QotNews Hacker News, Reddit, Lobsters, and Tildes articles rendered in reader mode.
US speeds research into mind-altering drugs — including mysterious 'ibogaine'. Some researchers are delighted at an executive order to streamline investigations of psychedelics but also warn that caution is needed.
>The potent and long-lasting psychedelic ibogaine is something of a scientific mystery, in part because it is one of the most tightly controlled drugs in the United States. But a new directive from US President Donald Trump aims to change that.
>On 18 April, Trump signed an executive order to streamline research into ibogaine and other psychedelic compounds and to make it easier for people with certain illnesses to access these drugs. The move has been welcomed by researchers who see potential for the drugs in treating conditions such as addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical trials have yielded some encouraging results for drugs such as MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms.But scientists are also concerned about possible side effects, and the impact on health services if the drugs are approved. And the mention of only one compound by name in the executive order has surprised some researchers.
>“It’s unusual to me that ibogaine has been called out specifically, given that it's probably the furthest behind in the process compared to psilocybin and MDMA, which are much closer to approval,” says Alan Davis, a clinical psychologist at the Ohio State University in Columbus.
>But scientists also say that the preliminary research on ibogaine has provided intriguing hints about its potential – while also providing cautionary evidence about its hazards. Trump’s orders could help to resolve questions about ibogaine and other psychedelics, they say.
>The order is “going to make things easier to advance psychedelic therapies because it lowers barriers that have been slowing progress”, says Rachel Yehuda, a psychiatry specialist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Here's an excerpt of the story. I'm the reporter who wrote the story. As always, I'm keen to hear if there's anything I missed, or if you have anything else that you think should be on my radar. My Signal is mkozlov.01. You can stay anonymous. Happy to answer any questions about how I reported this story too!
PS: If you hit the paywall, make a free account. It should let you read the full story.
Ibogaine is legal to possess in Canada, unlike other psychedelics. Although it can't be sold and it can't be prescribed without special authorization. 🫤
For health risks, other than the ordinary dangers of hallucinating, ibogaine is converted to its active metabolite noribogaine by CYP2D6 liver enzymes. People genetically inherit CYP2D6 variants and there are "no", "slow", "rapid" and "ultrarapid" metabolizers. Most evidence of this is from codeine, which is also a prodrug that is converted by CYP2D6 to its active metabolite (morphine). A no or slow converter could get little to no benefit from a dose of codeine, while an ultrarapid metabolizer taking the same dose can convert so much codeine to morphine that they die of a morphine overdose (this happened to a pediatric tonsillectomy patient and was the beginning of the end of pediatricians administering codeine to children). The situation is a bit reversed for ibogaine, slow metabolizers hold it in their system longer, and suffer heart problems for longer after a dose. Both ibogaine and noribogaine block hERG potassium channels. These channels play a critical role in heart function, and blocking them is deadly- prolonged QT interval can lead to fatal arrhythmia and torsades de pointe. This effect is serious enough that in drug development, drugs are screened preclinically for hERG block- a positive test is fatal... for the drug- it will not move forward until they fix the hERG problem. This is also tested in Phase 1 (TQT protocol, "Thorough QT" protocol) just in case. And it looks like ibogaine wouldn't survive that test either. The few studies that have measured cardiac activity after an ibogaine dose have found big (>95ms) QT prolongation lasting days. Couple that with uncertain metabolism (which version of CYP2D6 did the person inherit?), and a target clinical population with PTSD, which is also bad for the heart, and it sounds like the patients are saying "fix it or kill me". This is fair enough for a patient to decide (so long as they appreciate the risks), but it is nor good enough for the medical community to recommend. Don't try this at home.
I was just listening to a radio program about this here in Tx. The gist was, Tx (or some other state) fronts the money and research (with local universities) and if the drug succeeds, that state could partner with a drug company and get massive royalties.
Since Iboga can be deadly, there is some research to induce the positive effects while reducing the risks of it. Tabernanthalog or DLX-007 is the name of the chemical that is being in development. It is already avaible at everychem.com and there are some personal anecdotes on it, but clinical trials are not avaible as of today, but might speed up if there is some new interest in it now.
I hope there is more research into safer versions of Ibogaine, Tabernanthalog is very interesting and could have a lot of uses, but it doesn't seem to have all the same benefits that Ibogaine has, especially with opioid addiction.
One of the big reasons Ibogaine is being researched is that it uniquely helps people with opioid addiction, much more than other psychedelics. That's because it (or more rather it's main metabolite noribogaine) attaches to opioid receptors in a unique way. For a lot of opioid addicts, it can get rid of most withdrawal symptoms after just a couple of administrations, which is something Tabernanthalog and other psychedelics don't really do.
I was just listening to a radio program about this here in Tx. The gist was, Tx (or some other state) fronts the money and research (with local universities) and if the drug succeeds, that state could partner with a drug company and get massive royalties.
I must say I find it odd that authoritarians are interested at all in consciousness expanding substances... I can only assume there's some high level ignorance involved here.
But a broken clock is right twice a day, I suppose. MAPS has been doing good work in this area, but serious research into these substances is underfunded and well overdue. Psilocybin and MDMA have only recently started gaining traction as potential treatments for real conditions, and are showing a lot of promise.
Ibogaine is an odd one, with much less research behind it. From what I gather there's a lot of potential there, but this is far less of a "fun" drug compared to the others mentioned. It's a very obscure substance with a long and apparently unpleasant experience associated with it. From what I've read it was (is?) traditionally used in coming of age rituals (that also involved 'breaking open the head' - literally), but more recently it's been used for its unusual ability to break addictions and reshape habits. If I'm not mistaken there are a few ibogaine clinics that exist for this purpose, but evidence to support its use is mostly anecdotal AFAIK.
I have doubts that anything will come of this, but it would be nice to see some progress in this field.
Due to the nature of your condescending, passive aggressive, and mainly uninformed statements, I’m using maximum tolerance in my choice of words to reply.
Since you clearly articulated you’re making assumptions, including “high level ignorance involved,” then inaccurately continued your diatribe to include that Psilocybin & MDMA have only “recently” started gaining traction for real conditions (the Dutch have been prescribing this since you’ve been shitting gerber), then concluded, you have doubts anything will come of this, this is of great difficulty.
It is amazing the amount of misinformation one feels obligated to share without knowing anything. There’s an old Iberian proverb, “ohh how much a fool knows.”
I know, I wasn’t supposed to do that, but I reread what you wrote and must encourage you to do better and learn about what you’re talking about, if you’re going to talk about it.
So let’s get into it.
I don’t know what your definition of “serious research” is. If I had to guess, you’re from the school of thought that requires “peer reviewed” journals. While I don’t really have the energy to get into why that’s more restrictive than informative, let’s just agree to disagree and for a moment, and consider that souls have been utilizing ibogaine & psilocybin since they were discovered due to their healing properties.
Additionally, ibogaine has significant research behind it. Google W. Bryan Hubbard for more information.
Currently on average, 17 American vets commit suicide every single day. Ibogaine has an over 90% success rate at healing PTSD permanently. There are, as you mentioned, multiple Ibogaine clinics in Mexico that American soldiers and veterans have been utilizing for quite a while to heal. This is overseen by doctors because an incorrect dose can lead to heart attacks.
Additionally, there is a massive addiction problem in the United States. Maybe you’re unaware of the opioid epidemic brought on by Purdue pharmaceutical, but as disrespectfully as possible, fuck all of them.
Ibogaine treatment has an over 90% success rate at curing addiction, regardless of what substance a soul is addicted to.
Friendly reminder, peep the brain studies completed by reputable US universities regarding pre and post brain activity after a single Ibogaine treatment.
Lastly, pardon my rudeness at times in this response. But it’s uninformed shit like this that pollutes minds before they get a chance to actually understand any topic they haven’t been exposed to, so, it rubs me the wrong way.
Uhh all right, thanks for informing the class I guess.
But I have a feeling you've totally misunderstood my doubts (I was referring to Trump's interest in the matter specifically) and taken "serious research" totally the wrong way (I see this more as a bar to clear for more widespread medical application than a measure for effectiveness).
Trump’s interests are irrelevant. This medicine is one of a kind for souls suffering from PTSD &/or addiction- and the research you desire has already occurred and speaks for itself.
Texas isn’t the only state that has enacted law to establish Ibogaine treatment mechanisms; Arizona, California, Indiana, Mississippi, have too.
Additionally, Ibogaine bills have been introduced to do the same in Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, & West Virginia.
As you can see, pertaining to what I originally commented on regarding the assumption, “I have doubts anything will come of this,” significant & tangible anythings have already occurred.
I don’t really have the patience for the goalposts moving in your rebuttal.
All this information is public record, perhaps take a look before speaking blindly. Misinformation is worse than no information.
Psychedelics including Iboga have saved my life. Praise the lawd that DJT has done this one sane thing! We are in dire need of appropriate applications of these medicines.
They still haven't reclassified Marijuana yet. Supreme Court still hasn't ruled that having a medical Marijuana card shouldn't block you from purchasing a firearm.(Big thing for Veterans). And you believe that this will happen in your lifetime? He just roped Joe Rogan and others suckers back in with this.
Not miserable...just realistic. Other drugs like this have been already tested for years and not released for medical use. And they have less deadly side effects. Actually I'm happy it helped you, but to praise someone who didn't do anything but hold a photo shoot is ridiculous.
There are no other drugs like Ibogaine. Its healing properties after a single treatment for addiction & PTSD is nothing short of miraculous.
Through your lens of photo shoots and extending an olive branch to a former or waning base, sure, be upset about it. Let me know where being upset gets you.
Tangibly, this will help souls in the deepest and darkest of holes, in which you’re statistically an anomaly if you get out of it alive.
Lastly, this has nothing to do with marijuana. To bring it up is about as relevant as your theoretical olive branch purview to the Rogan base.
Didn’t do anything but hold a photoshoot? Hate Rogan all you want, but you can’t disagree with he’s been a huge influence in removing the stigma in psychedelics for therapeutic uses. It deserves praise.
If this actually helps with treatment-resistant PTSD or depression, it could be huge. But yeah, definitely seems like something that needs careful rollout.
[OP] maxkozlov | 10 days ago
>The potent and long-lasting psychedelic ibogaine is something of a scientific mystery, in part because it is one of the most tightly controlled drugs in the United States. But a new directive from US President Donald Trump aims to change that.
>On 18 April, Trump signed an executive order to streamline research into ibogaine and other psychedelic compounds and to make it easier for people with certain illnesses to access these drugs. The move has been welcomed by researchers who see potential for the drugs in treating conditions such as addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical trials have yielded some encouraging results for drugs such as MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms.But scientists are also concerned about possible side effects, and the impact on health services if the drugs are approved. And the mention of only one compound by name in the executive order has surprised some researchers.
>“It’s unusual to me that ibogaine has been called out specifically, given that it's probably the furthest behind in the process compared to psilocybin and MDMA, which are much closer to approval,” says Alan Davis, a clinical psychologist at the Ohio State University in Columbus.
>But scientists also say that the preliminary research on ibogaine has provided intriguing hints about its potential – while also providing cautionary evidence about its hazards. Trump’s orders could help to resolve questions about ibogaine and other psychedelics, they say.
>The order is “going to make things easier to advance psychedelic therapies because it lowers barriers that have been slowing progress”, says Rachel Yehuda, a psychiatry specialist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Here's an excerpt of the story. I'm the reporter who wrote the story. As always, I'm keen to hear if there's anything I missed, or if you have anything else that you think should be on my radar. My Signal is mkozlov.01. You can stay anonymous. Happy to answer any questions about how I reported this story too!
PS: If you hit the paywall, make a free account. It should let you read the full story.
HotterRod | 10 days ago
Ibogaine is legal to possess in Canada, unlike other psychedelics. Although it can't be sold and it can't be prescribed without special authorization. 🫤
Memetic1 | 9 days ago
It's a powerful drug that looks promising for treating addiction. From what I hear about it the trip isn't recreational.
DavidIsIt | 9 days ago
In my experience, hallucinagenics are what caused my onset of schizophrenia, so I hope they are cautious about giving it out.
TrafficWinter2278 | 9 days ago
For health risks, other than the ordinary dangers of hallucinating, ibogaine is converted to its active metabolite noribogaine by CYP2D6 liver enzymes. People genetically inherit CYP2D6 variants and there are "no", "slow", "rapid" and "ultrarapid" metabolizers. Most evidence of this is from codeine, which is also a prodrug that is converted by CYP2D6 to its active metabolite (morphine). A no or slow converter could get little to no benefit from a dose of codeine, while an ultrarapid metabolizer taking the same dose can convert so much codeine to morphine that they die of a morphine overdose (this happened to a pediatric tonsillectomy patient and was the beginning of the end of pediatricians administering codeine to children). The situation is a bit reversed for ibogaine, slow metabolizers hold it in their system longer, and suffer heart problems for longer after a dose. Both ibogaine and noribogaine block hERG potassium channels. These channels play a critical role in heart function, and blocking them is deadly- prolonged QT interval can lead to fatal arrhythmia and torsades de pointe. This effect is serious enough that in drug development, drugs are screened preclinically for hERG block- a positive test is fatal... for the drug- it will not move forward until they fix the hERG problem. This is also tested in Phase 1 (TQT protocol, "Thorough QT" protocol) just in case. And it looks like ibogaine wouldn't survive that test either. The few studies that have measured cardiac activity after an ibogaine dose have found big (>95ms) QT prolongation lasting days. Couple that with uncertain metabolism (which version of CYP2D6 did the person inherit?), and a target clinical population with PTSD, which is also bad for the heart, and it sounds like the patients are saying "fix it or kill me". This is fair enough for a patient to decide (so long as they appreciate the risks), but it is nor good enough for the medical community to recommend. Don't try this at home.
doughnut-dinner | 10 days ago
I was just listening to a radio program about this here in Tx. The gist was, Tx (or some other state) fronts the money and research (with local universities) and if the drug succeeds, that state could partner with a drug company and get massive royalties.
BabyLegsOShanahan | 10 days ago
Ibogaine is native to Central Africa. Traditionally used for spiritual practices for hundreds of years.
MentalDisintegrat1on | 9 days ago
Mescaline was used for thousands of years.
I like mescaline hope it becomes legal the cactus is getting harder to find.
costafilh0 | 9 days ago
Great news! The more research world wide the better.
Fit-Vacation166 | 10 days ago
Since Iboga can be deadly, there is some research to induce the positive effects while reducing the risks of it. Tabernanthalog or DLX-007 is the name of the chemical that is being in development. It is already avaible at everychem.com and there are some personal anecdotes on it, but clinical trials are not avaible as of today, but might speed up if there is some new interest in it now.
Objective_Animator52 | 9 days ago
I hope there is more research into safer versions of Ibogaine, Tabernanthalog is very interesting and could have a lot of uses, but it doesn't seem to have all the same benefits that Ibogaine has, especially with opioid addiction.
One of the big reasons Ibogaine is being researched is that it uniquely helps people with opioid addiction, much more than other psychedelics. That's because it (or more rather it's main metabolite noribogaine) attaches to opioid receptors in a unique way. For a lot of opioid addicts, it can get rid of most withdrawal symptoms after just a couple of administrations, which is something Tabernanthalog and other psychedelics don't really do.
doughnut-dinner | 10 days ago
I was just listening to a radio program about this here in Tx. The gist was, Tx (or some other state) fronts the money and research (with local universities) and if the drug succeeds, that state could partner with a drug company and get massive royalties.
natures_-_prophet | 9 days ago
They're looking for a way to save the demented oranges fungus rotten mind
Quiet-Owl9220 | 9 days ago
I must say I find it odd that authoritarians are interested at all in consciousness expanding substances... I can only assume there's some high level ignorance involved here.
But a broken clock is right twice a day, I suppose. MAPS has been doing good work in this area, but serious research into these substances is underfunded and well overdue. Psilocybin and MDMA have only recently started gaining traction as potential treatments for real conditions, and are showing a lot of promise.
Ibogaine is an odd one, with much less research behind it. From what I gather there's a lot of potential there, but this is far less of a "fun" drug compared to the others mentioned. It's a very obscure substance with a long and apparently unpleasant experience associated with it. From what I've read it was (is?) traditionally used in coming of age rituals (that also involved 'breaking open the head' - literally), but more recently it's been used for its unusual ability to break addictions and reshape habits. If I'm not mistaken there are a few ibogaine clinics that exist for this purpose, but evidence to support its use is mostly anecdotal AFAIK.
I have doubts that anything will come of this, but it would be nice to see some progress in this field.
00feezy | 9 days ago
Due to the nature of your condescending, passive aggressive, and mainly uninformed statements, I’m using maximum tolerance in my choice of words to reply.
Since you clearly articulated you’re making assumptions, including “high level ignorance involved,” then inaccurately continued your diatribe to include that Psilocybin & MDMA have only “recently” started gaining traction for real conditions (the Dutch have been prescribing this since you’ve been shitting gerber), then concluded, you have doubts anything will come of this, this is of great difficulty.
It is amazing the amount of misinformation one feels obligated to share without knowing anything. There’s an old Iberian proverb, “ohh how much a fool knows.”
I know, I wasn’t supposed to do that, but I reread what you wrote and must encourage you to do better and learn about what you’re talking about, if you’re going to talk about it.
So let’s get into it.
I don’t know what your definition of “serious research” is. If I had to guess, you’re from the school of thought that requires “peer reviewed” journals. While I don’t really have the energy to get into why that’s more restrictive than informative, let’s just agree to disagree and for a moment, and consider that souls have been utilizing ibogaine & psilocybin since they were discovered due to their healing properties.
Additionally, ibogaine has significant research behind it. Google W. Bryan Hubbard for more information.
Currently on average, 17 American vets commit suicide every single day. Ibogaine has an over 90% success rate at healing PTSD permanently. There are, as you mentioned, multiple Ibogaine clinics in Mexico that American soldiers and veterans have been utilizing for quite a while to heal. This is overseen by doctors because an incorrect dose can lead to heart attacks.
Additionally, there is a massive addiction problem in the United States. Maybe you’re unaware of the opioid epidemic brought on by Purdue pharmaceutical, but as disrespectfully as possible, fuck all of them.
Ibogaine treatment has an over 90% success rate at curing addiction, regardless of what substance a soul is addicted to.
Friendly reminder, peep the brain studies completed by reputable US universities regarding pre and post brain activity after a single Ibogaine treatment.
Lastly, pardon my rudeness at times in this response. But it’s uninformed shit like this that pollutes minds before they get a chance to actually understand any topic they haven’t been exposed to, so, it rubs me the wrong way.
All the best.
Quiet-Owl9220 | 9 days ago
Uhh all right, thanks for informing the class I guess.
But I have a feeling you've totally misunderstood my doubts (I was referring to Trump's interest in the matter specifically) and taken "serious research" totally the wrong way (I see this more as a bar to clear for more widespread medical application than a measure for effectiveness).
Have a nice day...
00feezy | 9 days ago
Anytime, here to help.
Trump’s interests are irrelevant. This medicine is one of a kind for souls suffering from PTSD &/or addiction- and the research you desire has already occurred and speaks for itself.
Texas isn’t the only state that has enacted law to establish Ibogaine treatment mechanisms; Arizona, California, Indiana, Mississippi, have too.
Additionally, Ibogaine bills have been introduced to do the same in Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, & West Virginia.
As you can see, pertaining to what I originally commented on regarding the assumption, “I have doubts anything will come of this,” significant & tangible anythings have already occurred.
I don’t really have the patience for the goalposts moving in your rebuttal.
All this information is public record, perhaps take a look before speaking blindly. Misinformation is worse than no information.
thenikolaka | 10 days ago
He’s also going to reverse course within 2 weeks.
Copper-crow23 | 9 days ago
Psychedelics including Iboga have saved my life. Praise the lawd that DJT has done this one sane thing! We are in dire need of appropriate applications of these medicines.
Entire_Month9233 | 9 days ago
They still haven't reclassified Marijuana yet. Supreme Court still hasn't ruled that having a medical Marijuana card shouldn't block you from purchasing a firearm.(Big thing for Veterans). And you believe that this will happen in your lifetime? He just roped Joe Rogan and others suckers back in with this.
JMaC1130 | 9 days ago
You have to be pretty miserable person to see this anything other than overwhelmingly positive.
Entire_Month9233 | 9 days ago
Not miserable...just realistic. Other drugs like this have been already tested for years and not released for medical use. And they have less deadly side effects. Actually I'm happy it helped you, but to praise someone who didn't do anything but hold a photo shoot is ridiculous.
00feezy | 9 days ago
There are no other drugs like Ibogaine. Its healing properties after a single treatment for addiction & PTSD is nothing short of miraculous.
Through your lens of photo shoots and extending an olive branch to a former or waning base, sure, be upset about it. Let me know where being upset gets you.
Tangibly, this will help souls in the deepest and darkest of holes, in which you’re statistically an anomaly if you get out of it alive.
Lastly, this has nothing to do with marijuana. To bring it up is about as relevant as your theoretical olive branch purview to the Rogan base.
JMaC1130 | 9 days ago
Didn’t do anything but hold a photoshoot? Hate Rogan all you want, but you can’t disagree with he’s been a huge influence in removing the stigma in psychedelics for therapeutic uses. It deserves praise.
Brrdock | 9 days ago
Caution is needed. And the minute they smell the promise of money we'll throw caution to the wind.
Like we kinda did with ketamine.
zaprutertape | 9 days ago
theyre trying to learn how to control people not help people. been this way forever.
VIc320 | 9 days ago
No fan of Trump but this is the best thing he’s done.
Necessary-Peace9672 | 9 days ago
The ivermectin crowd will be showing up in ERs tripping balls…
YouShitMyPants | 9 days ago
Hmmmmm what a coincidence after watching the first couple episodes of resident evil.
Tony7726 | 9 days ago
If this actually helps with treatment-resistant PTSD or depression, it could be huge. But yeah, definitely seems like something that needs careful rollout.
Connect_Meaning2689 | 9 days ago
Mysterious
I_TheAndOnly | 9 days ago
what about people who got mentally ill because of drugs? any new drugs that can cure past damage caused by these drugs?
FaluninumAlcon | 10 days ago
They'll probably show the same restraint that we see with AI.