On the other hand, is it a possibility that, with pressure from the White House, treatments might be rushed through approval that should not be? “That is a concern. That wouldn’t be good for anyone,” says Marks. “It could really set back what progress has been made.”
What is ibogaine, and why did Trump mention it?
President Trump said the order was prompted by conversations with podcast host Joe Rogan, who was present at the signing of the executive order, about ibogaine. This psychedelic drug, derived from the root of an African shrub, has been studied for its potential to aid in treating PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, among other uses.
Ibogaine can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, however, and research on it was halted in the U.S. in the 1990s. Studies elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico, where ibogaine clinics operate, have been relatively small.
Ibogaine owes its sudden rise to visibility on the national stage to a vocal community of activists. “Supporters of ibogaine treatment have really tapped into a lot of concern for veterans, and there’s a very real need,” says Marks. “Hopefully something very positive and helpful and useful comes out of it.”
Read the full article here
