Addressing Ibogaine’s Heart Risks

Ibogaine is a tryptamine psychedelic found in Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central West Africa. Some of the indigenous peoples of Gabon, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo use the root or bark of this plant (as these contain the highest concentrations of ibogaine) as part of Bwiti spiritual…

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Could Non-Hallucinogenic Psychedelics Help Treat Schizophrenia?

In psychedelic clinical trials, patients with a history of psychotic experiences, a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, or a mood disorder with psychotic symptoms are typically screened out. (Other exclusion criteria – again, typically – include a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or recent suicidality.) The reason for excluding people with psychotic symptoms from trials on psychedelic-assisted therapy…

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Challenging the Stigma Surrounding Psychedelics

Between 2016-17, US comedian Shane Mauss was performing on a tour called A Good Trip, a two-hour comedy show about psychedelics. One of the aims of this tour, he said, was to remove the stigma that surrounds the use of psychedelics. Public Perceptions About Psychedelics Many people have misguided and negative preconceptions about what these substances…

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Should Ibogaine Be Used to Treat Drug Addiction?

Ibogaine is a psychoactive chemical found in the Tabernanthe iboga plant. It has both hallucinogenic and dissociative properties, which means it produces both hallucinations and feelings of detachment. Ibogaine-containing brews have been used in rituals in the African spiritual tradition of Bwiti – this is a tradition practised by the Fang people of Gabon and it…

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