Bill > SB527

This bill establishes the Ibogaine Clinical Research Grant Program, which will provide grants to eligible research institutions in Maryland to conduct certified clinical drug development trials overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the use of ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in the iboga plant, and ibogaine-based therapeutics or analogs, for treating opioid use disorder and other neurological conditions. Eligible research institutions must be located in the state, have a history of research and treatment for neurological diseases and substance use disorders, possess neurosurgery programs with specialized clinical research facilities capable of providing cardiac intensive care, and be able to support pioneering research. The program will be administered by the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Veterans and Military Families, and will be funded by the Opioid Restitution Fund, which is comprised of settlement revenues from opioid-related legal actions. The bill also mandates that the Governor include $500,000 in annual appropriations from this fund for the program for fiscal years 2028 through 2030, and requires the Department to report annually to the General Assembly on grant awards and trial progress. This Act will take effect on October 1, 2026, and will remain in effect for five years, after which it will be automatically repealed.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0527?ys=2026RS