The U.S. Embassy in Peru warns Americans against using ayahuasca and kambo due to health risks and increased vulnerability to crime. Ayahuasca has been linked to severe illnesses and fatalities. Despite the warnings, interest among veterans and legal developments regarding its religious use continue to rise, while the DEA supports increased research into psychedelics.
The U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, has issued a warning to American citizens about the dangers associated with traditional psychedelics, specifically ayahuasca, which contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT). This psychoactive substance is considered illegal in many countries, including the United States. Embassy officials emphasize that using ayahuasca or kambo, a frog-derived substance, can pose serious health risks and lead to increased vulnerability to criminal activities such as sexual assault and robbery.
The embassy’s health alert, released in January, states that ayahuasca may cause severe health issues, including nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate, with potential long-term effects such as psychosis and hallucinations. Notably, several U.S. citizens have reportedly suffered severe illness or died after consuming ayahuasca, particularly in remote areas that lack adequate medical facilities, which heightens the associated risks.
Moreover, the alert underscores that the use of these substances is frequently promoted under the guise of ceremonial or spiritual practices, without government regulation in Peru. It has been documented that individuals under the influence of ayahuasca at ‘healing’ or ‘retreat’ centers have experienced unsafe situations, including assault and robbery.
Despite the warnings, the interest in ayahuasca has persisted, particularly among veterans seeking relief from PTSD and other mental health issues. Vivek Ramaswamy, during his presidential campaign, highlighted the need to decriminalize ayahuasca, advocating for reforms aimed at addressing the growing rates of substance abuse and veteran suicides in the United States.
In a related development, a settlement reached in late 2023 allowed the Church of the Eagle and the Condor to import and use ayahuasca for religious purposes. However, this agreement’s applicability to other religious entities remains uncertain, as expressed by the Department of Justice.
This year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has called for increased production of DMT and other substances for research purposes, reinforcing support for academic inquiry into psychedelics as potential medical treatments. The DEA aims to facilitate scientific efforts that may lead to the FDA approval of therapeutic drugs based on these substances, thereby fostering a dialogue on their medical applications.
In conclusion, the U.S. Embassy’s warning regarding the use of ayahuasca and related substances in Peru highlights significant health risks and potential dangers associated with their consumption. The increasing interest in these traditional psychedelics, particularly among veterans, intersects with ongoing discussions surrounding their legal status and therapeutic potential. Legal developments involving ayahuasca usage for religious purposes continue to unfold alongside a push for more research into psychedelic substances, suggesting a complex and evolving landscape around their use.
Original Source: www.marijuanamoment.net
