Ohio Lawmakers Consider Joining Other States to Test Psychedelic-Assisted Treatments

In Ohio and several other states around the country, lawmakers are weighing the potential benefits of a little-known psychedelic drug called ibogaine.

Rep. Justin Pizzulli chairs the Ibogaine Treatment Study Committee and lobbied for its creation as part of last year’s budget.

Pizzulli represents Portsmouth which he described as “ground zero” for the opioid crisis in Ohio.

Supporters of ibogaine treatment insist their effort is limited to clinical therapies in a controlled setting rather than opening the door to recreational use. And they point to initial studies that show promising results for the treatment.

Right now, a handful of states are pooling funds and working together to develop a treatment that could pass muster with the FDA.