State Reps. Jaime Greene and Mike McFall today introduced a plan to make Michigan a national leader in the field of health research related to ibogaine. 

“This legislation is deeply personal to me,” said Greene (R-Richmond). “Ibogaine has the potential to treat opioid use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological and mental health conditions. I am a veteran, and I know the trauma that can come through service. We now have the opportunity to use ibogaine to combat the horrific effects of trauma and addiction. Michigan should be at the center of these medical breakthroughs. Ibogaine has the potential to help those who are severely struggling, and we as legislators have a responsibility to act accordingly.” 

House Bill 6020 would create an ibogaine grant program within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for certified clinical drug development trials overseen by the FDA.  

“The opioid epidemic has taken too many lives in our state, and we can’t ignore new research that could help people beat dependency and treat severe mental health conditions,” said McFall (D-Hazel Park). “This bill creates a strict, safe grant program for clinical trials right here in Michigan, run by top-tier hospitals and research schools. It’s a common-sense approach to finding every possible tool to save lives and heal our communities.” 

Geoffrey Lawrence, Research Director of Reason Foundation, also voiced support for the policy. 

“Michigan has the chance to develop ibogaine as a highly effective investment that lowers long-term health care costs, improves care and recovery, and helps save lives,” said Lawrence. 

The bill would require participation in a consortium seeking FDA approval and breakthrough therapy designation. It also directs $50 million from the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund into an Ibogaine Research Fund. 

Dr. Kevin Boehnke from the University of Michigan Medical School also spoke in support of the need for careful study. 

“Ibogaine has substantial promise for treating some substance use disorders and related psychiatric symptoms,” said Boehnke. “However, rigorous, thoughtful studies are essential to determine who may benefit, how to reduce risks, and how to build treatment models that are safe, ethical, and grounded in evidence.”