Texas Invests 50M in Ibogaine Research Amongst Changing Attitudes to Psychedelics

Shifting Perceptions, Shaping Policies: How Changing Attitudes Are Driving Psychedelic Research Forward

In a move that just a few years ago might have seemed unimaginable, the state of Texas has committed $50 million to study a psychedelic compound known as ibogaiini, aiming to unlock its potential in treating opioid addiction, masennusja traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The decision, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, is not just a regional political curiosity. It’s a signal of a broader cultural and scientific shift in how we view psychedelics.

This development isn’t happening in a vacuum. Around the world, public attitudes toward psychedelics are softening. This shift has been informed by personal stories, emerging science, and growing frustration with conventional treatments that often fall short. A recent study from the UK highlights just how significant this transformation in public perception has become, and how it may be laying the groundwork for policy changes like the one unfolding in Texas.

From Fringe to Frontline: A New Chapter in Psychedelic Research

Ibogaine, derived from the root bark of the African Tabernanthe iboga shrub, has been banned in the U.S. since the 1960s. But despite (or perhaps because of) its outlaw status, the compound has garnered growing interest among researchers and advocates who believe it may hold life-changing potential for those struggling with addiction or brain injuries.

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, a key supporter of the legislation, emphasized that the state’s veteran population helped galvanize bipartisan backing. “From a political standpoint, veterans are a very appreciated population,” said Perry, himself an Air Force veteran. “If we had said we’re going to do this for the homeless or the prison population, the Legislature might not have been as willing to get on board.”

The plan is ambitious. Texas not only aims to fund large-scale clinical trials but hopes to attract an additional $50 million in private investment. If successful, these efforts could lead to ibogaine’s eventual approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), though that process is likely to take years.

Yet Texas is far from alone in this exploration. States like Oregon ja Colorado have already opened legal clinics offering psilocybin-assisted therapy. Additionally, researchers in other parts of the country are studying lab-made psychedelics with fewer side effects.

Global Sentiments, Local Policy

While Texas’s funding effort is U.S.-based, its roots are global. In the UK, researchers from the University of Nottingham recently published a study analyzing over 600,000 Reddit posts to better understand public attitudes toward different types of drugs. Their findings? A distinct divide. While traditional illicit substances like heroin and methamphetamine still elicit strong negative reactions, psychedelics are being discussed with increasing openness, and, in many cases, cautious optimism.

Using natural language processing tools from Google Cloud, the researchers found that substances like psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and mescaline were often described in neutral to positive terms, especially in the context of mental health treatment. In fact, ayahuasca and mescaline received the most positive emotional responses of all the drugs analyzed.

“Understanding public attitudes toward emerging treatments is crucial,” said Brian O’Shea, one of the lead authors. “These perceptions shape research priorities, inform clinical practices, and guide regulatory decisions.”

The study also highlights the importance of blending formal surveys with the candid, often raw insights found in online discussions. According to Ph.D. student Brandon Biba, relying solely on interviews or surveys risks missing the depth and honesty found in social media exchanges, where anonymity allows people to share real, unfiltered experiences.

Science in Step with Sentiment

There’s a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, often reflecting what people have been reporting informally for years. A 2024 study published in Nature Medicine found that military veterans with brain injuries experienced significant mental and physical improvements after just a single ibogaine session. Dr. Nolan Williams, who led the study at Stanford University’s Brain Stimulation Lab, remarked that researchers are “cautiously optimistic that ibogaine could be the first drug to rehab people with traumatic brain injury.”

The mechanism? Scientists believe ibogaine enhances neuroplastisuus — the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself — by encouraging the growth of new neurons.

However, like all powerful treatments, ibogaine isn’t without risks. It can be dangerous for people with heart conditions, which is why researchers emphasize careful screening and medical monitoring during treatment. Some pharmaceutical companies are working on synthetic versions of ibogaine that may reduce these risks. Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, for example, recently received a $14 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study a heart-safe version of the drug.

“This is obviously a huge step in the right direction,” said Andrew Kruegel, chief scientific officer at Gilgamesh. “People want a miracle, because we need a miracle to solve some of these drug addiction issues we’re facing in this country… But I worry about too much hype… It’s going to take a lot of time and money, and I just don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves.”

Policy Follows People

There’s a growing recognition that changes in public opinion can be powerful catalysts for shifts in governmental policy, and ultimately, in medical research and treatment options. Texas’s ibogaine initiative is one of the largest state-funded psychedelic research efforts to date, and it’s being closely watched by other conservative states. As Dr. Martin Polanco, who has helped over 1,000 veterans receive ibogaine treatment abroad, put it, “This is definitely historic. And it’s especially significant that it’s happening in Texas, because a lot of conservative states look to Texas to craft their own legislation.”

Indeed, as sentiment toward psychedelics becomes more accepting — both online and in public discourse — it becomes easier for lawmakers to support previously taboo topics. And as public pressure mounts and scientific backing increases, governments may find it politically safer, and even necessary, to fund research that could lead to transformative, even life-saving, treatments.

A Turning Point

The story of Texas and ibogaine is not just about one state or one drug. It’s part of a broader, global rethinking of how we treat mental health and addiction, and what role psychedelics may play in the future of medicine.

We’re witnessing a feedback loop in action: changing public attitudes influence policy decisions, which in turn open the doors for research, which then feeds back into public understanding. What was once fringe is rapidly becoming mainstream, and while there’s still much to learn, the momentum is undeniable.

As lead author Brandon Biba from the Nottingham study put it, “Tracking public sentiment gives the field invaluable guidance.” In other words, the people are talking — and the world is finally starting to listen.