STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives has passed HB2871, a bill sponsored by State Representative Justin Wilmeth to fund pioneering clinical research on ibogaine, a plant-derived compound that has shown extraordinary promise in treating the devastating effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—conditions that affect thousands of American veterans.

The bill, which appropriates $5 million for a certified clinical study, cleared the House with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“Every single day, we lose veterans to PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and the treatment options available now just aren’t good enough,” said Representative Wilmeth. “We have an opportunity here in Arizona to push for a treatment that could truly help those suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join the House in passing HB2871. Let’s make Arizona the leader in real solutions for our veterans.”

HB2871 directs the Arizona Department of Health Services to award a grant to a research institution with expertise in neurological studies to conduct certified clinical research on ibogaine’s effects on TBI and PTSD safely and effectively. The bill ensures long-term funding stability by exempting the appropriation from lapsing.

Ibogaine has gained increasing attention for its potential to reduce PTSD symptoms and repair neurological damage. Veterans, including Texas Congressman Morgan Luttrell and retired SEAL Marcus Luttrell, have publicly credited ibogaine with helping them recover from the physical and mental toll of combat.

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who testified before the House Appropriations Committee in support of HB2871, has pledged to raise $5 million in private funding to match the state’s investment and ensure the study moves forward.

Justin Wilmeth is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 2 in North Phoenix. Follow him on X at @JustinWilmethAZ.