Texas Makes History with $50 Million Ibogaine Research Initiative

In a landmark decision, Texas has solidified its position as a global leader in psychedelic research by passing House Bill 3717 and Senate Bill 2308, allocating $50 million for ibogaine research to address opioid use disorder, trauma-related conditions, and traumatic brain injuries. This bipartisan move, approved on May 22, 2025, marks the largest publicly funded psychedelic research initiative in history, showcasing Texas’s bold commitment to innovative mental health solutions. With only three dissenting votes in the Texas House, the overwhelming support for this legislation signals that Texas politicians are serious about giving ibogaine—a psychoactive alkaloid with transformative potential—a chance to revolutionize treatment for addiction and mental health challenges.

Ibogaine, derived from the West African iboga shrub, has shown remarkable promise in interrupting substance dependence, alleviating trauma symptoms, and promoting neurological repair. Despite its classification as a Schedule I drug in the U.S., which has hindered formal research for decades, anecdotal evidence and observational studies, such as one from Stanford University, highlight its efficacy. The study reported an 88% reduction in PTSD symptoms and significant improvements in depression and anxiety among veterans treated with ibogaine abroad. With approximately one million Texans suffering from opioid use disorder and 3,000 annual opioid-related deaths, the urgency to explore effective treatments is undeniable.

The Texas Ibogaine Initiative, championed by Representative Cody Harris (R–Palestine) and Senator Tan Parker (R–Flower Mound), establishes a public-private partnership overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. This $50 million grant program, matched by private funding, will support FDA-approved clinical trials at institutions like the University of Texas and Baylor University. The legislation ensures Texas retains economic and scientific benefits, safeguarding intellectual property and prioritizing access for uninsured individuals. Former Governor Rick Perry, a key advocate, emphasized ibogaine’s potential, stating, “I’ve seen veterans healed in ways nothing else could achieve.

The near-unanimous House vote of 141-2 underscores Texas’s determination to lead in addressing the opioid crisis and veteran mental health challenges. Only three representatives opposed the bill, a testament to the bipartisan consensus that ibogaine deserves rigorous scientific exploration. Veterans, central to the bill’s passage, shared powerful testimonies during a Legislative Day of Action organized by Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). Marine Corps veteran Dakota Meyer, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, credited ibogaine with ending his addiction and anxiety, stating, “It heals. It saved my life.” Such stories resonated with lawmakers, driving the initiative’s success.

This historic legislation builds on Texas’s prior psychedelic research efforts, such as HB 1802 in 2021, which funded psilocybin studies. By investing in ibogaine, Texas is not only addressing immediate public health crises but also positioning itself as a hub for biomedical innovation. As Bryan Hubbard, Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative, declared, “Texas has turned the fulcrum of history toward a healing medication.” With global attention on this initiative, Texas is poised to redefine mental health treatment, offering hope to millions.