Colorado Man Imprisoned for Ibogaine Treatment Death

Ameen Alai sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for ibogaine-related death, despite upcoming state legalization

Feb. 2, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A Colorado man named Ameen Alai was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for his role in the death of a former bodybuilder during an ibogaine treatment session in his home. Ibogaine, a psychedelic drug derived from a West African plant, is currently illegal at the federal level but is expected to be legalized for medical use in Colorado in the coming months. Alai claims he was simply trying to help the man, Andy Haman, overcome addiction, but Haman died from ibogaine toxicity during the treatment. Alai believes he is being made an example of, as the first person in the U.S. jailed for an ibogaine-related offense, despite the impending state legalization.

Why it matters

This case highlights the legal gray area surrounding the use of ibogaine and other psychedelics for medical treatment, even in states that have moved to decriminalize or legalize certain substances. It raises questions about how federal and state laws will interact as more states explore the potential therapeutic benefits of these drugs, and whether individuals like Alai will face harsh penalties for providing access to substances that may soon be legally available.

The details

Ameen Alai, a 45-year-old Broomfield, Colorado resident, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison after the death of former bodybuilder Andy Haman during an ibogaine treatment session in Alai's home in March 2021. Haman, a 54-year-old with a history of health issues including a recent elbow surgery, died from ibogaine toxicity during the treatment. Alai claims he was simply trying to help Haman overcome addiction, but federal prosecutors charged him with a Schedule I drug distribution offense. Alai believes he is being made an example of, as the first person in the U.S. known to be jailed for an ibogaine-related offense, despite the fact that Colorado is expected to legalize the drug for medical use in the coming months.

  • In March 2021, Andy Haman died during an ibogaine treatment session in Alai's Broomfield home.
  • In September 2025, Alai was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for Haman's death.
  • Colorado is expected to legalize ibogaine for medical use in the coming months.

The players

Ameen Alai

A 45-year-old Broomfield, Colorado resident who was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for his role in the death of Andy Haman during an ibogaine treatment session in his home.

Andy Haman

A 54-year-old former national champion freestyle wrestler, competitive weightlifter, and professional bodybuilder who died from ibogaine toxicity during a treatment session in Alai's home.

James Tamagini

A 57-year-old man from Massachusetts who participated in the ibogaine treatment session with Haman and Alai, and has since opened his own ibogaine treatment facility in Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“How they say this (drug) led to his death is beyond me. It really is. When the government wants you, they're gonna get you.”

— Ameen Alai

“The sad thing is, you and Andy, and all of us, were friends. We only wanted to see Andy get better. I loved the guy. The whole family is amazing.”

— Dave Polumbo, Host, The Truth About Bodybuilding podcast

“I tried to bring him back to life. I tried my best. I really did.”

— Ameen Alai

What’s next

The judge in Alai's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail while he appeals his sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the legal complexities surrounding the use of psychedelics like ibogaine for medical treatment, even in states that are moving to legalize them. It raises questions about how federal and state laws will interact in this emerging field, and whether individuals who provide access to these substances will face harsh penalties, even as their therapeutic potential is being explored.