Texas Plans $50M Ibogaine Research for PTSD, Addiction

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2308, allocating $50 million to fund research and clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound derived from an African shrub with potential to treat PTSD and opioid addiction. The legislation establishes a consortium of universities, hospitals, and drug developers to oversee the development of ibogaine treatments, with Texas retaining a 20% stake in any resulting drugs and dedicating 25% of that revenue to veteran assistance programs. Despite ibogaine being a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. and associated with serious cardiac risks and fatalities, studies from institutions like Stanford Medicine and UC Berkeley have shown promising reductions in psychiatric symptoms among veterans and others suffering from addiction and trauma. The bill aims not only to advance public health but also to secure economic benefits for Texas, distinguishing the state as a leader in psychedelic research. Notably, former Governor Rick Perry played a key role in advancing the effort after similar initiatives failed in other states, highlighting an unusual bipartisan support for psychedelics amid broader crackdowns on recreational cannabis use in Texas. Veterans such as former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell have testified in favor of ibogaine, emphasizing its importance as an alternative treatment for mental health and addiction challenges faced by military personnel and first responders.