Disclaimer: ibogaine is a potentially illegal substance, and we do not encourage or condone the use of this substance where it is against the law. However, we accept that illegal drug use occurs, and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this guide is designed to ensure the safety of those who decide to use the substance. We do not encourage using this drug outside of a legal or traditional context.
Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound found in several different plants, most commonly the Tabernathe iboga found in parts of Africa. It has been used traditionally by people in certain regions of West Africa for thousands of years, where it is used for its medicinal and psychoactive properties.
In the modern world, ibogaine is becoming popular as an effective treatment of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It has been used to help people addicted to substances such as opioids, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol. Treatment centers have started to appear in their hundreds, offering addicts a chance to recover using a natural treatment.
Click here to read more about ibogaine treatment
This is how one heroin addict described his treatment with ibogaine:
“As it starts to take effect I feel an intense wave of energy emanating from the centre of my chest that permeates my entire body. This euphoric state also brings me instantaneous relief from the discomfort I was feeling after going without heroin for almost 24 hours.
With my withdrawal symptoms completely gone, I am perplexed by the state of clarity I am in while seeing the most profound stream of visual phenomena. I am also filled with a sense of awe at the potential for a life free of heroin. Emotional memories force me to deal with some of the deep subconscious guilt I have repressed for years.
This powerful state persisted for over 12 hours. After remaining at the clinic for a week I was allowed to return home and over the next six months felt almost no cravings whatsoever.”
Despite ibogaine’s unique potential for the treatment of withdrawal and addiction, its legal status varies worldwide. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the legality of ibogaine, and where you can go for treatment.
WHY IS IBOGAINE ILLEGAL?
Studies have shown that ibogaine is an effective treatment for addiction: one study from 2000 showed that when a single dose (500-800mg) of ibogaine was administered to 27 cocaine- and opioid-addicts, it resulted in a significant decrease of cravings and depressed symptoms. A preliminary observational studyby MAPS also suggests that ibogaine can prevent most patients from relapsing within two months of treatment.
So why then is ibogaine illegal in many countries?
It could be because of its potential harm: high doses can cause heart failure in people with preexisting heart conditions. However it’s most likely ibogaine’s hallucinogenic properties that have made it a victim of Nixon’s war on drugs, much like LSD and magic mushrooms.
If you’re desperate to try ibogaine, or visit a treatment center, there are still many options. Most countries do not specifically prohibit ibogaine, leaving it in a legal grey area for many treatment centers.
Here we group countries based on the legality of ibogaine:
NOTE: This information is curated to be as accurate as possible at the time of writing, but should not be treated as a ‘green light’ to perform potentially illegal activities. Always check your local laws.
COUNTRIES WHERE IBOGAINE IS COMPLETELY ILLEGAL
UNITED STATES
Ibogaine has been a schedule I drug in the US since 1970, and it looks like it won’t change anytime soon. As such it’s illegal to possess or distribute ibogaine – so you won’t find any legal treatment centers in the US.
There’s hope on the horizon – in both New York and Vermont, bills are being considered to encourage the use of ibogaine in research and in the treatment of addiction.
BELGIUM
Ibogaine was banned as early as 1998 in Belgium by Royal Decree, where ibogaine and its isomers are specifically mentioned. Possession and distribution are illegal.
DENMARK
It’s illegal to possess or distribute ibogaine under the Executive Order on Euphoric Substances of 1993; however it’s possible that medical professionals could be given special permission to administer ibogaine in the future.
FRANCE
Ibogaine is illegal to possess and distribute, and has been since 2007. You’ll find it difficult to get treatment here.
HUNGARY
Ibogaine is listed under a law that prevents the distribution of psychoactive substances without a license – you probably won’t find any legal treatment centers here.
IRELAND
Ibogaine probably falls under Ireland’s Psychoactive Substances Act, which makes pretty much everything illegal. However it leaves doors open for potential future research of ibogaine, allowing an exemption for substances that are “medicinal products intended for research and development trials.”
ITALY
Possession or distribution of ibogaine is illegal in Italy, as it was added to the Schedule I list fairly recently.
NORWAY
All tryptamine derivatives are illegal in Norway – and ibogaine will fall into this category. It is probably illegal to possess and distribute.
SWITZERLAND
It’s illegal to possess or distribute ibogaine in Switzerland, as it is specifically listed as a prohibited substance.
SWEDEN
Ibogaine has been illegal to possess or distribute since 1985. The law was brought up for review in 2007, but ibogaine’s status was not changed.
UNITED KINGDOM
Ibogaine technically falls under the UK’s bizarre Psychoactive Substances Act, issued in May 2016, which makes it illegal to produce or distribute “any substance with a psychoactive effect.” Although there are no cases of people being prosecuted for providing ibogaine, the government could absolutely take you to court for doing so.
Thankfully, possession of ibogaine for personal use is still legal; although buying it would be breaking the law.
COUNTRIES WHERE IBOGAINE IS SOMEWHAT PROHIBITED
AUSTRALIA
Ibogaine has been a Schedule IV drug in Australia for several years now, meaning it can’t be distributed without a license – and it doesn’t appear that the government have been handing out any ibogaine licenses…
CANADA
Although ibogaine falls under the category of “Natural Healthcare Products” in Canada, and there are many treatment centers to be found there, its legal status is uncertain. Recently, ibogaine has been seized from several providers, amid concerns over heart risks.
ISRAEL
In 2015, ibogaine was prohibited for distribution under an emergency declaration for 12 months. Since then, it’s unclear what ibogaine’s legal status has become, as information is murky.
COUNTRIES WHERE IBOGAINE IS LEGAL
BRAZIL
In Brazil, ibogaine is legal to possess and distribute. A recent law in Sao Paolo has decreed that ibogaine be administered in a medical environment with adequate protections for the patient.
COSTA RICA
Ibogaine is legal in Costa Rica, and one of the most famous ibogaine treatment centers resides here. However there are some negative reviews out there, and it’s best to do your research before making a choice of treatment center.
GABON
This is the spiritual home of ibogaine. In Gabon, iboga plants are protected by law. However, approval must be given for any export of ibogaine.
GUATEMALA
Ibogaine appears to be legal in Guatemala, with one apparently legitimate treatment center in Antigua.
MEXICO
Ibogaine is unregulated in Mexico, and is a popular location for treatment centers. Be aware that a good treatment center should always adhere to clinical guidelines and be extremely safety conscious.
NETHERLANDS
There is no specific prohibition of ibogaine in the Netherlands, and there are a variety of treatment centersavailable.
NEW ZEALAND
Since 2009, ibogaine has been legal by prescription in New Zealand. As such, you can find treatment centers that will offer you ibogaine from a medical professional.
SOUTH AFRICA
Ibogaine is legal in South Africa – but you have to be granted a license to distribute it due to its potential heart risks. We’re not sure how difficult it is to obtain a license.
DON’T SEE A COUNTRY?
Ibogaine is a relatively new drug to the Western world… as such, many countries have no specific laws to deal with ibogaine. If you don’t see a country on our list, it either has no specific prohibition of ibogaine, or we haven’t been able to find one. Always check with your local authority if you’re unsure.
WHAT’S NEXT?
If you’re interested in ibogaine treatment, read our full guide on what to expect at a treatment center. Remember that some centers aren’t legitimate, and make sure your chosen center adheres to clinical guidelines.
If you want to read more general information about ibogaine, read our ultimate guide!
The purpose of this guide is to help you find somewhere you can access ibogaine. Please don’t break the law… and please be careful with ibogaine – it can be harmful if misused.
Ibogaine could end up as an accepted and effective treatment for addiction… but only if we treat it with respect! More stories of irresponsible use and deaths in the media will only delay the approval of ibogaine as a medicine.
Be sensible and be safe!
Important Note: This is a constantly-evolving document. If you believe we’re missing something important, please let us know via the contact page.
Though not listed, Ibogaine treatment is legal in Guatemala. Natures Treatment Center is the only medical clinic I know of who use Ibogaine as a primary treatment for addiction in Guatemala.
Thank you Mark! I will update the article appropriately.
i,m looking for the laws associated with ibogaine in Peru
Ibogaine is legal in Russia ,sells on the net and in retail in the herbs stores
WHERE CAN i BUY SEEDS, AND COULD i GROW THIS IN A GREENHOUSE
“Thankfully, possession of ibogaine for personal use is still legal; although buying it would be breaking the law.”
Just looking for you to confirm if this is still true? (April 2018)
Hello, I am a Traditional herbal practitioner from Ghana, West Africa. Opioids are becoming a problem for the youth here & I would like to know what the legal status is here in Ghana. If anybody has any info Ibogaine could achieve postitve results here.
*in the UK (forgot to add that bit)
Hello. In the Netherlands ibogaïne is not forbidden but mentioned as a non registered medicine. There has been some courtcases and the court has decided that it is not allowed to distribute, give, sell, import ibogaïne. This is in violence with the Medicine law. This means that there are heavy penalties for working with iboga. In case of problems, death or injuries you can go to jail and you have to pay back all the money you have earned in the years you have been working with iboga. The government sees it as a criminal offence. There are still a few iboga centers active but some of them stopped allready.
Where can I buy iboga rootbark? I bought what was supposed to be iboga rootbark from a man named Jarvis in Cammoron Africa. Jarvis is not his real name. What he sent me was not iboga rootbark.
I am a Cameroonian by nationality I will give you the original rootbarks of ibogaine.
What is the situation in Spain?
Is possession a crime in the UK?
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Hi, when it comes to medication and ibo microdosing, does anyone know if you can still take meds for blood pressure and HRT for menopause? Many thanks
In German is ibogain legal. It is very good Shop of iboga http://www.ibogaking.de
is it legal in Belize, I heard that it was
can anyone say how to research this info?
thx