#2251 – Rick Perry & W. Bryan Hubbard

In episode #2251 of 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' Joe Rogan hosts former Governor Rick Perry and W. Bryan Hubbard to discuss the opioid crisis and the potential of Ibogaine, a plant-based medicine, as a treatment for addiction and mental health issues. Bryan Hubbard begins by explaining his role in Kentucky's opioid abatement initiative, which aimed to utilize $842 million from opioid distributor settlements to address the epidemic. He details his introduction to Perry, who became a prominent advocate for Ibogaine after witnessing its potential firsthand.

Governor Perry shares his journey from skepticism to advocacy for plant-based medicines, sparked by his encounter with Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL who struggled with PTSD and addiction after his service. Perry's commitment to veterans' mental health led him to explore various treatments, eventually discovering Ibogaine. He emphasizes the importance of this medicine in potentially reversing the effects of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and addiction.

The episode delves into the clinical trial at Stanford University, overseen by Dr. Nolan Williams, which showed remarkable results in treating veterans with PTSD. Perry and Hubbard discuss the political and bureaucratic hurdles they face in making Ibogaine accessible for medical use, given its Schedule I classification. They also touch on the potential implications for treating other conditions like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.

Hubbard recounts his personal and professional experiences with addiction and mental health issues in Kentucky, highlighting the systemic problems contributing to the opioid crisis. He describes his work with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission and the eventual political challenges that led to the initiative's downfall. However, he remains hopeful as efforts shift to Texas, where they seek to implement a similar initiative with the support of Governor Perry.