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On the occasion of ICEERS’ 15th anniversary, we asked its founder, Benjamin De Loenen, to take stock of the foundation’s trajectory. In addition, we delve into the current and future challenges facing the historical process of globalization of master plants and their ceremonial practices.
The rising popularity of ayahuasca has sparked fascination worldwide. The comprehensive research on Ayahuasca, Global Consumption & Reported Deaths in the Media uncovered contrasting contexts
A new ICEERS report estimates the number of people drinking ayahuasca worldwide and analyzes fatalities reported by the media.
The sudden interruption of almost all maritime, air, and land travel worldwide due to the pandemic has opened the door for many communities to reflect on interdependences within a globalized world, particularly when it comes to “supply chains” for clothing, food, and plant medicines. One of the key impacts for communities that work with teacher plants (such as ayahuasca) outside of the Amazon has been the need to reconsider how they are procuring medicine for their ceremonies.
This post is Part 2 in a series exploring the impact of the pandemic on ayahuasca communities (read Part 1). ICEERS seeks to support the community by providing a bird’s eye perspective on trends, movements, and the bridge between traditional practices and emerging ones. After the pandemic hit, we took the time to speak with a handful of individuals involved or are well acquainted with communities in Europe, North America, Central America and South America.
It’s no doubt that 2020 will be remembered for the rapid and abrupt arrival of a pandemic that, in a matter of months, impacted the whole world. What remains to be seen is how communities will be forever changed and what adaptations or changes to how we live will remain with us.
What is the situation of Cannabis Social Clubs in Europe? The European Journal of Criminology has recently published a study, conducted by Dr. Mafalda Cardal and Tom Decorte, in collaboration with ICEERS’ Deputy Director, Òscar Parés, to provide an accurate picture and in-depth understanding of this growing phenomenon across the old continent.
In most parts of the Global South, traditional healers outnumber mental health workers, making up the health care system that local people have access to and trust. In a recent article, published in the Health and Human Rights Journal, José Carlos Bouso (ICEERS Scientific Director) and Constanza Sánchez (Law, Policy & Human Rights Director) address the need to include traditional healing practices in the global mental health agenda.
Last week, mass media outlets spread the news that the known ex-pornography actor Nacho Vidal was arrested by the Civil Guard for alleged involuntary manslaughter. The events took place on July 28, 2019 in the
World Ayahuasca Conference Free Online Micro-Event A year ago, from May 31-June 2, 2019, the world’s ayahuasca community gathered in the city of Girona for the third edition of the World Ayahuasca Conference (AYA2019), the
Science and economic, social and cultural rights: what place do master plants have in the framework of freedom of research and the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress?
The term “natural psychoactive drugs” (NPDs) comprises a great variety of animals, plants, cacti, and fungi, traditionally used in ritualistic contexts all over the world, whose consumption has increased dramatically in the last few decades. In order to study the patterns of use, the desired effects and the mental health status of individuals who make use of them, ICEERS conducted a detailed research through an online questionnaire that was answered by 564 NPD users from 52 different countries. The results have recently been published in the journal Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy.
According to ICEERS associate researcher Débora González, grief is a form of love – it is the price paid for love. As we let go, of a person or of something held near and dear to our hearts, we grieve. It’s a natural and necessary process, not only for adapting to stressful times but also for personal growth and enrichment. And, while death may be the end of life from a biological perspective, what we’ve lost continues to exist after death, through our memories, thoughts, and even in our genes.
The question of how to offer help to indigenous and other Amazonian communities who don’t have access to medical and economic supports that may be available to those in North America and Europe is answered by two words: solidarity and generosity.
What are the subjective effects of ibogaine that can lead to healthier habits? A new study conducted by ICEERS’s research team contributes to a better understanding of the role ibogaine plays in psychotherapeutic and other processes.
Starting this week, the Science and Innovation area of the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS) will conduct a scientific study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the effects that confinement measures have on the population.
Is the ayahuasca community prepared to face the stressful situation resulting from the COVID-19 crisis? José Carlos Bouso, scientific director of ICEERS, reflects on the issue based on a study they conducted on ayahuasca and public health.
Alex Polari, a respected leader within the Santo Daime, began his talk at the 2019 World Ayahuasca Conference by commenting on the importance of the event in relation to the study of consciousness and the human spirituality.
The study of people without previous experience in ayahuasca ceremonies allows us to overcome this limitation and to clearly see what happens after a first contact with this practice.
ICEERS’ Science & Innovation department conducted a longitudinal study in which a sample of about 70 patients with chronic diseases using cannabis as a treatment for their symptoms was followed for 12 months.
Annual report by the Ayahuasca Defense Fund: learn more about how we’ve been offering moral, technical, and other support to defendants in 56 legal cases.
Jeffrey Bronfman was the lead plaintiff and legal strategist of the União Do Vegetal’s (UDV) successful legal action to secure its right to the religious use of its sacrament in the United States.
We’ve launched a 30-day crowdfunding campaign and are asking for your support!
The purpose of the Iboga/ine Community Engagement Initiative is to engage with the global community to crowdsource opinions and ideas about what an ideal future looks like for iboga and ibogaine in global society.
