California lags in psychedelic addiction research as Texas invests $50 million in ibogaine studies

Psychedelic research for treating addiction and mental illness is gaining momentum, but California is portrayed as falling behind states like Texas and Indiana. Texas is described as leading with a plan to invest $50 million in public funding for FDA-approved clinical trials of ibogaine, aimed at opioid use disorder and related mental health conditions, via a public-private partnership. Indiana is also noted for creating a research fund for psilocybin therapy. The article contrasts this with California, where lawmakers have faced setbacks such as vetoes and bills that stalled in committee. It also highlights the regulatory and safety context: Lykos Therapeutics received an FDA review pathway for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, but more trials were required, and ibogaine is discussed as promising yet potentially risky due to reported heart damage and deaths. California clinicians and researchers are quoted emphasizing the need for broader basic science and careful safety protocols.