What Is Ibogaine and Why Is Trump Talking About It?
Summary
Host Tyler Foggett interviews journalist Michelle Luke about the right-wing embrace of ibogaine, a psychedelic drug used to treat addiction. The episode details how figures like Rick Perry and Joe Rogan influenced President Trump to sign an executive order supporting ibogaine research. Luke explains how conservatives reframe the drug as a patriotic, spiritual medical intervention rather than recreational use, marking a significant shift in drug policy politics.
Topics discussed
Intro and Rick Perry's Ibogaine experience
Trump's executive order on psychedelics
What is Ibogaine and its effects
Details of the executive order and its impact
Brian Hubbard and the Ibogaine movement origins
Rick Perry's conversion and veteran advocacy
Break and transition to political context
Conservative embrace and Christian framing
Legalization models and the role of Joe Rogan
How the podcast led to the executive order
The science and risks of Ibogaine
Access politics and the attention economy
Reactions from drug policy advocates
Future of psychedelic legalization and politics
Listen ad-free on Castria