Ibogaine-assisted therapy

AN ACT Relating to studying outcomes of ibogaine-assisted therapy 1
to treat adults with opioid use disorder; and adding new sections to 2
chapter 28B.20 RCW. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28B.20 5
RCW to read as follows: 6
The legislature finds that: 7
(1) In the context of modern medicine, ibogaine has shown 8
promising potential as a treatment for opioid use disorder. Ibogaine 9
is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in the root 10
bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, native to West Africa. It has 11
been traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies by the Bwiti people 12
of Gabon. Compared to traditional opioid replacement therapies, 13
ibogaine appears to have the unique ability to rapidly reduce 14
withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid addiction, 15
often after just a single dose. This effect is thought to be due to 16
ibogaine's complex pharmacological profile, which includes 17
interactions with multiple neurotransmitter systems.18
(2) Opioid use disorder remains a significant public health 19
crisis with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and relapse. Standard 20
treatments, including methadone, buprenorphine, and psychosocial 21
S-0455.2
SENATE BILL 5204
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Senators Salomon, Trudeau, and Nobles
Prefiled 01/09/25. Read first time 01/13/25. Referred to Committee
on Health & Long-Term Care.
p. 1 SB 5204
therapies, often yield limited long-term success with high rates of 1
relapse. 2
(3) Despite its potential, ibogaine remains largely understudied 3
due to its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance in the 4
United States, which significantly restricts research opportunities. 5
However, the ongoing opioid crisis underscores the urgent need for 6
innovative treatments. Studying ibogaine may lead to the development 7
of safer, more effective therapies for opioid use disorder. The state 8
of Washington has already invested funds to examine cardiac safety 9
concerns relating to ibogaine, finding that when given in a medical 10
context, there is very little risk. Ibogaine may represent a powerful 11
life-saving tool for helping those struggling with opioid use 12
disorder. 13
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28B.20 14
RCW to read as follows: 15
(1) The University of Washington must conduct a prospective, 16
randomized cohort study over a three-year period to determine the 17
extent to which ibogaine-assisted therapy conducted through a 18
licensed clinic in Mexico, followed by structured therapeutic 19
support, presents advantages over treatment as usual for adults 20
diagnosed with opioid use disorder compared to the current standard 21
United States interventions of medication-assisted treatment and 22
psychotherapy. The study must measure outcomes including, but not 23
limited to, treatment engagement, reduction in opioid use, mortality, 24
functional status, craving, motivation to change, and self-efficacy, 25
using toxicology, standard scales, and other creditable research 26
techniques. 27
(2) By addressing this critical gap in opioid use disorder 28
treatment research, the study shall aim to pave the way for larger 29
trials and development of innovative treatments for individuals 30
unresponsive to current therapies, creating new, effective, life-31
saving options for this challenging population. 32
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p. 2 SB 5204