U.S. Embassy Issues Caution Against Psychedelics in Peru…

The U.S. Embassy in Peru warns against using ayahuasca and kambo due to health risks and safety concerns, including potential criminal exposure. The advisory highlights incidents of severe illness and crime associated with these psychedelics. The growing interest in psychedelics for therapeutic purposes continues to evolve, prompting discussions on regulatory changes.

The U.S. Embassy in Lima has issued a warning to American citizens about the dangers associated with traditional psychedelics, specifically ayahuasca. This substance, a potent psychoactive mix that contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), is illegal in the United States and poses significant health risks. Government officials advised against using ayahuasca and kambo, another psychoactive derived from frogs, highlighting the potential for serious health consequences and increased risk of crime.

In a health alert issued in January, officials noted that these substances, often marketed to travelers as ‘ceremonial’ or ‘spiritual cleansers’, lack regulation by the Peruvian government. Consequently, the institutions offering these experiences may not comply with health and safety standards, creating additional risks for users. The embassy informed citizens of the health issues linked with ayahuasca, encompassing nausea, increased heart rates, psychosis, and in severe cases, death.

Recent reports indicate that several U.S. citizens have died or experienced severe health crises after consuming ayahuasca, particularly in remote areas of the Peruvian Amazon, which are far from medical facilities. Limited access to emergency services in these locations exacerbates the dangers associated with the substance. Moreover, U.S. citizens have reported incidents of sexual assault and robbery under the influence of ayahuasca at various healing centers.

Ayahuasca and other traditional psychedelics have attracted attention from American travelers, particularly veterans seeking relief from PTSD and other mental health issues. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Vivek Ramaswamy spoke in favor of decriminalizing ayahuasca as part of a comprehensive approach to address high rates of substance abuse and suicide within the veteran community.

In a notable development, the U.S. government reached a settlement allowing an Arizona-based nonprofit to use ayahuasca as a religious sacrament, permitting its importation for specific religious practices. This agreement marks a significant step toward spiritual freedom regarding the use of psychedelics, albeit the Department of Justice later deemed the settlement “irrelevant” in relation to other claims involving ayahuasca.

Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has adjusted its production quotas for DMT to facilitate more research into the substance for potential medicinal use. The agency aims to support legitimate scientific inquiries into psychedelics as avenues for developing FDA-approved treatments, indicating a possible shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding these substances.

In summary, the U.S. Embassy’s warning against the use of ayahuasca and similar psychedelics in Peru stems from significant health risks and safety concerns. The mixture, along with kambo, can lead to severe negative health effects and has been linked to alarming incidents involving U.S. citizens. The evolving legal landscape concerning the use of psychedelics raises questions about regulation and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like veterans. It is crucial for travelers to remain vigilant and informed about the risks of engaging with traditional psychedelics abroad.

Original Source: www.marijuanamoment.net