Bill would authorize studying supervised ibogaine treatment for veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury

Representative Alex Carlatos and several senators told the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care on March 13 that House Bill 3817 would authorize supervised clinical use and study of ibogaine, a psychoactive alkaloid derived from a Central African shrub, for qualifying individuals — with a focus on veterans with post‑traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

"This bill authorizes the consumption of ibogaine for qualifying individuals within a supervised setting," Rep. Alex Carlatos said, describing the drug as an alkaloid from root bark that appears to produce measured cognitive improvements in limited studies. Carlatos acknowledged safety concerns — particularly cardiac risks — and said the proposal requires cardiology supervision and magnesium administration as part of clinical precautions.

Sen. Mark Meek said the Legislative Veterans Caucus supports studying additional treatments that might reduce homelessness, suicide and opioid self‑medication in the veteran population. Sen. David Brock Smith and other witnesses cited small international or single‑center studies and urged the committee to authorize a state‑supervised study so veterans can access potential treatments without traveling abroad.

Witnesses stressed the bill was narrowly focused on study and supervised administration and not on broad legalization or recreational availability. Committee members asked about existing evidence, where treatments are being conducted, and safety protocols; sponsors cited international trials and a Stanford study reporting marked improvements in a small veteran cohort and said New Zealand and Spain have active research programs.

No opposition testimony was recorded; sponsors said the bill would enable OHA and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to study whether supervised ibogaine implementation is safe and could benefit veterans with treatment‑resistant PTSD or TBI.