Texas Allocates $50 Million for Psychedelic Drug Research to Combat Addiction

Texas has taken a significant step forward in exploring alternative treatments for addiction and brain injuries by funding research into the psychedelic substance ibogaine. Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation approving a $50 million investment from the state to support clinical trials and further research efforts. This initiative aims to facilitate the development of ibogaine as a potential FDA-approved therapy, possibly attracting an additional $50 million in private investments.

Ibogaine, derived from a plant native to Africa, has been banned in the U.S. since the 1960s due to safety concerns but is gaining renewed interest because of its promising therapeutic benefits. Preliminary studies suggest that it may assist individuals struggling with opioid dependence, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. In particular, a 2024 study published in Nature Medicine reported major mental and physical improvements in military veterans with brain injuries after a single ibogaine session.

The research law in Texas assigns university and hospital leadership to oversee the studies while ensuring the state retains a stake in any future profits if the drug receives FDA approval. Advocates, like Bryan Hubbard of Americans for Ibogaine, consider this a historic move comparable to the Manhattan Project, emphasizing the national importance of this research.

Ibogaine causes intense hallucinations and can last for hours, but it has shown potential to help users stop drug use after just one session. Countries like Brazil have already seen thousands benefit from this therapy. Experts believe that ibogaine promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways—making it a promising candidate for addressing neurotrauma and addiction.

Safety remains a concern, especially for individuals with heart problems, but measures such as heart screenings and magnesium administration during treatment could mitigate these risks. Due to its natural origin and lack of patentability, many big pharmaceutical companies have been hesitant to invest, but some firms are developing lab-made versions that could be safer.

One such company, Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, received a $14 million grant to develop a safer, non-heart-risk version of ibogaine. While progress is promising, experts caution that developing effective and approved therapies will require time and substantial funding. Compared to other states like Oregon and Colorado, which have established psilocybin clinics, Texas’s move represents one of the largest state-funded efforts into psychedelic therapy, signaling a potential shift in treatment paradigms. However, not all psychedelics are viewed favorably; for instance, the FDA recently rejected MDMA for PTSD therapy due to risk concerns. Nonetheless, leaders like Dr. Martin Polanco see Texas’s investment as a historic step, especially in conservative regions, and emphasize the importance of ongoing research to unlock these promising treatments.