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 limitations of current opioid treatments, such as methadone and buprenorphine, which often result in high relapse rates. The bill emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapies in light of the ongoing opioid crisis and notes that ibogaine's classification as a Schedule I controlled substance has hindered research opportunities. The state of Washington has already invested in examining the safety of ibogaine, finding minimal risk when administered in a medical context.

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, administered in a licensed clinic in Mexico, with standard U.S. interventions like medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy. It aims to measure various outcomes, including treatment engagement, opioid use reduction, and overall functional status, thereby addressing a critical gap in the research on opioid use disorder treatments. The findings from this study are intended to inform larger trials and contribute to the development of effective therapies for individuals who do not respond to existing treatments.