Two Psychedelic Therapy Bills Advance in West Virginia: What You Need to Know
March 2025 | Appalachian Psychedelic Society
West Virginia is attempting to join the national psychedelic medicine research surge. This March, two key pieces of legislation introduced by Delegate Evan Worrell (R) passed the House and are now advancing to the Senate.
These bills—HB 3344 and HB 3343—represent a bold shift in the conversation around addiction, mental health, and access to new therapies in Appalachia.
🔬 HB 3344: Ibogaine Clinical Trial Grant Program
HB 3344 establishes a state-funded grant program to support clinical trials of ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound derived from the West African Tabernanthe iboga shrub. Ibogaine has shown extraordinary promise in interrupting opioid and other substance use disorders. Advocates point to its potential to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, and create sustained periods of abstinence, particularly when paired with supportive integration care.
🌿 What Is Ibogaine? 🌿
Plant Origin:
Derived from the root bark of Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central West Africa in Gabon, “The Tibet of Africa”
The shrub has been used ceremonially for thousands of years in Bwiti spiritual traditions for rites of passage and healing
“Iboga” derives from the word “boghaga” which means “to take care of”
Cultural use as a way to confess shortcomings
Medical Potential:
Shown to interrupt addiction cycles, particularly with opioids, stimulants, and alcohol.
It may reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings after a single session.
Anecdotal and early clinical reports suggest a profound psychological “reset” effect.
Risks & Considerations:
High-risk profile. Ibogaine can cause serious cardiac complications (e.g., QT prolongation, arrhythmias).
Likely requires extensive medical screening, including EKGs, liver panels, and psychiatric history.
Not recommended for those with heart conditions, active psychosis, or certain psychiatric diagnoses.
Must be administered in controlled, medically supervised environments.
Legal Status:
Classified as a Schedule I substance in the U.S., meaning no accepted medical use under federal law.
Legal or decriminalized in some countries outside of the U.S. for clinical or religious use.
U.S.-based clinical research is limited but growing through FDA-authorized trials.
Several Veteran associations work with veterans to take ibogaine in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada.
This bill specifically aims to fund FDA-authorized clinical research in West Virginia institutions for psychedelic-assisted addiction treatment and data collection.
✅ Current Status: PASSED the House, now moving to the Senate
🔬 HB 3343: Psilocybin Rescheduling Trigger Law
HB 3343, also introduced by Worrell, creates a “trigger law” for psilocybin, the active compound found in psychedelic mushrooms. Backed by Compass Pathways—a company focused on psychedelic medicine—this bill would automatically reschedule psilocybin at the state level once it receives FDA approval for medical use.
In plain terms, once the FDA greenlights psilocybin therapy, West Virginia will be legally prepared to recognize it as medicine, ensuring patients, providers, and researchers aren’t blocked by drug classifications.
💡 What Is Psilocybin?
Fungal Origin:
Naturally occurring compound found in over 180 species of mushrooms.
Long history of use in Mesoamerican ceremonial and healing practices and other countries.
Medical Potential:
Undergoing extensive study for:
Treatment-resistant depression
End-of-life anxiety and existential distress
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substance use disorders
Frequently described by participants as one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of their lives.
Risks & Considerations:
Not suitable for everyone. Individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum conditions, or a personal/family history of psychosis are often screened out for safety.
Can bring up intense emotional or somatic material—including grief, trauma, or existential fear.
Likely requires structured preparation, clinical monitoring, and integration for best outcomes.
Not a "quick fix"—results often depend on therapeutic context, personal readiness, and follow-up care.
Legal Status:
Currently Schedule I in the U.S.
Designated a Breakthrough Therapy by the FDA for major depression and treatment-resistant depression.
Several Phase 3 trials are underway, with potential FDA approval expected within the next few years.
State-Level Preparation:
Trigger laws like HB 3343 ensure that once psilocybin gains federal approval, West Virginia will be ready to reschedule it immediately, enabling safe and legal medical use in state clinics and research institutions. State-Level Preparation:
✅ Current Status: PASSED the House, now moving to the Senate
🧠 Why This Matters
Appalachia is no stranger to struggle, with opioid overdose rates, chronic mental illness, and healthcare access challenges affecting nearly every family. These bills open the door to evidence-based, trauma-informed alternatives that honor the complexity of suffering while exploring new paths to healing.
Both bills reflect a broader national movement toward psychedelic science, but what’s unique here is that rural and southern states are joining the cultural evolution.
This moment is not just about policy.
It’s about possibility.
These are not casual medicines. While promising, both ibogaine and psilocybin require significant screening, clinical oversight, and integration support. They are best viewed not as miracle cures, but as powerful tools for healing when paired with skillful guidance and long-term support.
If you’re a provider, policymaker, or community member curious about the potential of psychedelic-assisted healing in Appalachia, these bills represent a undeniable potential for the future of Appalachia & Beyond.
👣 What Happens Next?
Now that both bills have passed the House, they move to the West Virginia Senate, where they must clear committee reviews and floor votes. If passed, HB 3344 would begin laying the groundwork for state-supported clinical trials, while HB 3343 would align state law with future federal medical use of psilocybin.
📣 How to Get Involved
Whether you're a clinician, researcher, student, or simply a concerned citizen, there are ways to support this growing movement:
✅ Write to your state senators expressing support or questions for HB 3344 and HB 3343
✅ Share this update with colleagues, local organizations, and university departments
✅ Get educated about psychedelic science and integration best practices
✅ Join or partner with regional organizations like ours doing harm reduction, training, and community education
🌱 Learn More from Appalachian Psychedelic Society
We are a grassroots organization based in southern Appalachia.
🔗 Visit us at appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org
📬 For media inquiries or partnerships: appalachianpsychedelicsociety@gmail.com
