January 2, 2025 • 2hr 14min
#2251 - Rick Perry & W. Bryan Hubbard
The Joe Rogan Experience
Key Takeaways
- Ibogaine shows remarkable potential for treating addiction, PTSD, TBI and other conditions with a single treatment
- Clinical trials at Stanford showed 88% of veterans had zero PTSD symptoms 6 months after ibogaine treatment
- The Texas Ibogaine Initiative aims to establish clinical trials and research programs to develop ibogaine as an approved treatment
- Ibogaine has three key benefits:
- Resolves physiological substance dependence within 36-48 hours
- Provides psychological ownership over one's future
- Offers profound spiritual affirmation and connection
- Current Schedule 1 classification prevents research and medical use despite evidence of safety and efficacy when properly administered
Introduction
Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas and Secretary of Energy, joins Joe Rogan along with W. Bryan Hubbard, former Chairman of the Kentucky Opioid Commission, to discuss their work advancing ibogaine research and treatment, particularly for veterans struggling with PTSD, TBI, and addiction. They share their personal journeys discovering ibogaine's potential and their efforts to establish clinical trials and treatment programs in Texas.
Topics Discussed
Rick Perry's Journey to Supporting Ibogaine (03:22)
Governor Perry describes how he first became involved with veterans' mental health issues through his relationship with Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell and his twin brother Morgan. This led him to discover ibogaine's potential for treating PTSD and addiction.
- Initial skepticism as a conservative Republican governor
- Direct observation of ibogaine treatments in Mexico changed his perspective
- Commitment to helping veterans access effective treatments outweighed political concerns
- "My reputation is not worth more than their lives" - Rick Perry on advocating for ibogaine research
The Stanford Clinical Trial Results (35:06)
Discussion of groundbreaking research led by Dr. Nolan Williams at Stanford University studying ibogaine's effects on veterans with PTSD and TBI.
- 30 veterans with moderate to severe PTSD received treatment
- 88% had zero PTSD symptoms after 6 months
- Brain scans showed:
- Increased white matter thickness
- Growth in emotional regulation centers
- Average brain age reversal of 1.5 years
- Results published in Nature Medicine January 2024
Bryan Hubbard's Kentucky Initiative (59:26)
Hubbard shares his experience developing Kentucky's ibogaine research initiative and what led to its ultimate derailment.
- Proposed $42 million program for clinical trials
- Public-private partnership model with drug developers
- Three public hearings demonstrated safety and efficacy
- Initiative blocked by new administration despite broad support
The Texas Ibogaine Initiative (1:38:29)
Details of the planned program to establish ibogaine research and treatment in Texas.
- $50 million proposed funding from state surplus
- Partnership with medical institutions including Texas Medical Center
- Focus on veterans initially with potential expansion to broader population
- Public education campaign to build support and understanding
Safety and Administration Considerations (1:52:38)
Discussion of important safety protocols and proper medical oversight for ibogaine treatment.
- Cardiac monitoring required due to potential QT interval effects
- Magnesium co-administration helps mitigate cardiac risks
- Must be administered by qualified medical professionals
- "Do not under any circumstance try to order ibogaine online for self-administration" - Bryan Hubbard
Spiritual and Psychological Effects (1:56:41)
Personal testimonials about ibogaine's profound impact on consciousness and spiritual awareness.
- Connection to divine consciousness commonly reported
- Psychological reset enables lasting behavioral changes
- Affirmation of purpose and human dignity
- "These substances are divine medications engineered from on high so that we can heal" - Bryan Hubbard
Next Steps and Public Involvement (2:00:09)
Discussion of how the public can support ibogaine research initiatives.
- Contact state representatives to express support
- Veteran outreach programs being developed
- Federal level advocacy with new administration
- Public education campaign launching in Texas
Conclusion
The conversation highlights the transformative potential of ibogaine when properly administered in clinical settings. With support building at both state and federal levels, there is growing momentum to advance research and establish treatment programs, particularly for veterans. The Texas Ibogaine Initiative represents a crucial step toward making this promising treatment legally available while ensuring proper safety protocols and medical oversight.
The speakers emphasize that success will require continued public education, political courage, and careful implementation to ensure safety and efficacy. They express optimism that this work could revolutionize treatment for addiction, PTSD, and other conditions while affirming human dignity and spiritual wholeness.
