Iboga & Ibogaine

What are Iboga and Ibogaine?

Iboga is a West African shrub historically used for ceremonial purposes by the Bwiti tribe of West Africa. Ibogaine is the active psychoactive alkaloid contained in its root bark. The bark can be consumed in ground-up form, or ibogaine extract can be consumed in semi-synthetic form. Its psychoactive effects can last up to 24 hours depending on dosage.

The experience of ibogaine as reportedly extremely intense; some regard it as the most powerful psychedelic. It is also reportedly not pleasant. Anecdotally, one may view one’s entire life as if watching a movie, detached from the subject. 

Are Iboga and Ibogaine Legal in Canada?

Iboga and Ibogaine are legal for personal use and possession in Canada. Though sale, distribution, and other activities involving the substance are illegal under Canadian federal law.

Ibogaine is a regulated prescription drug listed under Canada’s Prescription Drug List, though, according to Health Canada, it is not authorized for medical use. Its legal status outside this context is not well defined. Possession is not criminally prohibited, but the sale of health products containing ibogaine is prohibited.

Health practitioners can request ibogaine for patient use through Health Canada’s Special Access Program, though Health Canada is reportedly not inclined to grant such requests, on the grounds that insufficient clinical data exists to recommend its medical use.