Trump to sign executive order on psychedelic drug used abroad to treat PTSD
The federal government is set to take a closer look at the safety and effectiveness of a psychedelic drug called ibogaine, commonly used in some countries to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sources have revealed that the White House is in the process of drafting an executive order to signal the Trump administration’s interest in further research on ibogaine.
Ibogaine, a natural compound derived from a shrub native to Africa, has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and brain trauma. However, due to its illegal status in the United States, many Americans have been traveling to unregulated clinics in Mexico or the Caribbean to access the drug.
While the Trump administration does not plan to reclassify ibogaine for medical use at this time, the executive order is intended to pave the way for federal funding to support research on its efficacy, particularly in treating PTSD and traumatic brain injuries among veterans. This move comes after a group of U.S. veterans participated in a psychedelic retreat in Mexico last year to address intrusive memories related to their military service.
Texas has also shown a commitment to studying ibogaine, with Governor Greg Abbott allocating $50 million for research purposes. The administration aims to determine whether ibogaine is a legitimate treatment or merely “snake oil,” emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific investigation.
As a Schedule I substance, ibogaine is currently classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside drugs like heroin and ecstasy, indicating a lack of accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Despite its potential in treating addiction, particularly opioid dependence, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish its safety and effectiveness for various conditions.
One of the major risks associated with ibogaine is its impact on the heart, as it can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances that may be fatal. Previous studies have highlighted concerns about the drug’s cardiac toxicity and the risk of death, with reports of fatalities among individuals who have taken ibogaine. However, a small study involving veterans and published by Stanford Medicine demonstrated that ibogaine, when paired with intravenous magnesium to protect the heart, could safely reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The lack of regulatory oversight in international clinics where ibogaine is administered to Americans raises concerns about the absence of standardized heart screening, monitoring protocols, and reporting of adverse events. More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of ibogaine as a therapeutic intervention, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive clinical trials to ensure its safety and efficacy.
