A former U.S. senator is urging Arizona lawmakers to approve a bill funding clinical trials on ibogaine, a psychedelic with potential for treating neurological conditions. If passed, she has pledged to raise $5 million in private donations to support the research, setting the stage for Arizona to become a leader in psychedelic medicine.
Arizona Lawmakers Consider Ibogaine Research Bill
The Arizona House Appropriations Committee took up the proposal on Monday, introduced by Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R). The bill would allocate state funds to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a certified clinical study on ibogaine’s effects on neurological diseases.
“The goal of the ask is simple: Make Arizona the hub of a revolutionary treatment to help our veterans,” Wilmeth said during the hearing.
One of the measure’s most prominent supporters, former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), took the floor to emphasize the need for alternative treatments. Sinema, who previously advocated for psychedelics research in Congress, cited her background as a licensed clinical social worker to highlight the limitations of traditional treatments.
Why Ibogaine? Veterans Seeking Treatment Abroad
Ibogaine, derived from the root bark of the African iboga plant, has drawn attention for its potential to treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), addiction, and major depression.
“Traditional psychotropic medications such as SSRIs and mood stabilizers range between only 20 and 40 percent effective. So clearly, the current arsenal of tools are not working,” Sinema said.
She pointed to the growing trend of American veterans—especially special forces personnel—traveling to clinics in northern Mexico for ibogaine therapy. These medically supervised treatments are sought by those who have exhausted conventional options and are looking for relief from the devastating effects of PTSD and TBI.
A Funding Challenge and Sinema’s Bold Pledge
The bill initially proposed a $10 million allocation for ibogaine trials, but lawmakers amended the measure to reduce the amount to $5 million. However, a key stipulation was added: the state funds would only be released if at least $5 million in matching private donations were secured.
Sinema stepped in to bridge the gap.
“I pledge to raise a matching $5 million from private philanthropists here in Arizona,” she declared, addressing committee Chairman David Livingston (R). “Together, these dollars will launch the Arizona ibogaine initiative and start us down the road of sound clinical research that will one day soon result in FDA approval.”
Arizona’s Growing Role in Psychedelic Research
Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead in ibogaine research, Sinema argued. The state already has top-tier neuroscientists and the necessary medical infrastructure to conduct groundbreaking studies.
While ibogaine remains classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law—meaning it is considered to have no accepted medical use—early research suggests otherwise. Studies have indicated that the psychedelic compound could reset neural pathways associated with addiction, potentially reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a way that traditional medications cannot.
A key question remains: How exactly does ibogaine work in the human brain? Scientists still don’t fully understand its mechanisms, but its effects on addiction and mental health disorders have sparked increasing interest among researchers and policymakers alike.
Could Arizona Set a National Precedent?
Arizona is not alone in reconsidering psychedelics for medical treatment. Several states, including Oregon and Colorado, have moved toward decriminalizing or funding research into substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. However, few states have made such an aggressive push for ibogaine trials specifically.
If Arizona moves forward with this legislation, it could become a model for other states looking to integrate psychedelic research into their healthcare policies. The potential implications stretch beyond state lines, as successful trials could pave the way for federal approval down the road.
For now, the fate of the bill remains uncertain. Lawmakers will need to weigh the promise of ibogaine treatment against concerns about funding and regulatory hurdles. But with Sinema’s commitment to raising private funds and a growing push for alternative treatments for veterans, Arizona could soon find itself at the forefront of a new era in mental health and neurological treatment.
