Are Psychedelics Right-Wing Now?
How the conservative activist Bryan Hubbard, with help from Rick Perry and Joe Rogan, persuaded Trump and the G.O.P. to embrace ibogaine, a psychedelic drug derived from an African shrub.
In a remarkable turn of events, conservatives in recent years have become prominent advocates for research into psychedelics, particularly the controversial drug ibogaine. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in garnering support for psychedelic studies within red-state governments and securing funding for such research.
One notable figure in this movement is former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who appointed Hubbard to lead the state's opioid-abatement program. Hubbard's interest in ibogaine was piqued after meeting with Julia Reibelt, author of a popular Substack about her psychedelic therapy experiences. Impressed by the drug's potential, Hubbard organized public hearings in Kentucky featuring experts on ibogaine, including F.D.A. officials, Stanford researchers, and veterans who had benefitted from the treatment.
However, Hubbard's advocacy faced a setback when Cameron was replaced by Russell Coleman, who opposed Hubbard's ibogaine research and pressured him to resign. Undeterred, Hubbard continued his efforts, partnering with the REID Foundation to promote ibogaine's potential as a medical intervention. Hubbard also formed connections with policymakers and researchers in other states, such as Texas, where he sought to secure funding for ibogaine clinical trials.
Despite facing budget constraints, Hubbard found support in states like Texas, which had a surplus of funds from oil and gas revenues. He turned to Logan Davidson, who had successfully advocated for psychedelic research funding in Texas, specifically for psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans. Hubbard believed that Texas could build upon this precedent and secure funding for ibogaine research.
In a personal account, Hubbard described a powerful spiritual experience he had while using the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT, during which he felt a profound sense of connection and divine love. This experience reinforced his belief in the healing potential of psychedelics and their alignment with Christian faith. With this newfound conviction, Hubbard and his allies worked tirelessly to bring ibogaine to Texas, ultimately inviting key stakeholders to a strategic meeting in Austin to discuss the next steps.
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