JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Lawmakers in Mississippi are exploring alternative options to help people cope with mental health-type illnesses. They held a joint public hearing to learn from witnesses how a Schedule I drug is changing people’s lives.

House and Senate lawmakers are investigating the potential ibogaine could bring to the table.

State Rep. Sam Creekmore IV (R-District 14) said Mississippi is facing a mental health and substance abuse crisis. He said people struggling with addictions have seen good results with ibogaine.

“It completely rewires your brain. I can’t explain the science behind it, but after this 48 to 72 hour period, the withdrawal symptoms are gone,” Creekmore said.

Ibogaine is a plant medicine derived from Africa. Advocates for the drug said it’s more effective than current options to threat mental health illnesses.

“The treatments we have right now are 25% effective. Studies that have been conducted show ibogaine is 85% effective,” said Claire Durst, a registered nurse.

Ben Bush, a veteran, said he went to Mexico in 2021 to take ibogaine.

“A lot of physical pain went away. All my all my mental pain went away, and life’s great now. So, it literally changed my life,” he said.

Bush said it was his first experience with psychedelic drugs. He showed up to a rented house on a beach to take the medicine. Part of his procedure included blood work and being hooked up to a heart monitor.

Experts said there are risks associated with taking ibogaine. Durst said risks also come with taking medicine or surgery.

“These risks are low. The percentages are next to none. So, having this medicine administered in a safe environment with doctors and nurses is a way to do this,” she said.

Creekmore said lawmakers could work on a bill, but they need more evidence about the drug.