Texas leaders are pressing forward with efforts to advance ibogaine research, even after the state declined to move ahead with pharmaceutical proposals under a new state-backed research initiative.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows this week sent a letter to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), reaffirming the state's commitment to studying the psychedelic compound's potential therapeutic benefits.
The letter follows the passage of Senate Bill 2308 during the 89th Texas Legislature, which established a state-sponsored consortium to conduct research and clinical trials involving ibogaine. The naturally occurring psychoactive compound is being studied for its potential to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other mental health conditions.
Although the legislation laid the groundwork for clinical research, Patrick and Burrows noted that none of the proposals submitted by pharmaceutical companies met the standards necessary for the state to proceed.
"This should not preclude the State of Texas from independently proceeding with this vital work through our university research partners as spelled out in the March 31 press release from both the House and Senate," Patrick and Burrows wrote.
That March announcement committed $50 million in state funding toward ibogaine research, underscoring Texas' interest in becoming a national leader in studying the compound.
While ibogaine remains illegal in the United States and is not approved for any medical use, researchers continue to investigate its potential therapeutic value. A 2024 Stanford study conducted in Mexico found participants experienced "average reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression symptoms and 81% in anxiety symptoms" one month after receiving ibogaine treatment.
In their letter, Patrick and Burrows pledged continued financial support for Texas' university research efforts.
Referring to UTHealth Houston and UTMB, they stated the state is "committed to reimbursing" the institutions as they move forward with independent research.
The renewed push also comes after President Donald Trump signed Executive Order No. 14401 in April, directing federal agencies to expand access to neuroplastogen treatments for veterans struggling with mental health conditions and substance addiction. Neuroplastogens are compounds, including ibogaine, that are believed to promote neuroplasticity.
Patrick and Burrows also signaled that Texas lawmakers stand ready to enact additional legislation if needed to align state law with the executive order.
"In the event HHSC determines additional legislation is needed to give full force and effect to a partnership under President Trump's Executive Order, we are fully committed to prioritizing the necessary legislation so it can pass quickly," the letter states.
Texas also plans to pursue additional funding through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), the federal agency responsible for evaluating state applications for research funding.
Meanwhile, support for ibogaine research is also gaining momentum in Congress.
On June 30, U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, introduced the Initiating Biomedical Outcomes to Garner Advancements into Innovative Neuroplastogen Efficacy (IBOGAINE) Act.
The legislation aims to accelerate the development of and access to psychedelic therapies for serious mental illness.
"I'm proud to champion this legislation to cement the president's commitment to our veterans and look forward to our continued work in Congress to deliver for those who answered the call for us," McCaul said in a press release.
Luttrell, a veteran who has publicly discussed his own experience with psychedelic-assisted therapy, also praised the legislation.
"President Trump ushered in a new era of treatment options for our veterans with his executive order accelerating medical treatments for serious mental illness," Luttrell said.
