We Are Harvesting the Ayahuasca Vine at an Alarming Rate

Growers, foragers, and distributors discuss the excessive harvesting of ayahuasca and what it means for the future of this special medicine.

Carlos Suárez Álvarez - for Kahpi.net

“The signs that wild ayahuasca is being overexploited for the global market are evident, according to the main players of this industry. “Wild ayahuasca is being depleted.” “There is almost none.” “Over harvested.” “We are worried.” “There is a shortage.” “You don’t find thick ayahuasca anymore.” “In a couple of years there won’t be any there.” Gatherers, intermediaries, processors and exporters based in Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian jungle, or in the indigenous communities near Pucallpa, the other major production center, are in agreement about the overexploitation of wild ayahuasca.

They say the vine has disappeared from the surroundings of numerous villages and from accessible areas of the forest, gatherers have to go further and further to get it, traded specimens are younger/thinner, and the price has multiplied by four in the last five years. This article examines the concerning terrain of ayahuasca harvesting by talking with key players in the industry…” Continue reading