, often with a single dose, by interrupting withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid addiction deaths have increased nearly tenfold since 1999.
Rick Perry and lawyer Bryan Hubbard founded Americans for Ibogaine, a lobbying group promoting the substance. At a conference in Aspen, Colorado, in November, Perry described personal experiences with iboga, stating it provided spiritual insights. He referenced a biblical quote from Revelations 22:2, suggesting iboga's leaves could heal nations.
On April 18, the Trump administration issued an executive order to accelerate psychedelic research, including ibogaine. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate at least $50 million from existing funds to support state efforts.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the action as addressing the mental health crisis. Joe Rogan reportedly facilitated connections between Americans for Ibogaine and President Trump regarding the policy shift. More than a dozen states, including Arizona, have passed legislation to study ibogaine.
