The dangerous psychedelic drug Trump wants to promote
The Trump administration is advancing research on ibogaine, a dangerous psychedelic substance derived from an African plant, which may help treat post-traumatic stress and addictions. The U.S. Department of Health will allocate up to $4.9 million for preparations for clinical trials, among others for the benefit of veterans. The substance is currently banned in the U.S. due to the risk of hallucinations and fatal arrhythmias.
The Trump administration is advancing research on ibogaine, a controversial psychedelic substance derived from an African plant, which may help treat post-traumatic stress, severe depression, and addictions, but can cause severe hallucinations and fatal cardiac arrhythmias. The U.S. Department of Health announced an allocation of up to $4.9 million to promote the research, the use of which is currently banned in the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explained that the initial goal is to examine the use of the substance for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others in military veterans. The allocated funds will not be used directly for human trials, but for preparations for manufacturing the substance, determining dosages, and planning clinical studies. The substance is classified as a banned substance in the U.S. due to risks such as nausea, vomiting, tremors, and dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. In the absence of legal treatment, some patients travel to Mexico, where clinics charge $10,000–$20,000 per treatment series, sometimes including cardiac monitoring. The initiative receives support from veterans' organizations, conservative lawmakers, and podcast host Joe Rogan, who discussed the issue with Trump. The announcement is part of a broader policy to promote research on psychedelic substances, and the FDA's review also includes psilocybin and MDMA.