An excellent analysis of this issue can be seen on the Quantum Life Bodyworks website, in an article titled: “Peru declares ayahuasca part of cultural heritage.” The author of the article bring up two excellent points. One, regarding the gender of ayahuasca, and the other on the more obvious idea of whether visitors should be denied an ayahuasca experience in Peru.

One aspect of the announcement, however, which is of concern for me personally is the use of the word “patrimony”. For me it seems quite at odds with legislations pertaining to a plant regularly referred to as La Madre or La Abuela (mother or grandmother). Whilst I enter ceremonies with the utmost respect for the traditions of those who hold them, I believe that Ayahuasca has clearly moved beyond a construct of indigenous, jungle usage, and that the manner in which new cultures of Ayahuasca usage develop should not be limited by the limited world views of a particular patriarchy. I feel that Ayahuasca herself will determine how and when these new modes of working unfold, but any attempts to control the usage of Sacred Medicines should be diligently examined by all who care for the freedom and evolution of human consciousness.

Just as there are naturally going to be conflicts between tourism and sustainability, it is also inevitable there will be conflicts between tourism and culture. It is our hope the government of Peru will not go too far toward the “drug-war” mentality that prevails in Washington at the moment, with regard to ayahuasca.

Cusco is the gateway to Macho Picchu, where this writer has experienced a hallucinogenic ceremony with a beverage made from the San Pedro cactus, and not from the ayahuasca vine. It is more likely, it seems to me, that the two actors are more likely to encounter San Pedro than ayahuasca if indeed they are going to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Of course, this does not rule out the possibility that there may be a shaman leading an ayahuasca ceremony in Cusco or Machu Picchu. It just seems more likely that, if they’re going to Peru for the purpose of an ayahuasca experience, it’s more likely they’d be heading for the Amazon.

We know that Harrelson has a history of being a cannabis activist, for which we applaud. It was also widely publicized that Wilson recently attempted suicide. It therefore is speculated that Harrelson may be taking Wilson under his protective wing to help get his head sorted out. A journey into Peru’s Sacred Valley and a meeting with a curandero seem like positive steps in that direction.

One hopes the news media will not let this interesting story fall through the cracks. Should ayahuasca be a positive ingredient in Wilson’s getting back on a more constructive path, it would be a good thing for the rest of the world to hear about.