Ibogaine Gains Spotlight as Former House Speaker Calls for Wider Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Newt Gingrich, a Former House Speaker, has drawn attention to ibogaine, a psychedelic compound derived from the African iboga shrub, calling it a potential game-changer for treating addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

During the recent “Newt’s World” podcast episode, the Georgia Republican sat down with W. Brian Hubbard, executive director of Americans for Ibogaine, who highlighted ibogaine’s ability to disrupt opioid addiction cycles, often with a single dose, based on his work in Kentucky. A subsequent discussion with Dr. Nolan Williams, a Stanford University psychiatrist, cited a January 2024 study published in Nature Medicine. The study tracked 30 U.S. military veterans treated with ibogaine in Mexico, where the substance is legal. One month after treatment, participants reported an 88% reduction in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression, and 81% in anxiety, with no serious side effects noted in the cohort.

“Ibogaine could save several million lives if we get serious about it,” Gingrich said, emphasizing its potential for veterans and others grappling with mental health challenges. His advocacy aligns with growing bipartisan support. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, appearing on a Joe Rogan podcast in 2025, described ibogaine’s results as “miraculous” and urged clinical trials.

Despite the promise and multilevel support, ibogaine’s path forward faces hurdles. Classified as a Schedule I substance by the FDA, it remains illegal in the U.S., limiting domestic research. Experts also warn of cardiac risks, including arrhythmias, which have caused fatalities in unregulated settings. The Nature Medicine study underscores the need for larger, controlled trials to validate efficacy and ensure safety.

Public interest is rising, evident in social media discussions. Since July, Gingrich’s posts on X about ibogaine have generated thousands of views and retweets, with users sharing recovery stories and debating decriminalization. This reflects broader shifts in attitudes toward psychedelics, as seen with recent FDA reviews of MDMA and psilocybin therapies.

For the psychedelics industry, ibogaine represents both opportunity and challenge. With U.S. mental health costs surpassing $250 billion [!] annually, effective treatments could spur significant market growth. However, we note that investor confidence will depend on rigorous clinical data and regulatory clarity. Balancing innovation with patient safety will be critical as ibogaine moves from promise to practice.