What is ibogaine, and why is it in the news?
Summary
This episode examines the renewed political and scientific interest in ibogaine, a psychedelic drug with potential for treating opioid addiction and PTSD. Host Flora Lichtman speaks with neuroscientist Dr. Deborah Mash and journalist Jane Hood about recent FDA fast-tracking efforts supported by President Trump and Joe Rogan. The discussion covers ibogaine’s history, its cardiac risks, and the therapeutic promise of its metabolite, noribogaine, while contrasting it with other psychedelics like psilocybin.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Progressive Insurance and Alienware
Trump administration fast-tracks psychedelic research
The recent resurgence of ibogaine interest
Dr. Mash's history with ibogaine research
Barriers to mainstream ibogaine adoption
Ibogaine's heart risks and pharmacokinetics
Noribogaine: A safer metabolite without the trip
Listener story: Craig's ibogaine experience
Describing the ibogaine therapeutic journey
Ibogaine vs. psilocybin and cultural factors
Conclusion and call for evidence-based access
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