AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is holding a bill signing ceremony Tuesday for legislation that invests $50 million into the naturally occurring psychedelic substance ibogaine.
Proponents of the substance say it’s effective at treating mental health and substance use disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid use disorder, respectively. For years, veterans have opted to leave the country and have the treatment in Mexico, where it is unregulated.
According to the legislation summary, a single administration of ibogaine in a controlled setting has been shown to stop withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings long-term.
“Preliminary reports also suggest benefits in cognitive function, mood regulation, and sleep among individuals with [traumatic brain injury] and PTSD—conditions prevalent among U.S. veterans,” the bill text read.
The new legislation will create a program within the Health and Human Services Commission to support FDA investigation trials into the substance. Ibogaine is not FDA-approved and is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug, the most restrictive drug category. Other drugs classified under Schedule 1 include psilocybin, LSD and heroin.
“By advancing ibogaine research, Texas has the opportunity to lead in neuroscience innovation, address urgent veteran health needs, and shape the future of mental health treatment nationwide,” the bill text reads.
While legislation aimed at easing access to ibogaine moves forward, separate legislation to restrict access to another plant has also progressed. Texas lawmakers sent a bill banning non-medical THC products to Abbott for approval late last month.
Still, Texas in recent years has become more open-minded to the use of psychedelic substances in treating mental health conditions.
“There’s definitely been a shift in the openness and the receptivity of the field to this type of research,” said Greg Fonzo, Ph.D., co-director of the McGill Center for Psychedelic Research & Therapy at Dell Medical School.
“People who do undergo this treatment process, some of them respond well and have a benefit in terms of symptom reductions and feeling better,” Fonzo told KXAN earlier this year.