#2251 - Rick Perry & W. Bryan Hubbard
The Joe Rogan Experience
Deep Dive
What is the Kentucky Ibogaine Initiative and how is it funded?
The Kentucky Ibogaine Initiative is a project designed to explore the use of Ibogaine, a psychoactive plant medicine, for treating opioid addiction and other mental health conditions. It is funded by $842 million in settlements from opioid distributors and manufacturers, paid out over 15 years, as part of the state's efforts to address the opioid epidemic.
How did Rick Perry become involved in advocating for Ibogaine?
Rick Perry became involved in advocating for Ibogaine after meeting Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL and American hero, who suffered from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Perry's journey began in 2006 when he met Luttrell and later supported his medical treatment. Over time, Perry became convinced of the potential of plant-based medicines, particularly Ibogaine, to help veterans and others suffering from mental health issues.
What are the results of the Stanford University study on Ibogaine?
The Stanford University study on Ibogaine involved 30 veterans with moderate to severe PTSD. The results showed that 88% of participants had zero PTSD symptoms six months after treatment. Additionally, the study found that Ibogaine has significant neuroregenerative properties, reversing brain age by an average of 1.5 years, with some participants experiencing a reversal of up to 5 years.
Why is Ibogaine classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States?
Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States due to its inclusion in the Controlled Substances Act during the Nixon administration in the 1970s. Schedule 1 drugs are defined as having no medical use and a high potential for abuse, despite evidence showing Ibogaine's therapeutic potential for treating addiction and mental health conditions.
What is the Texas Ibogaine Initiative and what are its goals?
The Texas Ibogaine Initiative is a legislative effort to introduce clinical trials for Ibogaine in Texas. The initiative aims to educate the public about Ibogaine's potential to treat PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and addiction. The goal is to pass legislation that will allow for the safe and regulated use of Ibogaine, with the hope of leading the nation in this groundbreaking medical treatment.
How does Ibogaine help with opioid addiction?
Ibogaine helps with opioid addiction by restoring the brain's dopamine and serotonin production to pre-opioid exposure levels within 36 to 48 hours. This resolves physiological dependence on opioids in 80% of individuals with a single dose, increasing to 97% with a second dose. It also provides psychological and spiritual benefits, helping individuals regain control over their lives.
What are the risks associated with Ibogaine treatment?
Ibogaine treatment carries significant cardiac risks, including the potential for prolonged QT interval, which can lead to Torsades de Pointes, a life-threatening arrhythmia. Proper administration by medical professionals with expertise in interventional cardiology is essential to mitigate these risks. Co-administration of magnesium is also used to prevent cardiac complications.
What is the role of the VA in the Texas Ibogaine Initiative?
The VA is expected to be a key partner in the Texas Ibogaine Initiative, providing support for clinical trials and treatment centers. The initiative aims to leverage the VA's expertise in treating veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, ensuring that Ibogaine is administered safely and effectively to those who need it most.
How did W. Bryan Hubbard become involved in the Ibogaine movement?
W. Bryan Hubbard became involved in the Ibogaine movement through his role as the chairman of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. After learning about Ibogaine's potential to treat opioid addiction, he spearheaded efforts to explore its use in Kentucky, leading to the development of the Kentucky Ibogaine Initiative.
What is the significance of the Stanford study on Ibogaine's neuroregenerative properties?
The Stanford study on Ibogaine's neuroregenerative properties is significant because it demonstrated that Ibogaine can reverse brain aging and promote the growth of white matter and brain centers responsible for emotional regulation and executive functioning. This has profound implications for treating conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Shownotes Transcript