Rick Perry’s Ibogaine Push: What Texans Need To Know About Psychedelic Therapy, Schedule I Drug Laws, and Criminal Risk

High-profile support for ibogaine, a psychedelic promoted for traumatic brain injury and addiction, is growing. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry has urged wider access for veterans and helped spur state-funded research conversations. Ibogaine remains a Schedule I substance under federal law and illegal to possess in Texas. That means treatment travel to Mexico or possession here can trigger serious criminal exposure. This post explains what ibogaine is, why it is in the news, how Texas and federal law treat it, and what to do if an investigation, traffic stop, border search, or social media post puts you on law enforcement’s radar.

What is ibogaine and why is it getting attention

Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound derived from plants in the Tabernanthe family. It has been investigated internationally for opioid use disorder and is being discussed for brain injury and post-traumatic stress. Veterans have shared stories of symptom relief after supervised treatment outside the United States. Those stories are driving legislative interest, private fundraising, and clinical conversations. They are not a change in the law. In Texas and at the federal level, possession and distribution remain crimes that carry heavy penalties.

Is ibogaine legal in Texas

No. Ibogaine is not approved for medical use in the United States. Under federal law it is a Schedule I substance. Texas follows suit. If you possess ibogaine in Galveston County or anywhere in the state, you can be charged with a felony. The exact level depends on the weight and any alleged intent to deliver. A conviction risks incarceration, fines, driver’s license consequences, immigration problems for non-citizens, and a criminal record that harms employment and licensing.

What about going to Mexico for ibogaine treatment

Some Texans travel abroad for treatment. That choice carries legal and practical risks that many patients do not consider.

• Border and airport risks: You cannot bring ibogaine back into the United States. Any attempt to import can lead to arrest, seizure, and federal charges. Even residue in containers, unmarked capsules, or mislabeled supplements can create probable cause for further search.

• Digital trails: Travel posts, group chats, texts, and payment records are often used by investigators. A casual caption can be read as an admission. If an officer asks you about your health or medications, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.

• Health and safety: Clinics outside the United States vary widely. If a complication occurs and you return home, providers may document your disclosures in records that later surface in a criminal or professional-licensing matter. Be thoughtful about what you share and with whom.

What Texas research funding does and does not change

Public discussion about state-supported research for veterans can be encouraging for families who want options. Research does not legalize patient possession or home use. It also does not shield people from prosecution for related conduct like importation, distribution, or impaired driving. If the law changes, that will happen through clear legislative action or federal scheduling decisions. Until then, the same Texas Health and Safety Code provisions apply.

How these debates intersect with DWI and roadside drug investigations

Psychedelics and other non-alcohol substances present unique problems in traffic cases. Texas officers may rely on field observations, divided attention tests, and so-called indicators of impairment. Those methods are vulnerable to error, particularly when officers treat any drug mention as proof of impairment. Our firm regularly challenges the jump from “I see signs” to “you were impaired,” because it is a leap the law does not allow without reliable evidence. If your stop began with a minor speed allegation and escalated into a drug or DWI investigation, learn how speed-measurement weaknesses fit into a defense strategy by reviewing our breakdown of radar challenges in Texas DWI and drug stops.

Marijuana and roadside testing illustrate the problem

Texas law treats marijuana differently from psychedelics, but the proof issues overlap. Field sobriety tests were not designed for cannabis and can trigger false positives for impairment. Our analysis on that point explains why the science often fails real drivers, which helps juries understand reasonable doubt. For context, see our discussion of SFST limits in marijuana cases and our broader look at how “police science” gets it wrong in THC cases.

Texas drug policy is still in motion

Policy proposals come and go, from changes in THC regulation to new criminal penalties. Shifts like a statewide THC crackdown can quickly increase arrests, especially during traffic stops, school-zone patrols, or task-force sweeps. If you want to see how policy talk translates into more prosecutions, read our explainer on potential THC criminal exposure in Texas.

If you or a loved one is under investigation

• Do not consent to a vehicle or device search. You have the right to refuse consent. If an officer has a warrant or another lawful basis, they will proceed without your permission, and your refusal cannot be used as evidence of guilt.

• Be careful with statements. A polite “I want to speak with a lawyer” stops questioning. Keep your answers limited to identification.

• Preserve evidence. Save receipts, clinic records, and communications in a secure place. Do not alter anything. Tell your lawyer where those files are located and who has access.

• Avoid social media chatter. Discuss your case with your lawyer, not online.

How our legal team defends these cases

The facts drive the defense. We examine the stop, the search, and any digital or medical disclosures. We analyze the government’s lab methods and chain of custody. If a traffic stop served as a pretext, we work to suppress the evidence. If the state suggests impairment from a psychedelic or cannabis, we challenge the reliability of the tests and the officer’s training claims, then present the science and context to the jury. For a deeper overview of what a full-court DWI defense looks like in Galveston County, this guide is a helpful start.

Practical next steps if ibogaine is part of your story

• Do not bring anything back. Never attempt to carry ibogaine, microdoses, or related materials across the border or through an airport.

• Get medical care, then legal advice. If you experienced a medical event related to travel or treatment, seek care first. When you are stable, speak with a lawyer before answering questions from law enforcement, licensing boards, or insurers.

• Understand immigration and licensing implications. Non-citizens and licensed professionals face added risk. Proactive counsel can often prevent an avoidable outcome.

Helpful resources on our site

• Drug charges in Galveston County: learn how Texas categorizes drug cases and what defenses may apply.

• Focused DWI defense: if your case involves an alleged non-alcohol substance, review your options.

If a traffic stop, airport search, or online post has spiraled into a drug or DWI charge, Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC can help you protect your rights and plan a defense. Reach out for a confidential consultation today.