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Bill

HB 2961

Creates provisions relating to ibogaine treatment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Richard West

Missouri bill legalizes ibogaine treatment for opioid addiction, challenging federal drug policy while creating a regulated alternative therapy framework.

Introduced and Read First Time (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2961

Legislative bill overview

HB 2961 creates legal provisions allowing ibogaine treatment in Missouri. Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the iboga plant that has shown potential in treating opioid addiction, though it remains a controlled substance federally. The bill would establish a framework for regulated use of this substance within the state.

Why is this important

Missouri would become one of the first states to formally legalize ibogaine treatment, potentially offering an alternative therapy for opioid use disorder at a time when overdose deaths remain a public health crisis. This could position the state as a hub for ibogaine research and treatment while creating a model that other states might follow, though it creates tension with federal drug policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal law conflict: Ibogaine remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, creating legal ambiguity about state-level legalization and potential conflicts with federal enforcement
  • Safety and efficacy concerns: While promising, ibogaine has serious cardiac risks and hasn't completed full FDA approval processes; medical liability and patient safety protocols would need careful definition
  • Regulatory framework: The bill's specifics on licensing, oversight, dosing standards, and practitioner qualifications remain unclear and will likely face scrutiny from medical boards and health departments

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

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