A National Push for Psychedelic Research Gains Momentum Across the U.S.

A coordinated national movement is emerging around the future of psychedelic-assisted therapies, with states across the country advancing legislation, opening new funding streams, and forming working groups dedicated to studying the clinical potential of substances such as ibogaine. Researchers, lawmakers, and advocacy organizations are increasingly collaborating to establish regulatory frameworks centered on safety, scientific rigor, and medical responsibility.

Americans for Ibogaine (AFI) has become a key resource within this growing landscape, supporting state-level decision-makers as they explore ibogaine’s potential for treating substance use disorders, trauma, and related mental health conditions.

Arizona: $5 Million for Ibogaine Research

Arizona has opened applications for state-funded clinical trials following a $5 million allocation to study ibogaine’s safety and efficacy for neurological disease. The effort, championed by former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, highlights Arizona’s expanding role in psychedelic science. Dr. Sue Sisley of the Scottsdale Research Institute described the initiative as a crucial investment in addressing trauma and substance dependence, particularly among veterans and first responders.

California: Streamlining Psychedelic Research Approvals

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1103, which accelerates state approval of psychedelic research by reducing delays within the Research Advisory Panel of California. The law—supported by Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)—is expected to facilitate faster approval of FDA-authorized studies, including future ibogaine trials.

Colorado: Toward Regulated Therapeutic Access

Colorado is on track to become the first state to establish regulated therapeutic access to ibogaine through its Natural Medicine Health Act. The Natural Medicine Advisory Board has voted in support of adding ibogaine to its definition of “Natural Medicine,” pending compliance with international sourcing rules. Governor Jared Polis has publicly signaled support as rulemaking and budgeting begin.

Indiana: Dedicated Funding for Emerging Research

Indiana’s biennial budget includes $300,000 annually to support ibogaine research, expanding the state’s existing Therapeutic Psilocybin Research Fund. While this does not authorize treatment or patient trials, it marks another meaningful step toward advancing evidence-based research.

Kentucky: Renewed Discussion After State Testimony

Following testimony before the Kentucky Senate Health Services Committee and a public address at Centre College, lawmakers are reassessing how ibogaine research could be incorporated into the state’s opioid response strategy. Legislators are now evaluating options to join other states pursuing ibogaine-supported research initiatives in upcoming 2026 legislation.

Louisiana: State Task Force Examines Psychedelic Therapies

Louisiana’s Task Force on Alternative Therapies for Veterans recently heard expert testimony—including accounts from AFI ambassadors—on psychedelic-assisted treatments for trauma, depression, and co-occurring mental health conditions. The task force will deliver recommendations to the legislature by February 2026.

Massachusetts: Laying the Policy Foundation

Massachusetts continues developing its framework for psychedelic-assisted therapy through Senate Bill 1400, which would authorize a pilot program for research and treatment involving substances such as ibogaine and MDMA. The bill received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Ways and Means Committee and could position the state alongside national leaders in clinical evaluation.

Mississippi: Landmark Legislative Hearing

Mississippi lawmakers held a three-hour committee hearing on ibogaine research, featuring testimony from AFI leadership, veterans, and survivors. A proposal is now under consideration to allocate $5 million from opioid settlement funds toward FDA-approved trials.

New Hampshire: Joining a Multi-State Research Consortium

New Hampshire has pre-filed a bill that would allow the state to participate in a multi-state consortium exploring ibogaine as an investigational treatment for substance use disorder and related conditions. The potential collaboration follows similar initiatives in Texas and other states.

Ohio: Establishing an Ibogaine Study Committee

Ohio enacted legislation in June 2025 to create a study committee focused on evaluating ibogaine for substance use disorder and PTSD in veterans. Recommendations for legislative next steps are expected by the end of 2027.

Texas: $50 Million for FDA-Approved Clinical Trials

Texas has made the largest public investment in psychedelic research in U.S. history—$50 million dedicated to establishing FDA-approved ibogaine clinical trials. The state is now building the program infrastructure, developing safety protocols, and partnering with researchers to move toward participant enrollment.

Looking Ahead: American Ibogaine Meeting (AIM 2.0)

The second American Ibogaine Meeting (AIM 2.0) will take place November 6–9 in Aspen, Colorado, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and state representatives working to build coordinated, responsible pathways for ibogaine research nationwide. Sessions will focus on regulatory planning, public education, and infrastructure development.

As 2026 approaches, the United States is poised for significant advancements in psychedelic science. The emerging state-level momentum reflects a growing commitment to investigating ibogaine’s potential through transparent, research-driven processes.

Learn more at: http://www.americansforibogaine.org/