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Ayahuasca in Canada: Cultural phenomenon and policy issue


Pages: 319-325

Abstract

In this chapter, I review the legal status, increasing popularity, and types of ayahuasca uses in Canada, including psychonautic, cross-cultural vegetalismo, and Brazilian ayahuasca religions such as the Santo Daime (Labate, Rose & Santos, 2009). I summarize a 2001 legal action involving a visiting Ecuadorian shaman under whose care a Canadian woman died during an alleged “ayahuasca” ceremony, as well as the Canadian government’s consideration of the Santo Daime congregation’s request for a drug law exemption allowing its members legally to use its sacrament. Finally, I conclude with a few remarks on the significance of the Canadian government’s decision on the Santo Daime case with respect to the context of domestic and international drug control.