What is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine use in the UK is relatively rare. The drug and plant is used by shaman in the African Buiti religion as a sacrament (to bring on a trance-like state). It has also been tested for its use in treating opiate and stimulant dependency.

The drug is both hallucinogenic, a stimulant and a depressant. It causes visual hallucinations in high doses as well as a feeling of lightness, dryness of the mouth, sweating, dilation of the eye’s pupils, increased pulse rate and fine tremors. The peak effect is reached at about 2 hours after swallowing the drug.

Users describe a deep dreamy trance-like state that reportedly lives with them for long periods after use. Some users report a loss of desire for drugs like heroin and cocaine in this period.

One of the main dangers of Ibogaine is its effect on the heart. “Ibogaine prolongs the QT interval — the time it takes for the heart’s electrical system to recharge between beats. In patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions, structural heart abnormalities, electrolyte imbalances, or certain medication interactions, this QT prolongation can trigger potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias…” – see the Ibogaine Safety Guide on Psychedelic Connect for more information on this.

On October 5th 2026 the FDA in the US put out a call seeking Public Input to Support Ibogaine Research. It is hoped that the information gained from this request may help the agency better understand the potential uses, benefits and risks of ibogaine drug products and inform approaches to drug development.

The drug is not listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the UK and so legal to possess, but not supply. It is a restricted substance in some countries, such as the US.

For further reading on Ibogaine visit http://www.ibogaine.co.uk or http://www.erowid.com/plants/iboga/intro.htm