The bill proposes a study on the outcomes of ibogaine-assisted therapy for adults with opioid use disorder, recognizing ibogaine's potential as a treatment option. It highlights the significant public health crisis posed by opioid use disorder, noting the limitations of current standard treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine. The bill emphasizes the need for innovative therapies, particularly given the ongoing opioid crisis and the promising findings regarding ibogaine's ability to rapidly alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
To facilitate this research, the bill mandates the University of Washington to conduct a three-year prospective, randomized cohort study. This study will compare ibogaine-assisted therapy conducted in a licensed clinic in Mexico with standard U.S. interventions, measuring various outcomes such as treatment engagement, reduction in opioid use, and overall functional status. The goal is to address the existing research gap and potentially develop new, effective treatment options for individuals who do not respond to current therapies, ultimately aiming to improve the lives of those affected by opioid use disorder.