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Bill

SB 5204

Concerning ibogaine-assisted therapy.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by T'wina Nobles and 2 co-sponsors

SB 5204 establishes regulated clinical protocols for ibogaine-assisted therapy to treat substance addiction in Washington, pending federal legal compatibility and clinical safety standards.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care at 8:00 AM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5204

Legislative bill overview

SB 5204 proposes to establish a regulatory framework for ibogaine-assisted therapy in Washington State. Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound derived from the African iboga plant that some research suggests may help treat opioid addiction and other substance use disorders. The bill would create clinical trial protocols and oversight mechanisms to allow supervised therapeutic use under controlled conditions.

Why is this important

Washington State faces a significant opioid addiction crisis, and conventional treatment options have limited effectiveness for some patients. If ibogaine shows promise in clinical settings, this legislation could expand treatment access to individuals for whom standard interventions have failed. However, ibogaine remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, creating legal and logistical complexities for implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state legal conflict: Ibogaine is federally prohibited as a Schedule I drug, creating tension between state legalization and federal enforcement priorities
  • Safety and medical evidence: While some research is promising, ibogaine carries documented risks including cardiac complications and psychological effects; debate over sufficient evidence for therapeutic use
  • Clinical oversight requirements: Disagreement likely on appropriate medical licensing, facility standards, dosing protocols, and who can administer treatment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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