The U.S government is reportedly preparing to take a closer look at ibogaine, a psychedelic substance used abroad for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as part of a broader effort to evaluate its safety and potential medical value .
• Psyence Biomedical stock is charging ahead with explosive momentum. What’s fueling PBM momentum?
Sources told CBS News that President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order as early as this week to encourage federal research into the drug.
While the move signals openness to scientific study, officials do not plan to reclassify ibogaine, which will remain a Schedule I substance under U.S. law.
Enveric Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENVB ) stock surged around 45%.
Federal Push Aims To Expand Research, Not Legalize Use
The planned executive action is designed to unlock federal funding and support for studies focused on ibogaine's effectiveness in treating PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, particularly among military veterans .
Officials emphasized that research into the drug remains in its early stages.
One administration official noted the goal is to determine whether ibogaine represents a viable therapeutic option or lacks clinical merit.
Despite its illegal status in the U.S., some Americans have sought treatment at unregulated clinics .
States and Veterans Drive Interest In Alternative Therapies
Interest in ibogaine has gained traction at the state level. Texas, under Gov. Greg Abbott, approved $50 million in funding last year to support research into the compound.
Media coverage has also highlighted anecdotal cases, including a group of U.S. veterans who traveled abroad for psychedelic-assisted therapy to address persistent psychological trauma .
Limited Evidence And Safety Risks Remain Key Concerns
Scientific evidence supporting ibogaine remains limited, the CBS reported on Thursday.
Most data comes from small observational studies, with only one completed randomized controlled trial to date.
Larger, more rigorous trials are still underway.
Safety concerns, particularly related to cardiac health, remain a major hurdle. Ibogaine has been linked to potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbances. A 2023 review covering 705 individuals found reduced withdrawal symptoms but flagged significant risks, including reported deaths.
A small study involving 30 veterans suggested that combining ibogaine with intravenous magnesium may reduce cardiac risks while improving mental health outcomes.
However, researchers cautioned that the sample size and lack of placebo control limit the findings .
PBM Price Action: Psyence Biomedical stock is up 141.32% at $6.95 at publication on Thursday.
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