Legislation & Advocacy

Advocacy Efforts

Americans for Ibogaine is committed to advancing policies that support FDA-approved ibogaine research in the United States. We work to educate lawmakers, researchers, and key stakeholders on ibogaine’s potential as a breakthrough treatment for substance use disorder and mental health conditions. By advocating for science-backed regulatory pathways, we aim to position the U.S. as a leader in ibogaine research and expand access to innovative treatment options for those in need.

State Initiatives

ARIZONA

• In Arizona, Arizona state representative Justin Wilmeth (R) introduced House Bill 2871, which would designate $10 million from the state’s general fund to study ibogaine in the treatment of neurological diseases, including traumatic brain injury and PTSD. In a video posted to X, Wilmeth said Arizona had the “opportunity to be a pilot, to be the first state in the union to authorize this treatment.”  In a press release, Wilmeth pointed to other Republican politicians, including Congressman Morgan Luttrell and former Texas governor Rick Perry, as ibogaine advocates.

Press release:

• Rep. Justin Wilmeth Introduces Bill to Fund Research on Ibogaine for Veterans with PTSD and TBI

• Arizona Leads the Nation: Rep. Justin Wilmeth Pushes HB2871 to Offer Groundbreaking Ibogaine Treatment for Veterans

COLORADO

• In November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, known as the Natural Medicine Health Act, which decriminalized the possession, cultivation, and sharing of certain natural medicines, including ibogaine, for adults aged 21 and over

Following this, the Colorado General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 23-290 in 2023 to establish a regulatory framework for these substances. This legislation allows for the inclusion of ibogaine in the state's natural medicine program, contingent upon recommendations from the Natural Medicine Advisory Board and approval by the Director and the Executive Director of the State Licensing Authority. leg.colorado.gov

As of now, ibogaine is not yet available for therapeutic use in Colorado. The state is in the process of developing the necessary regulations and infrastructure to incorporate ibogaine into its natural medicine program, with the potential for its inclusion in the future. dpo.colorado.gov

For more detailed information on the implementation timeline and current status of ibogaine in Colorado, you can refer to the Department of Regulatory Agencies' Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Timeframe. dpo.colorado.gov

KENTUCKY

• In Kentucky, advocates have been pushing the state to explore ibogaine as a possible treatment option for addiction, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to address the opioid crisis. [2]

Read the bill here:

• SENATE BILL 240

Press release:

• Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Public Hearing September 15 2023

MISSISSIPPI

• In Mississippi, efforts are underway to explore a new avenue of hope in the fight against PTSD and addiction. Lawmakers are preparing to file legislation that would support clinical trials for ibogaine—a plant-based compound showing promising results in addressing trauma and substance use challenges.

Press release:

• Lawmaker Plans to File Bill to Get Trial for Ibogaine as PTSD and Addiction Treatment

NEW YORK

• New York State has introduced Senate Bill S1817, which mandates the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to facilitate clinical research into ibogaine as a potential treatment for heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine addiction.  This initiative follows a previous effort in the state to study ibogaine's use in treating PTSD among veterans and first responders.  

Read the bill here:

• SENATE BILL S1817

OHIO

• In Ohio, a new partnership has been announced to explore the use of ibogaine to treat opioid use disorder. This initiative aims to conduct FDA-approved clinical research trials in the state. [1]

TEXAS

• In Texas, we are actively engaging with stakeholders to advance ibogaine research and policy reform. Similar efforts are underway in other states, and we will provide updates as they develop. Learn more about Texas Ibogaine Initiative.

  Read the bill here:

• SENATE BILL HB 3717

Press release:

• Texas Lawmaker Rep. Cody Harris Introduces Bill to Fund Ibogaine Research for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment

WASHINGTON

• Washington State has introduced Senate Bill 5201, which would fund a three-year study on ibogaine’s efficacy for opioid use disorder. The bill has bipartisan support from legislators, including Jesse Salomon (D), T'wina Nobles (D), Jessica Bateman (D), Yasmin Trudeau (D), Liz Lovelett (D), Noel Frame (D), Mike Chapman (D), Robert Hasegawa (D), Lisa Wellman (D), Rebecca Saldaña (D), Jeff Holy (R), Curtis King (R), Mark Schoesler (R), and Jeff Wilson (R).

Read the bill here:  

• SENATE BILL 5201

Federal Path

At the federal level, ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I-controlled substance, indicating it is currently illegal and not approved for medical use in the United States. However, recent developments show a growing interest in exploring its potential therapeutic benefits.

We are monitoring these developments and advocating for federal policies that facilitate research into ibogaine’s therapeutic potential.

Countries Where Ibogaine is Legal

The legal status of ibogaine varies worldwide. In some countries, it is legal or unregulated, allowing for its use in medical or therapeutic settings:

• Mexico: Ibogaine is unregulated, and clinics offer treatment for addiction. [3]

• New Zealand: Ibogaine is classified as a prescription medicine, permitting its use under medical supervision. [4]

Understanding the global legal landscape of ibogaine is crucial for informing advocacy and research efforts.

Find Your Representative

Your voice matters in the fight for ibogaine research and access. Use the tool below to find your U.S. Senators and Representatives and tell them you support FDA-approved clinical trials for ibogaine. Educating lawmakers about ibogaine’s potential to address substance use disorder and mental health conditions is crucial to advancing research and expanding access. 

Find Your Member of Congress