Mississippi Governor Signs Law to Fund Ibogaine Mental Health Trials
Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation Wednesday to fund clinical trials for ibogaine, a psychedelic drug with potential mental health benefits. The bill, passed with bipartisan support, directs the Mississippi State Department of Health to create a partnership to research ibogaine’s effectiveness in treating addiction, depression, and traumatic brain injuries.
No state funds are attached to the bill at this time, but lawmakers have indicated they plan to allocate opioid settlement funds for the effort. The funds could reach up to $5 million, according to legislative sources.
The drug, derived from a West African shrub, has garnered interest for decades. Advocates see it as a possible solution for the nation’s opioid crisis. However, the federal government classified ibogaine as having no medical use in 1970 due to safety concerns, including instances of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Bryan Hubbard, executive director of Americans for Ibogaine, has lobbied across states to promote research funding. He has close ties to political figures, including a former Kentucky attorney general who received campaign funding from an ibogaine industry-backed super PAC. Hubbard also led a Kentucky opioid settlement effort that aimed to direct millions toward ibogaine research.
Supporters cite a 2024 Stanford study suggesting ibogaine may reduce symptoms of traumatic brain injury and mental disorders, especially when combined with magnesium. Critics note that the study lacked a control group, making it difficult to confirm effectiveness. Despite some anecdotal reports of success, most scientific reviews highlight the high risk of bias in existing studies, and current approved treatments for opioid use disorder remain effective.
Hubbard has promoted research efforts at events like a recent summit in Aspen, Colorado, that gathered state legislators to discuss ibogaine’s potential. Mississippi lawmakers, including House Public Health Committee Chair Sam Creekmore, have shown interest. Creekmore publicly endorsed the idea of allocating $5 million for the trials from opioid settlement funds, which are managed by the attorney general’s office.
The legislation marks a significant step in Mississippi’s exploration of alternative treatments for mental health and addiction, though the actual funding will be appropriated through upcoming budget processes.
Source: Original Article
