GOP Sen. Donald Douglas says it’s “imperative” that Kentucky begin investing in research of the powerful psychoactive drug ibogaine.

Ibogaine has gained recognition in recent years for its potential to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid addiction while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. But the drug is still classified as a Schedule I substance and is not approved for distribution by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Texas passed a law earlier this year, granted $50 million in matching funds to help shepherd the drug through clinical trials.

Legislators from more than a dozen states are talking about forming a "legislative consortium" to put together research on ibogaine, Douglas told the committee Wednesday. The senator and physician from Nicholasville said he doesn't be

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