Arizona has opened a $5 million state-funded grant program to support clinical research into ibogaine, a psychoactive compound derived from a West African plant that researchers are studying for potential therapeutic applications. The funding, approved by the Arizona Legislature earlier this year, will support one to three clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of ibogaine, particularly in relation to neurological conditions such as PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
The initiative reflects growing national interest in psychedelic research, with Arizona joining several other states exploring the compound’s potential medical uses. Eligible applicants must be Arizona-based research institutions with neurosurgical programs and experience studying neurological diseases, while the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre will review proposals and determine which projects receive funding.