The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission held its second and final public hearing on the proposed use of $42 million dollars. This money would be spent over the course of six years to study the use of Ibogaine, a drug derived from plants commonly found in west Africa.
Ibogaine is currently listed as a Schedule One substance, which is a drug that is not acceptable for medical use and has a high potential for abuse. One of those testifying in the public hearing was president and chief executive officer of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, Ben Chandler. He said there are still questions about the effectiveness of the drug.
“I’m hoping that Ibogaine is a part of the answer. I hope that is the case, now I don’t suggest that it or anything else is a silver bullet. This is a difficult problem that we face, and I don’t know if there ever will be a silver bullet.”
Because the drug is illegal in the United States, many seek treatment in Mexico. One of those who testified Friday was Dakota Meyer, a former U.S. Marine and recipient of the Medal of Honor.
“Ibogaine allowed me to confront the traumas that haunted me, to process and understand them in a profound way. The experience was intense and transformative, helping me break away from the suffocating grip of PTSD and depression.”
Commission chair and executive director, Bryan Hubbard said the commission will explore the idea of spending the money for the creation of public and private partnerships to drive the development of Ibogaine all the way through the FDA approval process.
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