The Pros and Cons of Ayahuasca’s Globalization | Bia Labate

Ayahuasca’s popularity has exploded in recent years. Once seen as a drug only the most adventurous would seek out and experience, it is now part of the mainstream conversation. This is in large part due to celebrities and influencers documenting their experiences going to South America and taking “trips” guided by shaman. So how can we bridge the anthropologic use of a drug like ayahuasca from the indigineous traditions to the biomedical world of today? And how do we create a bridge that includes inclusion and diversity? All these questions can be applied to all forms of psychedelics and sacred plants, but Dr. Labate focuses primarily on ayahuasca for this discussion.