Episode Description
In this inaugural episode of Intonicated, host Kenneth Tupper speaks with Jonathan Dickinson, CEO of Ambio Life Sciences, about ibogaine, altered states of consciousness, and the evolving science and ethics of psychedelic medicine.
Jonathan traces his personal journey into psychedelics, from early encounters with literature and antidepressants to transformative experiences with psilocybin and, eventually, ibogaine. The conversation explores ibogaine’s unique role in interrupting opioid dependence, its emerging potential for treating traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and neurodegenerative conditions, and the critical importance of safety protocols and cardiac risk mitigation.
The discussion also dives into Jonathan’s leadership in developing clinical best-practice guidelines through the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, the ethical sourcing of iboga from Gabon via Terragnosis, and how increasing demand raises ecological and cultural sustainability concerns.
This wide-ranging conversation offers a grounded, nuanced look at ibogaine not as a miracle cure, but as a powerful tool whose risks, benefits, and broader impacts must be carefully understood.
Time Stamps
- 1:33 – Reflections on the term “intonicated”
- 2:34 – Personal experience
- 5:44 – Interest in drugs through literature
- 8:23 – Anti-depressants in high school
- 10:23 – First psychedelic experience with mushrooms
- 11:39 – Working for Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy
- 13:06 – First hearing about ibogaine as treatment for opioid addiction
- 15:07 – Getting connected and apprenticing at clinics in Mexico
- 16:56 – Early understandings of ibogaine risk
- 20:13 – First experience with ibogaine
- 22:20 – Founding of Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (GITA)
- 26:51 – Refining risk reduction for ibogaine treatment
- 31:54 – Founding of Terragnosis
- 37:29 – Founding of Ambio Life Sciences and US Veteran interest
- 39:43 – Stanford study on ibogaine and Traumatic Brain Injury
- 42:57 – Ambio’s neurodegenerative program (Parkinson’s and MS treatments)
Guest
Jonathan Dickinson is the CEO of Ambio Life Sciences and a long-time leader in the global ibogaine community. He has worked for more than a decade in ibogaine treatment provision, safety guideline development, ethical supply-chain design, and emerging neuroregenerative research.
Links
www.ambio.life
www.inwavesandwarfilm.com
Host
Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing.
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Ibogaine is a powerful substance with known risks and is illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.
