Commercialization of the Ayahuasca Ritual: A New Colonization

[Judi Lynn]

Local shamans warn against the usage of Ayahuasca as a psychoactive drug, taken out of its cultural and ritualistic purpose. | Photo: EFE

Published 20 June 2019

A pair of traditional and medicinal South American herbs, Banisteriopsis Caapi and Chacruna (or Psychotria Viridis,) used during ayahuasca rituals are at risk for hyper-commercialization due to their hallucinogenic properties.

Endemic to the Amazonian regions of Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela the plants are traditionally used in shamanic rituals, guided by ‘yachaks’ or a community’s spiritual leader. When combined, the herbs produce a potent psychotropic which contains dimethyltryptamine.

"When the plant is taken, the effect produced is not ' hallucinogenic,' as it is usually sold abroad, but it is entheogenic, that is to say, during the ritual, several parts work simultaneously, both at a bodily and mental level. It's like the awakening of conscience, a process that can last for days, tourists often ask for a drug withdrawal to have fun and it's not what should be done, it's not entertainment," Roger Neira, director and founder of 'Ayahuasca Peru' told RT.

The custom has caught the attention of the tourism industry, foreigners are flocking to the region to "experience" the herbs’ unusual properties. Now included in most tourism packets, a shot of the pungent herbal tea can go for US$70 or up to US$500 for multiple doses.

More:
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Commercialization-of-the-Ayahuasca-Ritual-A-New-Colonization-20190620-0027.html