In recent days I have been seeing many articles online about the recent announcement by the government of Peru to declare that the traditional use of ayahuasca is a part of the Peruvian national heritage and as such is something to be protected. But what I was not aware of until recently is that, delving more deeply into what was said about ayahuasca, the powers that be in Peru are drawing a line between its use in sacred ceremonies by natives and its consumption “out of context” by tourists.

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.