Why Texas is spending millions to research an illegal psychedelic: ibogaine, addiction and veterans clinical trials

Ibogaine, an illegal psychedelic in the US, is the focus of a Texas initiative that aims to move it toward clinical trials for addiction, depression, and traumatic brain injury. The article reports that Texas lawmakers created a program that could fund up to $50 million from the state’s general fund, with a consortium involving a university, a hospital, and a drug developer, plus required private matching funds. Supporters frame it as the largest public investment in psychedelics research, particularly amid federal interest in accelerating psychedelic studies. Regulatory and safety concerns are central to the debate. Ibogaine is classified as Schedule I, and experts warn about issues such as heart risks and the lack of completed US clinical trials. The piece also references existing interest and research pathways, including veteran-related momentum and the prospect of industry investment, while skeptics argue the money could go to treatments with stronger evidence or already FDA-approved options.