Research Symposium

BIO

Marianne Ruschman is a Presidential Scholar from Niceville, Florida, and she is currently pursuing a degree in Criminology with a double major in Philosophy.

The Legal Challenges of Ibogaine-Based Psychedelic Treatments for U.S. Military Veterans

Abstract

This project analyzes the legal challenges of providing ibogaine treatment to U.S. military veterans. A psychoactive drug produced by Tabernanthe iboga in central Africa, ibogaine has gained national attention because early research suggests it could treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and substance use disorders (SUDs). The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that 23% of veterans receiving VA healthcare have experienced PTSD, 29.3% have experienced TBI, and 11% have diagnosed SUDs. Although ibogaine could potentially treat these conditions, its safety and effectiveness are poorly characterized, and it poses serious physical and psychological risks, including potentially fatal heart dysfunction in susceptible individuals.

To evaluate the legal challenges of treating veterans with ibogaine, the project analyzes existing regulations. The federal Controlled Substances Act classified ibogaine as a Schedule I drug, reflecting a high potential for abuse and a lack of accepted medical use. The Food and Drug Administration allows research on Schedule I drugs. However, ibogaine’s scheduling and health risks create heavy restrictions on potential testing. Consequently, most research occurs abroad, and veterans must leave the U.S. to receive treatment where ibogaine is legal or unregulated, creating additional risks.

Due to the general lack of effective and accessible treatments for PTSD, TBI, and SUD, Congress has acknowledged ibogaine as a potential partial solution. Congress authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct ibogaine studies with U.S. service members. In addition to analyzing these developments, the project explores further reforms to promote safe and ethical ibogaine research and potential treatment.

Keywords: Ibogaine, Psychedelic, Law, Legal, Veterans