Latest news with #Ibogaine
Fox News
18-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Veterans cross border for forbidden psychedelic treatment that's changing lives after combat
As desperate veterans crossed into Mexico to try a promising psychedelic drug, a battle over the same substance raged on in Texas. Ibogaine – a plant-based extract that originates from the African iboga shrub – is a psychedelic drug and has been championed by a coalition of military heroes who swear by its benefits. For the last few years, veterans have been traveling south of the border to try the drug for PTSD and traumatic brain injury treatment and have returned with remarkable stories of healing — but, here in the U.S., the drug can neither be bought nor taken. In fact, even studying it poses a challenge, but Texas sought to change that with a bill to make the Lone Star State the international leader in ibogaine research."There is obviously a medical use for this. We sent 1,000 warfighters down to Mexico to be treated, and we know how they're coming back and how they're healed," former Texas Gov. Rick Perry said in the Fox Nation exclusive "Ibogaine: The Fight of a Lifetime," hosted by Fox News' Will Cain. The longest-serving governor in Lone Star State history is one of several personalities featured in the special, which debuted on the streaming platform this Thursday and explores the fight to open up a clinical investigation into the schedule I substance in Texas. Schedule I, as classified under the Controlled Substances Act signed by President Richard Nixon in the early 1970s, means the substance serves no medical purpose and is addictive in nature. Perry says ibogaine is neither of those and is instead crucial for saving the lives of veterans with invisible wounds. "Six years ago, if you had told me that Rick Perry and psychedelics were going to be in the same sentence, I would have went, 'I don't think so,'" he said. Yet Americans for Ibogaine CEO Bryan Hubbard says Perry has become instrumental in blazing the path forward for the drug, particularly among skeptics who need a familiar, trustworthy voice in its corner. "The scientists, the doctors, the PhDs, the technicians that have worked on this and their data is what sold me," Perry continued. "After I looked at the data, and I talked to the veterans who had been down [to Mexico] to be treated, I said, 'We need to do this.'" Others, including those who have benefited firsthand, agree with the sentiment. Marine veterans Gary Hess, Jon Stevens and Tyler Kotulka, Navy veteran Chris Fettes and others who suffered from PTSD, concussions, TBIs and other traumatic injuries, share their stories in the episode, detailing the battles warfighters face at home. Retired Navy SEAL Marcus Capone, who served six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his wife Amber, addressed Texas lawmakers to plead their case for opening up research. Together, the couple founded VETS, helping veterans access safe, clinically-guided psychedelic therapies. While seated in a chapel and mourning after one of her best friend's husbands took his own life, Amber reached an epiphany. "We had been there for so many war funerals, and this just felt different, and it became clear to me that, if we didn't find the courage to speak out, we would be in this chapel for a slew of funerals in the years to come," she shared in the Fox Nation special. Evidence pointing to ibogaine's medicinal value would mean its current scheduling is inaccurate, but getting the drug's scheduling changed poses another challenge. "The problem is, you can't approve a schedule I drug while it's [still] schedule I," explained Dr. Nolan Williams, a researcher at Stanford Medicine. He says the substance has been recognized as a therapeutic for more than 100 years, but hangups still surround it today. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded ibogaine research opportunities earlier this year by signing Senate Bill 2308, which covers the same core policy as HB 3717. "Texas is home to more veterans than any other state," Abbott said, per a press release from his office. "Many of those veterans suffer from injuries both seen and unseen. A therapy that has shown great promise in treating those conditions is ibogaine. This law authorizes a Food and Drug Administration approved clinical drug trial that will seek approval of ibogaine as a medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder and other behavioral health conditions, especially those suffered by our veterans. Texas will now lead the way in America for the evaluation of ibogaine as a potential medication that can help improve the lives of so many veterans." To hear testimonials and stories from those who have benefited from and fought for ibogaine research, subscribe to Fox Nation and begin streaming today.
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Texas politicians lead effort to study a psychedelic drug. What is ibogaine?
Ibogaine is illegal in the U.S., but growing evidence shows its promise treating the effects of traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder. A once obscure traditional psychedelic plant from Africa has made headlines recently as Texas pushes for more research and a prominent Republican wrote a vigorous endorsement of its possible use for the treatment of addiction and for veterans experiencing mental health issues. Ibogaine is illegal for use in the United States, but a growing body of evidence has shown its promise treating the effects of traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder. Earlier in June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation to allocate $50 million for clinical trials approved by the Food and Drug Administration to study ibogaine. Texas is set to lead research into the drug's benefits treating mental health issues and addiction as a potential medication. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, also a former Texas governor, wrote a June 27 Washington Post op-ed supporting ibogaine research and criticizing the legacy of the war on drugs, started by President Richard Nixon and touted by President Ronald Reagan. Perry said he has 'come to realize just how wrong that narrative was.' 'That fear-based messaging kept us from exploring treatments that could have saved countless lives,' Perry wrote. Perry and a growing number of conservatives have argued ibogaine could be one of those treatments. Here's what to know about the drug. What is ibogaine? Ibogaine derives from the root of the iboga plant native to western-central Africa. It's been used in ceremonial rituals for centuries. It has hallucinogenic properties. The United States outlawed ibogaine in 1967 along with other psychotropic drugs. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 placed it as a schedule I hallucinogenic drug, along with marijuana. Ibogaine's classification prevented researchers from studying its effects. But unlike other schedule 1 drugs such as heroin, ibogaine has anti-addictive properties. There are risks since ibogaine can delay the body's normal electrical signals that control heart rhythm, which could lead to death. Other countries, such as Mexico, have allowed its use. American veterans and others have traveled to smaller, clandestine clinics for treatment to deal with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Many clinics are along the border and around cities such as Tijuana. Why is it in the news? At the state and federal level, there is growing interest in studying psychedelic drugs to treat veterans and others. Texas passed legislation earlier in June to study the drug with a public university alongside a company and hospital, Abbott's office said. Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, has said expanding research on psychedelic drugs is a top priority for the Trump administration. In his op-ed, Perry cited the experiences of Morgan and Marcus Luttrell, twin combat veterans, who used ibogaine for recovery. Morgan Luttrell is now a Republican congressman from Texas who has advocated for ibogaine and other psychedelic drugs as treatment options. In January 2025, Perry and W. Bryan Hubbard, an advocate for ibogaine treatment, appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast to discuss ibogaine's benefits as a plant-based medicine. Hubbard led a Kentucky task force that sought to use opioid settlement funds to research ibogaine's effects to treat addiction, but the initiative failed to gain support in the state. Hubbard and Perry eventually launched the Texas Ibogaine Initiative, which helped spur the state funding. What has research shown? Research, such as a Stanford University study of 30 male combat veterans, has shown ibogaine's promise. Coupled with magnesium sulfate to address heart effects, ibogaine appeared to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, and improve cognitive function from traumatic brain injury, according to the study, published in 2024 in the eminent journal Nature Medicine. Other studies have shown benefits treating addiction and depression. What do critics say? One issue with ibogaine is the ability to produce it, because it is derived from a rare plant and has mostly been used for ceremonial purposes. There is research to help innovate its safe production, but it could be difficult for the drug to be more widely available, as researchers at the University of California, Davis, Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics have said. And while it's shown benefits with combat veterans, questions remain on its efficacy among randomized participants. With Texas' research, ibogaine could get closer to FDA approval for its use as a medication.
Axios
26-06-2025
- Health
- Axios
Texas to spend millions on psychedelic research
Texas plans to spend $50 million on research examining the effects of a psychedelic drug called Ibogaine on behavioral health conditions. Why it matters: Ibogaine remains illegal in the U.S., but its advocates hope Texas' research will push it toward FDA approval, saying it can help veterans with PTSD and other mental illnesses. The effort is the largest state-funded psychedelic research initiative, per the Texas Ibogaine Initiative. How it works: Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound found in a plant native to parts of Africa. The compound's effects depend on its potency. Researchers have found that various forms of Ibogaine can help veterans with traumatic brain injuries and people experiencing addiction or depression. State of play: The U.S. outlawed Ibogaine and other psychotropic drugs, including LSD and mushrooms, in 1967. Some U.S. veterans have sought psychedelic therapy abroad. The intrigue: Former Gov. Rick Perry and his wife learned about psychedelics as medicine while caring for a Navy SEAL veteran who was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan, per the Texas Standard. Ibogaine therapy in Mexico helped the veteran recover from opioid addiction. Perry now advocates the therapy for veterans. Reality check: Ibogaine must go through FDA-approved clinical trials before it can be used for treatment. It has been associated with cardiac arrest and seizures. What they're doing: Texas plans to pay for its Ibogaine research through a public-private partnership involving a state university, drug company and hospital. "This is about restoration. It's about the opportunity to restore the lives of so many veterans that have put their lives on the line for us … and have suffered as a result," state Sen. Tan Parker, a Flower Mound Republican who authored the research bill, said after Gov. Greg Abbott signed the legislation.
Associated Press
20-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Ibogaine by David Dardashti Forges Strategic Partnership with Psychedelic University to Cultivate Next-Generation Leaders in Psychedelic Healthcare
MIAMI, FL - June 20, 2025 - Ibogaine by David Dardashti, a pioneering leader in ibogaine-assisted therapy and led by visionary David Dardashti, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with a Psychedelic University. This strategic partnership aims to establish robust internship opportunities for students passionate about contributing to the rapidly evolving psychedelic field, with initial networking prospects to be explored at the highly anticipated Psychedelic Conference 2025. The initiative is further amplified by the recent opening of Ibogaine by David Dardashti's second state-of-the-art treatment facility, significantly expanding the scope for student involvement. This innovative alliance is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in a clinical setting dedicated to transformative healing. The expansion into a second facility dramatically increases Ibogaine by David Dardashti's capacity, creating a diverse array of potential roles for aspiring professionals. 'We are incredibly excited to partner with Psychedelic University to nurture the next generation of leaders in psychedelic medicine,' said David Dardashti, founder of Ibogaine by David Dardashti. 'The opening of our second clinic is not just about expanding our treatment capabilities; it's about building a robust ecosystem where ambitious students can gain real-world experience and help accelerate the growth and acceptance of ibogaine therapy. We believe this collaboration will foster innovation and ethical practices crucial for the future of this field.' The internship program will offer multifaceted opportunities for students from various disciplines. Beyond direct clinical exposure, students can expect to engage in critical areas such as: Meetings will be held in the months following a patient's treatment, creating a unique longitudinal learning environment where interns can observe the full spectrum of patient journeys and recovery. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a holistic understanding of patient care, from initial intake to long-term integration support. Representatives from both Ibogaine by David Dardashti and Psychedelic University will be actively engaging with students at the Psychedelic Conference 2025, providing a premier platform for aspiring interns to learn more about these opportunities and network with pioneers in the field. This direct interaction will allow students to present their aspirations and demonstrate their commitment to this burgeoning area of healthcare. The ultimate goal of Ibogaine by David Dardashti is to expand its new clinic with the support of ambitious, dedicated students who are eager to contribute to accelerating the growth and responsible application of ibogaine treatment. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, education, and the widespread, ethical integration of psychedelic therapies into mainstream healthcare. Media Contact Company Name: Ibogaine By David Dardashti Contact Person: Cole Barressi Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Ibogaine by David Dardashti Forges Strategic Partnership with Psychedelic University to Cultivate Next-Generation Leaders in Psychedelic Healthcare
Globe and Mail
20-06-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Ibogaine by David Dardashti to Illuminate the Transformative Ibogaine Experience at Psychedelic Conference 2025
DENVER, CO - June 20, 2024 - Ibogaine by David Dardashti, a pioneer in holistic Ibogaine therapy, is proud to announce its prominent participation on Day 2 of the highly anticipated Psychedelic Conference 2025. David Dardashti and his team will offer individual descriptions of the unique Ibogaine experience, providing invaluable insights for each and every person at the conference seeking information regarding profound and lasting healing from addiction, trauma, and other mental health challenges. The core of the discussion will center on the therapeutic journey of Ibogaine. Patients describe the experience as a profound, introspective voyage through the past, present, and even potential future aspects of their lives. Unlike other therapies, Ibogaine often facilitates a unique perspective, allowing individuals to revisit significant life events and internalize them not from their own clouded emotional state, but from the detached, objective viewpoint of an outside observer. This remarkable shift in perspective enables deep understanding, reconciliation, and the ability to release long-held emotional burdens, fostering genuine personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Ibogaine by David Dardashti emphasizes highly individualized treatment protocols. The duration of an Ibogaine treatment varies, ranging from a focused 4-day experience to a comprehensive 21-day program, depending on the individual's specific needs, medical history, and the nature of their condition. Dosing is meticulously spread throughout the treatment period, starting with an initial transformative dose designed to interrupt cycles of dependence or deeply seated psychological patterns. This is often followed by carefully administered booster doses and, for longer programs, microdoses that support integration, neurogenesis, and sustained well-being in the weeks following the primary experience. This structured approach ensures both safety and maximal therapeutic benefit. "Ibogaine therapy, when administered with profound care and expertise, is not merely a detox; it is an awakening," says David Dardashti. "We guide individuals through a process that helps them confront their past, understand their present, and envision a healthier future. It's about empowering them to rewrite their narrative from a place of clarity and self-compassion, leading to truly sustainable transformation." Attendees of the Psychedelic Conference 2025 are invited to engage with Ibogaine by David Dardashti on Day 2 to gain a comprehensive understanding of this powerful plant medicine, its meticulous application, and the life-altering benefits it offers to those ready to embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and healing. About Ibogaine by David Dardashti: Ibogaine by David Dardashti is dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and highly effective Ibogaine treatments. With a focus on individualized care, medical oversight, and comprehensive aftercare, the centers guide individuals towards sustainable recovery and improved mental well-being using the transformative properties of Ibogaine. About Psychedelic Conference 2025: The Psychedelic Conference 2025 is a leading international event bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to explore the latest advancements, therapeutic applications, and societal implications of psychedelic medicines.
