There are few things in this world more heartbreaking than addiction, depression, brain injuries, and trauma disorders. And, if we had the power, most of us would take that pain away in a heartbeat. Well, the Texas Ibogaine Initiative believes they just might be able to do exactly that.
Through cutting-edge psychedelic research, the Initiative is uncovering growing evidence that ibogaine could be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for. It’s offering real hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and cognitive disorders.
Sounds promising already, right? That’s why Lauryn and Michael sat down with W. Bryan Hubbard, Executive Director of the Texas Ibogaine Initiative and CEO of Americans for Ibogaine. He’s leading some incredible work in this space—work that could literally save lives. We can’t wait to share more about it with you.
Meet the Executive Director of the Texas Ibogaine Initiative: Bryan Hubbard
Psychedelic drugs for medicine might sound like something out of ancient tribal rituals or Woodstock after parties, not modern science. But the stigma surrounding psychedelics is largely outdated. These substances are showing real medicinal potential, with the ability to treat some of the world’s most devastating disorders. That’s exactly what the Texas Ibogaine Initiative is here to explore.
Here’s what you need to know about ibogaine and its potential uses:
What Is the Texas Ibogaine Initiative?
The Texas Ibogaine Initiative is a groundbreaking research program that investigates the use of ibogaine, a psychedelic drug, in treating things like addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other medical conditions. (Though maybe not mainstream, this isn’t the first use of psychedelics in medicine—read more on psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD here.)
The state of Texas is funding this program because initial studies and trials show ibogaine treatment can dramatically reduce PTSD, depression, anxiety, and improve brain functioning in TBI patients. It could be the breakthrough in treating people like veterans and first responders who struggle with mental and cognitive disorders.
It’s the LARGEST publicly funded clinical psychedelic research in the United States. We’re talking $50 million in state funding and nearly the same amount in private investment, too. The program is praised by people and organizations like:
- Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)
- Reaching Everyone in Distress (REID) Foundation
- Texans for Greater Mental Health
- Texas Emerging Therapies Association (TETA)
- Heroic Hearts Project
- Americans for Ibogaine
- Former Texas Governor Rick Perry (now board chair for Americans for Ibogaine)
- Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw
- Texas Representative Jack Bergman
- State Senator Tan Parker
Needless to say, the Texas Ibogaine Initiative is gaining a lot of attention and momentum. And like many others, we’re hopeful it could become a real solution for those living with these disorders.
What Is Ibogaine?
A press release from VETS on the Texas Ibogaine Initiative describes ibogaine as “a powerful, naturally occurring medicine showing extraordinary promise as a breakthrough treatment for substance use disorder, trauma-related conditions, and traumatic brain injury.” But what is it really?
Ibogaine is a psychedelic compound found in the root bark of the iboga plant, which comes from Central West Africa. It’s been used in spiritual rituals by people of the Bwiti religion for years. Only recently, however, have medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies begun to study it seriously. They see it as a potentially revolutionary treatment for substance abuse, mental disorders, and cognitive trauma.
To hear details about the therapeutic effects of ibogaine, jump in here on this episode of the Him & Her Show!
Who Is Bryan Hubbard?
W. Bryan Hubbard is the CEO of Americans for Ibogaine and former Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative at the REID Foundation. He’s one of the driving forces behind ibogaine research and advocacy, saying “Ibogaine is the Manhattan Project of our time.” With this, he also helped establish the Texas Ibogaine Initiative. As a result, Brian, along with Senator Tan Parker, was personally responsible for the $50 million in state funding to launch FDA-approved clinical trials!
This is one of the main reasons Lauryn and Michael were eager to talk with him on the Him & Her Show. As open-minded advocates for cutting-edge wellness breakthroughs, they wanted to hear all about ibogaine, the Initiative, and Bryan’s activism. To hear about it all from the expert himself, listen to the whole W. Bryan Hubbard podcast with TSC!
What Bryan Hubbard Did Before the Texas Ibogaine Initiative
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Bryan Hubbard began his career as a workers’ compensation lawyer in Kentucky. For about 15 years, he represented both employees and companies in workplace injury cases. During that time, he encountered many people who were injured on the job and became addicted to opioids as a result. These experiences fueled his passion for finding better ways to help people and treat addiction.
Commissioner for Kentucky Department of Income Support
After his time as a workers’ compensation lawyer, Bryan Hubbard became the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Income Support. In this role, he was responsible for managing social service programs, like Social Security Disability and Child Support Enforcement. Much of his work focused on streamlining these services to ensure that those who truly needed assistance received it promptly. This experience gave him deeper insight into the challenges faced by people dealing with disabilities and severe economic hardships.
Special Counsel Member for Office of Medicaid Fraud & Abuse Control
When Bryan Hubbard served in the Office of Medicaid Fraud & Abuse Control, he ensured public funds were used appropriately. Drawing on his experience as a workers’ compensation lawyer, he focused heavily on shutting down fraudulent opioid-maintenance providers who contributed to the rise in addiction.
Chair & Executive Director of Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission
In 2022, Bryan Hubbard was appointed Chair and Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KOAAC). The commission’s job was to oversee how Kentucky’s share of opioid settlement funds would be allocated. And where did this money come from? Lawsuits against drug manufacturers, distributors, and retailers whose misleading marketing negligent practices fueled the opioid epidemic.
Hubbard made sure those millions went to the right people and organizations. He even organized statewide town halls to hear directly from communities about how the funds should be used. In the end, the money supported treatment centers, addiction recovery housing, overdose response tools, behavioral health services, youth drug prevention programs, and addiction treatment research.
To hear more on this, here’s Bryan Hubbard talking about the Kentucky Opioid Crisis.
Advocate for Psychedelic Medical Treatments
While at KOAAC, Bryan Hubbard began exploring the potential of psychedelics as medicine—especially ibogaine. As he dug into the research, he found growing evidence that ibogaine could be a promising treatment for substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other mental or cognitive conditions.
In May 2023, he proposed that the state invest $42 million in funding FDA-approved ibogaine clinical trials in Kentucky. At first, the idea had all of the support it needed. But by the end of the year, Hubbard was asked to resign from the commission, and the proposal was shelved.
Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative
After leaving the commission, Hubbard launched the American Ibogaine Initiative alongside Governor Rick Perry. He also joined forces with the REID Foundation. As CEO of the Initiative, Hubbard began building a 15-state alliance (including Arizona, Ohio, Washington, Missouri, and Indiana). Ultimately, his goal was to coordinate ibogaine research funding for those with PTSD, TBI, substance use disorder, and more.
How Did Bryan Hubbard Become the Executive Director of the Texas Ibogaine Initiative?
- 2022–2023: Served as Chair and Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KOAAC), managing opioid settlement funds.
- Mid-2023: Proposed a bold plan for Kentucky to invest $42 million into FDA-approved ibogaine clinical trials as a potential treatment for opioid addiction, PTSD, and TBI.
- Late 2023: Faced political backlash in Kentucky over the ibogaine proposal; ultimately asked to resign, and the plan was shelved.
- Early 2024: Partnered with former Texas Governor Rick Perry to launch the American Ibogaine Initiative, a national advocacy organization pushing for ibogaine research funding.
- 2024–2025: Built a 15-state alliance to coordinate public funding for ibogaine research; worked closely with Texas lawmakers to draft ibogaine legislation.
- Mid-2025: Following successful lobbying and bipartisan support, Texas passed legislation allocating $50 million toward ibogaine research. For perspective, this is the largest publicly funded psychedelic research initiative in U.S. history.
- Post-legislation: Hubbard was named Executive Director of the Texas Ibogaine Initiative, the official body overseeing the state’s ibogaine clinical trials and program development.
Ibogaine research could be the first step towards curing some of the darkest disorders in the world.
The Texas Ibogaine Initiative is more than a medical experiment. It’s a bold step toward transforming how we treat addiction, PTSD, brain injuries, and other devastating disorders. With Bryan Hubbard at the helm, the program is combining science, advocacy, and public funding. It’s bringing real hope to people who’ve been underserved by traditional medicine for far too long.
Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or fully on board, one thing is clear: the conversation around ibogaine is just getting started, and it’s one worth having.
If you’re interested in learning more about psychedelics and innovative wellness, listen to these episodes of the Him & Her Show:
- Open Relationships, Psychedelics, Human Optimization, Morning Routines, & Owning The Day
- Gut Health, Inflammation, Immune System Boosting, Better Sex, Chronobiology, & Psychedelics
- How to Expand Your Mind, Unlock Your Key Thoughts, & Potentially Utilize Psychedelics
- Discovering How To Unlock Your Mind, Prevent Anxiety & Depression, Trust Vs. Myths Surrounding Psychedelics