Help The Cause Of Ibogaine In The USA

[Morninggloryseed]

Mods, please let me keep this here a few days...just really want to get some feedback...

Here is a first draft of a letter I will publish soon. Yes, full of idealism hoping the DEA actually cares but unjust laws do get changed (occasionally anyway)and this is a way for us in the USA to begin with ibogaine. Once you are done laughing at my idealism, please actually make a comment...good or bad. Thank you.
___________________________________________________

I am going to ask anyone who has ever enjoyed reading the words and ‘trip reports’ from Morninggloryseed, or found advice from me useful….to go ahead and give one back to me, the psychedelic community…as well as individuals suffering from opiate dependency and other illnesses and maladaptive behaviors ibogaine addresses.
Please, take the 20 seconds to mark an envelope to the following address…

DEA - Seattle Division
C/O
Matthew G. Barnes – Special Agent In Charge
300 5th Avenue, Suite 1300
Seattle, Washington 98104

Then take as much time as you need to familiarize yourself with ibogaine. You can get accurate information from this single, short page below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibogaine

If you want a good link full of peer review articles from established scientific and medical journals on ibogaine see the below link. Everything has proper citations and all of these articles have been verified to exist.

http://www.ibogaine.desk.nl/science.html

Ibogaine’s medical use is well established and demonstrated over the past 28 years by the scientific method. Its efficiency at interrupting physical addiction is accepted and verified by the medical and scientific community around the world.

Now learn about Dimitri Mobengo Mugianis in this short article.

http://stopthedrugwar.org/topics/drug_war_issues/specific_drugs/ibogaine

Once you are aware and properly outraged and this gross abuse of power on the part of Washington DEA agents, then take the time to write a letter to Special Agent Matthew G. Barnes of that same division.

In your letter, I would suggest asking why in March 2011 the Drug Enforcement Administration was investigating advocates of ibogaine. Then ask why the DEA would set up a sting operation to arrest Mugianis. According to unsealed court documents, the DEA had employed a heroin addict living in Bellingham to set up Mugianis for his work with ibogaine. The DEA claims they begun the investigation after receiving a report that a doctor in that city was directing patients to Mugianis for ibogaine treatment.

In the case of Mugianis, there was no sale of ibogaine, no tax evasion, no laundering of money to foreign criminal elements, no trafficking ring, and no harm to his community or his country. His work as far as I can tell is simply to help spread this healing medicine to the walking dead. I am wracking my mind and I cannot conceive of a single public safety issue regarding the work of Mugianis. The arrest of Mugianis CANNOT BE ACCEPTABLE.

After pleading guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge, Mr. Mugianis was sentenced on March 25, 2013 and is now serving 45 days’ house arrest in his East Harlem apartment; he is allowed to work in the daytime. Mugianis was quoted as saying, “Judge Dononhue showed reason and compassion. What started two years ago as felony counts with mandatory prison time ended with 45 day's house arrest, no fine and no probation. The judge and prosecutor both acknowledged the role Bwiti played in their decision, setting the ground for us to begin the legal process to practice our religion in America.”

Every person that sends a letter to the DEA Washington Office concerning this issue is doing important work to stop the horrible and unjust laws against ibogaine. We all understand why the DEA exists, and we should support their work in curbing the flow of money from the US to narco-terrorists and their work to stop local cocaine and heroin distribution rings that bring crime to their communities.

I have already decided to dedicate myself to the cause of advocating ibogaine. I have been arrested before and am willing to be arrested for this cause. But this is a cause we must all fight to defend because lawmakers are not doctors and cannot regulate a medicine like ibogaine as a C1 drug. Ibogaine is not a drug of abuse anywhere in the world and it has no addictive properties.

In addition, it is the center of an entire movement that more than a 1/3 of the population of Gabon follows (Bwiti). For purposes of US law, Bwiti is a religion and we have laws protecting freedom of religion. I publically declare myself Bwiti. Now I wish to be protected by my Constitutional right to freedom of religion and protected from DEA harassment and illegal detention and arrest. No good can come from putting ibogaine practitioners, advocates, and followers of Bwiti in jail. We are not criminals. We will not harm your community.

However idealistic this may be, I believe that everyone who reads the link on ibogaine, Mugianis, and then takes the time to write that letter will move us closer to preventing more ibogaine arrests. Perhaps my idealism could even move some members of congress to repeal ibogaine from its C1 status and have it moved to C2. C1 drugs are considered dangerous with no medical use...and too unsafe for any human studies. That is a blatantly false classification. It also makes it illegal for me to follow the Bwiti movement which I believe violates the separation of church and state and my freedom of religion.

If you ever wanted to do something to help other people, this is the time. You don’t have to pay anything but postage, and it won’t take you long to do what I am asking you to do. Please feel free to contact me for specific questions. Thank you for your time in reading this and for deciding to learn more by clicking the links provided.

Sincerely
MGS

 

[Morninggloryseed]

Come on guys. All I am asking for at this point is advice and feedback. This is important to me. Seriously, 200 views and not one, "Don't give up your dayjob MGS." Seriously, how often do I ask YOU for a favor...but here I am every day answering your questions and flights of fancy.

 

[exists]

Writing letters to the DEA seems dangerous to me, since I myself am a user of illegal drugs (mainly cannabis). I just don't trust the DEA one iota. In my mind, they're just waiting to bust anyone over any little thing. Almost their entire purpose is based on a faulty premise: that busting people for drug offenses is somehow going to change things for the better in the ongoing war on drugs. Is there another governing body above the DEA where our letters might be better sent?

I really do wish to see Ibogaine rescheduled, MGS. I think it has the potential to not only help one fight drug addictions, but also other behavioral addictions resulting in poor mental health. I'm just very wary of sending the DEA any correspondence, as that's one foot I definitely don't want in my door

 

[RobotRipping]

the DEA is very unlikely to bother investigating one person for writing a letter, especially if they get many letters.

I've always enjoyed ur posts MGS and wish i could contribute. I have mixed feelings on the matter, ibogaine is dangerous and underground Drs administering it to patients in uncontrolled situations is more dangerous. I've used iboga alkaloid extract 3 times and it was definitely a mind blowing experience, but did not do anything other than that. There have been people who are so hopeful for ibogaine and then after being treated find they are let down due to the hype. We have to look at ibogaine objectively and not as a cure all miracle drug for addiction because it's not.

It's still great that you care enough to try, ibogaine administered in clinical settings with monitoring equipment and Drs on hand is by far a much better way to treat drug addiction than someone using it at home or at a hotel room with some guy. However, the DEA is not interested in what is right or how they can be more humane, reclassifying a drug would take tremendous effort. Look at all the money put into cannabis legalization over all these years and now the tide is turning. There are so few who even know about ibogaine that there's hardly going to be enough support to legalize it. Other Schedule 1 drugs like heroin, cannabis, LSD also have medicinal qualities clinically proven but will remain there until the DEA is disbanded probably.

In Canada, we have actual ibogaine centres to treat addicts, it costs quite a bit of money IMO though. As well, you can easily order ibogaine or iboga extract here no problem. Yet Canada still has a huge problem with opiate and drug addiction anyway. I'm sure it helps but it's not the magic bullet.

Anyway, look to the cannabis legalization movement to get help; their methods to some extent worked in changing drug policy and perception, it took a shit load of money and time though to wake people up and it's still a constant battle of ideology vs. freedom. I think the whole system needs to be reconstructed before something like ibogaine is the gold standard for treating opiate dependency. The stigma of opiate abuse/addiction/dependence also has to somehow go away for this to happen as well.

Look at all the scientific studies on cannabis and still it's schedule 1 federally, despite non-stop evidence of its medicinal value coming out month after month for many years. I don't think the DEA will budge one bit, i do however think you should write letters and continue to try anyway as you are right and only looking to help others, it's a noble thing but noble actions generally fuck people over.

I really don't want to rain on your optimism because you should never lose that, never lose hope and keep fighting for what you believe in. I just know that you'll be spinning your tires for a long time before you get any traction. Perhaps speaking with people who run the ibogaine centres in Canada would be of some use. Good luck in your endeavors anyway, i'd write a letter but coming from a Canadian i doubt it'd have any impact at all, especially when we actually have ibogaine treatment centres here and iboga/ibogaine can be purchased online without any trouble.

 

[Morninggloryseed]

Writing letters to the DEA seems dangerous to me, Is there another governing body above the DEA where our letters might be better sent?

Well one does not have to put a return address, they can write the letter as points or demands vs questions....and certainly wear gloves if you are that worried...but writing to our leaders (or unelected federal nazi-like police forces such as DEA) is pretty popular....the rich get the access and you get to write a letter...isn't that what the Big Guy said?

Right now with all of the political outrage going on in USA over certain federal officials in the IRS and justice department scrutinizing people due to political beliefs...or spying on the AP...there is a LOT of outrage building on both sports teams here in our 2-party game...don't worry about a letter to the DEA causing men in black to swarm on you..not gonna happen...and if it did you can bet I will have the ACLU helping out. I've already met a contact there for recent 'activist' activities not related to ibogaine...but she was interested in my work nevertheless. The DEA would be the one to write since they don't ask permission of anyone...once Congress passes the law they enforce it.

The thing is, I am pushing simply for the DEA to stop arresting people like Dimitri for it, Ideally have it moved from C1 to C2 but that takes an act of Congress, and they are passing and changing laws every day....sadly....so next letter campaign for sure will be to them.

I have mixed feelings on the matter, ibogaine is dangerous and underground Drs administering it to patients in uncontrolled situations is more dangerous. .

Anyway, when moved to C2, then 'above ground' clinics with oversight will be allowed to operate....and it is not hard for it to be done.....look at suboxone (here in USA) being moved from C2 to C3. You are my neighbor to the North so you can't help here anyway, but I do greatly appreciate the feedback.

 

[RobotRipping]

yeah i fully support legit ibogaine clinics everywhere, though i don't really like the idea they could charge you a ton of money for treatment but still, it should be an option. I didn't know sub got moved up, if that can happen then i guess there is a possibility that ibogaine can at least be schedule 2, it should be without question anyway.

The DEA shouldn't prosecute people for ibogaine but if it's underground then there's a danger and that can't happen either. The only logical choice is to move it to schedule 2, if only rationality were the driving force behind drug laws and the scheduling system. An appeal to reason may work though, never know if you don't try. I imagine suboxone had the big swinging dicks of big pharma to help, while little old ibogaine doesn't really have that support.

 

[Morninggloryseed]

^^^^^^^^^

That's what my 'grass roots' mission will fill the cause of....grass roots does work...look at marijuana in the US.....17 states decrim....21 have medical...it's happening.

 

[Anon610]

It needs to be strictly, strictly controlled though. Last thing you want is people who've only done mushrooms and LSD to try Iboga. Its not very recreational and I wouldn't say its as spiritual as say Ayahuasca.
I will do this though. I have friends hooked on opiates and everyday I see their life in decline. It hurts to see that. I mean, I love Opiates as much as junkies but I don't do them more than 4 days in a row. We need to stop treating addicts like criminals and actually help rehabilitate them. Provide safe shooting clinics to those users who can't afford an Iboga treatment or don't want to. Someone was arrested for handing out clean syringes to junkies. That's bullshit.

I'd like to see more Ayahuasca churches personally.

 

[ScaredInfectionsH]

They just did a show on HBO's "Vice" about Mugianis. I agree that what he is doing is an absolutely great cause and we need more people like him in the world. It is complete BS that he is being charged with a crime and anyone with any common sense or compassion for humanity would realize this. But we must be realistic, we live in a land with the highest prison population in the world where the prisons are privately owned and in the pockets of politicians to reinforce the war on drugs. I hate this about the country that I live in and I guess that is why he moved his rituals to Mexico. I appreciate your effort and keep fighting for what is right. If you ever draft a petition for Ibogaine I will be one the first to sign it because I know first hand what the daily chase of H can do to a soul. Good Luck

 

[ScaredInfectionsH]

RobotRipping has made a lot of good points in both of their posts. I don't know much but I can't disagree with a single thing they said.

 

[RobotRipping]

lol thanks, i think having used iboga extract several times has shown me the power and danger of such a strong and powerful drug.

i watched that vice episode tonight and all i could think of was this thread. I was like shit, people are actually going to become more and more aware of ibogaine as the families and addicts themselves are seeking it out and there are a shit ton of addicts in the US. A grass roots movement along with raising public awareness is a great start, though i think it will take tremendous effort.

Mr. Mugianis was sentenced on March 25, 2013 and is now serving 45 days’ house arrest in his East Harlem apartment; he is allowed to work in the daytime. Mugianis was quoted as saying, “Judge Dononhue showed reason and compassion. What started two years ago as felony counts with mandatory prison time ended with 45 day's house arrest, no fine and no probation.

these people have good intention and scientific evidence and the idea of mixing religious ceremoies with iboga or ibogaine (while ensuring safety) is extremely interesting to me and IMO far more likely to help a person recover. With continued support it seems a much larger number of opiate addicts stay clean, far far higher than recovery rates with other treatments.

In Mugianis case, well i'll never forget that video of when he saw that kid seize, scared the shit out of me. However, i think 45 day's house arrest isn't too bad, obviously the Judge was rational and humane, though he did almost have someone die in his care.

 

[Morninggloryseed]

It needs to be strictly, strictly controlled though. Last thing you want is people who've only done mushrooms and LSD to try Iboga. Its not very recreational and I wouldn't say its as spiritual as say Ayahuasca.

Who are you to say what psychedelics I should be able to use? Who's definition of a 'controlled' setting.'

Iboga isn't 'recreational' as in you don't want to waste it taking it at a concert, or with your buddies for shits and giggles but I loved ibogaine, it was everything that life is (fun, work, bliss, emotions, talking to wise people, reliving past events fresh, it was fun...I had fun, and I will do it again.

How can you say it isn't as 'spiritual' as ayahuasca? You have never taken iboga...what do you know? And entire movement (1/3) of the population of Gabon find it 'spiritual' enough. I LOVE the DMT family but nothing has ever been like iboga and I don't know how the hell people can make comments like that without ever having done it.

I admit I do take it personally because (in my life) iboga is very important to me and it doesn't sit right to me when people who have never tried ibogaine try to define what it is. Just like the junkie likes to define junk and their life for themselves.

Half the reason I avoided ibogaine for so many years was I read 'ordeal' and 'harrowing experience' and 'residual stimulation' and 'never again' but also realize most reports you read outside the Bwiti context are opiate addicts (and usually not entheogen users like I was) who are in emotional and physical upheaval and about to take some 'strange african drug' they never heard of....what you may read about will have a different context than they way non-addicts using it (or addicts like me that also used entheogens)

I'm not saying this is how it is for everyone, I believe all of my life was training for my ibogaine experience. But I don't know how people post in drug boards like this and then want to control what drugs other people should do based only on their perception of things.

 

[RobotRipping]

iboga extract was one of the most spiritual experiences i've ever had. Just nothing else like it. It was like i was in 2 dimensions at once, had full entity contact and it was like the most vivid lucid dream.

for an opiate addict, ibogaine is not going to be comfortable, you're going to face your demons, your emotions and your underlying issues but it is so therapeutic for that reason.

as a psychonaut i enjoyed iboga extract (which is not quite ibogaine but may even be better for treating addiction). I don't think i'll ever try it again as it's a bit risky to use at home.

MGS what do you think about adding the ritualistic aspect to ibogaine when treating addiction? I think making the experience, more spiritual in a context like that gives it even more power to heal, kind like the 12 stepper dudes who believed a spiritual experience was needed to transcend alcoholism.

ibogaine is quite special though in how it can absolutely take you out of withdrawal with even a test dose. ayahuasca doesn't do that, although i'm sure the spiritual aspect of it would be helpful as well and has helped many addicts.

 

[Morninggloryseed]

i
MGS what do you think about adding the ritualistic aspect to ibogaine when treating addiction? I think making the experience, more spiritual in a context like that gives it even more power to heal, kind like the 12 stepper dudes who believed a spiritual experience was needed to transcend alcoholism.

Well you are asking someone who considers himself 'spiritual' so from my perspective....ibogaine won't work for others the way it worked for me without 'spirituality' and even 'rituals.' I am still in 'follow up' ibogaine therapy that has be doing things now in my life I never have, all for 'reintroduction' and learning life over again without opiates...and practice for my future. As I have said many times, if I had to go back to work at some 9-5 job (and back to my old life) without this time I have been taking...I would not be where I am at. Good intentions before taking it (or experience at least with entheogens), a desire to better oneself, therapy, follow up care, spiritual work...they all mean the same thing, and they are all synonymous.

 

[Anon610]

Who are you to say what psychedelics I should be able to use? Who's definition of a 'controlled' setting.'

Iboga isn't 'recreational' as in you don't want to waste it taking it at a concert, or with your buddies for shits and giggles but I loved ibogaine, it was everything that life is (fun, work, bliss, emotions, talking to wise people, reliving past events fresh, it was fun...I had fun, and I will do it again.

How can you say it isn't as 'spiritual' as ayahuasca? You have never taken iboga...what do you know? And entire movement (1/3) of the population of Gabon find it 'spiritual' enough. I LOVE the DMT family but nothing has ever been like iboga and I don't know how the hell people can make comments like that without ever having done it.

I admit I do take it personally because (in my life) iboga is very important to me and it doesn't sit right to me when people who have never tried ibogaine try to define what it is. Just like the junkie likes to define junk and their life for themselves.

Half the reason I avoided ibogaine for so many years was I read 'ordeal' and 'harrowing experience' and 'residual stimulation' and 'never again' but also realize most reports you read outside the Bwiti context are opiate addicts (and usually not entheogen users like I was) who are in emotional and physical upheaval and about to take some 'strange african drug' they never heard of....what you may read about will have a different context than they way non-addicts using it (or addicts like me that also used entheogens)

I'm not saying this is how it is for everyone, I believe all of my life was training for my ibogaine experience. But I don't know how people post in drug boards like this and then want to control what drugs other people should do based only on their perception of things.

I didn't mean it that way.
I'm saying you don't want young people to take these hallucinogens. "Oh shit it makes you trip? Its natural? I'll do it since I can find shrooms!" Is more along the lines of what I'm saying.
You don't want the wrong people taking it. You'll get people mixing it with other drugs and it'll just be a disaster.

 

[Morninggloryseed]

Ehh ya of course....young people, old people any people should not take 'hallucinogens' without structure or intent....be it mushrooms or ayahuasca or even ones like iboga that last two to three days and will defragment and factory restore the brain. Just like you shouldn't light a fire cracker without knowing it's about to go boom.