Anthropology

Bountiful Afghan Opium Harvest Yields

“So it was with peace of mind that farmers, and thousands of seasonal laborers who had traveled to Helmand, scraped the gum from the opium bulbs. The skies were generous with heavy rainfall, and the Afghan government with its cancellation of annual eradication campaigns. ” As the opium harvest winds down across Helmand Province, Afghanistan’s…

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Anthropology

Preparations containing ibogaine, either as such or in combination with any other pharmacologically active ingredient(s)

“…by resolution approved by the Minister of Health, determined that, with effect from the date of publication of this notice, all preparations which contain ibogaine, either as such or in combination with any other pharmacologically active ingredient(s) shall be subject to registration as medicines…” The Medicines Control Council, by virtue of powers vested in it…

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Anthropology

Ayahuasca Tourism is ripping off Indigenous Amazonians

“As Ayahuasca has become more and more popular with foreign tourists—and at the same time, less and less popular with the Indians themselves—we have found that pseudo-shamans have sprung up everywhere to cater for the demand.” While some argue that the commercialization of ayahuasca has bastardized the ritual, others claim that it’s brought much needed…

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Anthropology

U.N. not a place to find good policy

“No, the U.N. leadership is not that open to reform (in 2016)… the U.N. was confiscating copies of the letter calling for the end of the drug war that were being handed out in front of the U.N.” UN Security was apparently ordered to confiscate the letter, and attendees were ordered to hand over their…

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Anthropology

Medical marijuana: What happens next in Pa.?

“The process itself of creating regulations and dispensing licenses is probably going to take; we’re estimating a best case 12 to 13 months and probably 18 months before licenses are issued.” Under the law, anyone seeking a prescription for medical marijuana must be suffering from a “serious medical condition” defined as cancer, HIV or AIDS,…

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Anthropology

Women across the Americas incarcerated for minor, non-violent, drug-related crimes at an alarming rate

“In Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Peru, well over 60 percent of each country’s female prison population is incarcerated for drug-related crimes.” The policies that have led to this surge in imprisonment have torn apart families and crippled women’s abilities to find decent, legal employment once they have been released, perpetuating a vicious cycle of…

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Anthropology

An Amazonian religion on New Mexico’s high desert

“The sacramental use ofayahuasca is on the cusp of becoming a permanent part of the colorful religious landscape of northern New Mexico”. After years of litigation, it now seems likely that União do Vegetal (UDV)–or more formally, O Centro Espirita Beneficente União do Vegetal–will build a temple in Arroyo Hondo, just outside Santa Fe. UDV…

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