Texas Legislature Endorses Trials Using Psychedelic Drug to Treat Trauma and Addiction

On May 13, 2025, the Texas House of Representatives gave significant support to pioneering research into the use of psychedelic substances for treating trauma, addiction, and mental health disorders. The legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan approval with a 141-2 vote, aims to fund a grant program dedicated to clinical trials exploring the therapeutic potential of substances like ibogaine, a plant-derived psychoactive drug with centuries of traditional use in Central Africa.

The push for these trials was strongly influenced by personal stories and scientific findings. One notable advocate is U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient who experienced severe PTSD, addiction, and emotional struggles after his service in Afghanistan. Meyer turned to ibogaine treatment in Mexico in 2019, which profoundly transformed his life. He reported that the treatment provided a “hard reset,” alleviating his anxiety attacks and enabling him to reconnect with his family and community. Meyer now supports efforts to expand access to this treatment within the U.S.

The bill aims to leverage Texas's extensive research infrastructure to conduct rigorous clinical trials on ibogaine and similar psychedelics. These trials are promising; a 2024 Stanford study involving 30 veterans showed dramatic improvements: PTSD symptoms decreased by 88%, depression by 87%, and anxiety by 81%. Participants’ overall disability scores fell from moderate levels to almost no disability, and cognitive function tests indicated potential anti-aging effects for the brain. These promising results suggest that such treatments could revolutionize mental health therapies and addiction recovery.

Historically, ibogaine has been used in African spiritual practices and entered Western consciousness in the early 20th century. Despite its classification as an illegal substance in the U.S. in 1970, legal treatments are available in Canada and Mexico, where clinics offer supervised, clinical settings for administration. During these sessions, patients are often in a dream-like state, allowing for psychological breakthroughs and potential brain rewiring related to trauma and addiction.

Experts like Stanford neurosurgeon Achal Singh Achrol explain that ibogaine works by interacting with brain neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors involved in memory and neuroplasticity, potentially resetting brain chemistry. This mechanism has shown to help with addiction and trauma, offering hope for many difficult-to-treat conditions.

However, not all lawmakers are convinced. State Rep. David Lowe, a veteran himself, expressed skepticism about funding such treatments, emphasizing his belief that the federal government should lead such research rather than Texas. Despite this, many legislators who initially doubted the approach have been swayed by compelling veteran testimonials and scientific evidence. Rep. Mike Olcott shared his support after witnessing veterans' remarkable recovery following ibogaine therapy in Mexico.

Ultimately, the legislation, which has already passed the Texas Senate, now awaits minor adjustments before heading to the governor. If enacted, Texas could become a national leader in pioneering research into psychedelic therapies for trauma and addiction, potentially saving countless lives and transforming mental health treatment protocols.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-trials-psychedelic-drug-trauma-addiction.html