The Trump administration is drafting an executive order to advance federal research into ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound from a shrub native to Africa used in some countries to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, addiction, and brain trauma. The action signals the administration’s willingness to further U.S. research into the drug, though ibogaine will remain a Schedule I substance.
Because ibogaine is illegal in the United States, Americans have been traveling to unregulated clinics, often in Mexico or the Caribbean, to take the drug. President Trump intends to sign the executive order as soon as this week, according to sources. The action is meant to open the door to federal funding for further research on ibogaine’s effectiveness with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, especially among veterans.
Texas has made a significant push to study ibogaine, with Gov. Greg Abbott signing a bill approving $50 million for research. Trump officials said the administration wants to help determine whether ibogaine is “snake oil” or a legitimate treatment.
The most serious risk associated with ibogaine is cardiac toxicity. A review in 2023 of 24 studies involving 705 people found that while ibogaine appeared to reduce withdrawal symptoms and craving, toxicity to the heart and risk of death were “worrying.” At least 27 people have died after taking ibogaine, according to the 2023 report. In a small study of 30 veterans who received ibogaine paired with intravenous magnesium to protect the heart, published last July by Stanford Medicine, no serious cardiac events were reported, and the drug safely reduced post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. However, with only 30 people and no placebo group, there is far too little evidence to know whether magnesium reliably reduces the risk. The international clinics where Americans receive ibogaine operate without U.S. regulatory oversight, lacking standardized heart screening, monitoring protocols, or requirements to report adverse events.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-sign-executive-order-psychedelic-155119872.html