A life sciences company called Universal Ibogaine from Vancouver has signed a memo of understanding with the Osoyoos Indian Band to open a detox clinic and holistic aftercare treatment centre.
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February 16, 2022 - 12:20 PM
The demons of severe addiction may finally meet their match at a proposed detox clinic on Osoyoos Indian Band lands that plans to use the psychedelic drug ibogaine.
A life sciences company called Universal Ibogaine from Vancouver has signed a memo of understanding with the Osoyoos Indian Band to open a detox clinic and holistic aftercare treatment centre.
Ibogaine is a psychedelic that has been used to treat addiction by inducing deep introspection and spiritual exploration. It is derived from the root bark of Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub in the Central West African rain forest. Last year, Time Magazine called ibogaine, “one of the most promising and perilous psychedelics for addiction.”
Through the collaboration, the new approach towards addictions treatment will respect Indigenous ways while leveraging Western scientific practices, according to a Universal Ibogaine press release issued, Feb. 10.
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On its website, Universal Ibogaine said the drug works by targeting receptor sites in the brain that manage dopamine and serotonin circuits.
"This creates an opportunity to change behaviours," according to the website. "Paired with our treatment protocol, ibogaine alleviates withdrawal symptoms and interrupts the process of active addiction."
The timeline will coincide with Health Canada's approval process of Universal Ibogaine's treatment protocol.
Five years ago, Health Canada made the drug harder to access.
“Health Canada has received serious and fatal adverse reaction reports associated with the use of ibogaine,” reads the government’s rationale for adding the psychedelic to the Prescription Drug List in 2017.
READ MORE: Mental health clinic offering psychedelic drugs slated for Kelowna
Nevertheless, it can still be purchased with a prescription in Canada. However, it is illegal in many countries including the U.S.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to partner on this venture and bring opportunities for economic inclusion and deep healing for many people to our lands,” Chief Clarence Louie said in the release.
Universal Ibogaine CEO Nick Karos called the Osoyoos Indian Band one of the most proactive and forward-looking groups he’s engaged with.
“We have a big job ahead, and partners like OIB add huge credibility to our mission and can aid in diversifying our business opportunities and the planned ultimate deployment of the ibogaine addiction treatment protocol,” he said in the release.
Mike Campol, COO for the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation, said there needs to be a better solution to the opioid crisis than the current substitution therapy.
“What we have here is an opportunity to be part of a transformation in the way that society treats those who suffer, views plant medicine, and understands Indigenous culture,” he said in the release. “We are pleased to see where this collaboration can take us.”
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