Kentucky Lawmaker Proposes Research into Psychedelic Substance Ibogaine as Potential Addiction Treatment

A Republican state senator from Kentucky is advocating for renewed exploration into the use of ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic, as a therapy to combat drug addiction. Recognized for its illegal status in the U.S., ibogaine is derived from the bark of a native African tree and is categorized as a Schedule I drug, alongside substances like heroin and LSD. Despite its illegal classification, some advocates believe it has significant potential to address addiction issues.

On August 27, 2025, Kentucky Senator Donald Douglas, also a practicing doctor, addressed the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services, emphasizing that addiction was a critical problem in Kentucky. He critiqued the decades-old reliance on medications like Suboxone, suggesting the current treatment models are ineffective. Douglas proposed allocating state funds to study ibogaine’s effects thoroughly. His goal is to gain FDA approval for its use as a legal medical treatment in the future.

Historically, Kentucky attempted to fund research into ibogaine in 2023 with an initial $42 million investment, but progress was halted when the incoming Attorney General, Russell Coleman, opposed the initiative. Since then, interest in psychoactive drugs for medical purposes has grown nationally, especially within the Republican Party, partly fueled by skepticism towards traditional agencies like the FDA. Some states like Texas have already committed substantial funding to ibogaine research.

Douglas intends to draft a bill in Kentucky’s 2026 legislative session to facilitate research and potentially revise ibogaine’s scheduling status. He is also actively engaging with lawmakers from other states to form a collaborative effort.

The push for ibogaine research is met with caution from medical professionals. Critics highlight the drug’s known risks, including its potential to cause cardiac arrest due to its effects on the heart’s rhythm. Democratic Governor Andy Beshear pointed out that current FDA-approved treatments, while not perfect, have a proven safety profile and that more research is necessary before considering legalizing ibogaine.

Personal stories, like that of Jessica Blackburn, who credits ibogaine with saving her from heroin dependency, underscore the therapy’s potential benefits. Blackburn’s experience involved a vivid, life-changing hallucination that she says ended her addiction. Advocates argue that Kentucky has a unique opportunity to leverage new research and states like Texas to modernize its approach to addiction treatment, possibly providing more effective options for those suffering.

Overall, the movement to study ibogaine reflects a larger shift toward exploring alternative therapies for mental health and addiction, with an emphasis on innovation and reform within the existing healthcare framework.