A Growing Shortage of Peyote: The Unintended Consequences of a Psychedelic Renaissance
The sacred cactus, peyote, has been used by Native Americans in religious rituals for centuries. However, a surge in demand from western spiritual seekers has led to a shortage of the plant. Experts warn that the psychedelic renaissance taking place in wealthy societies is putting a strain on the limited supply of peyote, which is only found in the south-western US and northern Mexico.
The Native American Church of North America, which has about 350,000 adherents, is particularly concerned about the shortage. They view peyote as a sacred sacrament and are worried that non-Native Americans are using it for experimental purposes, rather than for its traditional religious significance.
The church has raised concerns about peyote supplies before and has met with US government officials to discuss possible protections for the plant. In Mexico, the government has enacted a conservation law, classifying peyote as threatened and a protected species.
The shortage is also linked to the growing demand for psychedelic drugs, such as ayahuasca, which is traditionally used by Indigenous cultures in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The alternative healing industry is also driving up demand for peyote.
The drug decriminalisation movement in the US has added to the pressure on the cactus. Colorado and Oregon have legalised natural psychedelic compounds, including peyote, without proper consultation with Native American groups.
Experts warn that the mass consumption of peyote will price out people who use it for traditional religious purposes and be used by people in a western experimental perspective. They also blame overharvesting, incorrect harvesting, and access to land as factors behind dwindling supplies of peyote.
Only three licensed peyoteros are legally allowed to harvest the plant for sale to church members across the US. However, illegal poaching of peyote gardens is a major concern. Zulema “Julie” Morales, a licensed peyotero, blames illegal poaching on the Texas peyote gardens for the dwindling supplies of the prized plant.
The slow-growing nature of peyote plants, which can take 10 to 12 years to reach maturity, makes it difficult to replenish supplies. If the top of the plant is taken correctly and cleanly, it will regrow, but it may take many years.
The unintended consequences of a psychedelic renaissance are becoming clear. As the demand for peyote continues to grow, it is essential that western spiritual seekers understand the cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred plant and respect the traditions of the Native American Church.