Western ‘psychedelic renaissance’ is partly to blame for dwindling supplies of peyote, which produces mescaline
Sandor Iron Rope, president of the Native American Church of South Dakota, looks for seeds from a peyote plant in Hebbronville, Texas.Sandor Iron Rope, president of the Native American Church of South Dakota, looks for seeds from a peyote plant in Hebbronville, Texas.But now a growing number of western spiritual seekers dabbling in psychedelics are accused of causing a shortage of the plant that produces mescaline.
The shortage is concerning for members of the Native American Church of North America who practise peyotism, a synthesis of traditional Native American beliefs and elements of Christianity that considers peyote a sacred sacrament and has about 350,000 adherents. The Native American Church originated in the late 19th century in the Oklahoma Territory after peyote was introduced to the southern Great Plains from Mexico. Typically the sacrament, or medicine, is taken at night, in a tipi, around a half-moon-shaped sand altar – representing the grave of Jesus Christ – and a fire. The ceremonies include prayer, singing, water rites and spiritual contemplation.to discuss possible protections for the plant.
Colorado and Oregon have legalised natural psychedelic compounds, including peyote, without proper consultation with Native American groups, critics say.
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