What is ayahuasca and is it legal in the US?

AYAHUASCA is a plant-based psychedelic that affects all the senses and can even cause vivid hallucinations.

The psychoactive drug is consumed in liquid form, usually in tea.

What is ayahuasca?

According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic that affects all the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions.

Among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin, it is used as spiritual medicine. It has also been used for centuries for religious and therapeutic purposes.

The active chemicals in the plant are dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Is ayahuasca legal in the US?

The ayahuasca plant itself is not illegal in the United States.

However, the active ingredient DMT is as it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug which is the same category as heroin and ecstasy.

According to the justice department, Schedule 1 drugs have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose in the United States.

What are the effects of ayahuasca?

While the drug may affect people differently, some of the common effects include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Euphoria
• Intense visual and auditory hallucinations
• Powerful emotions
• Increased body temperature
• Feelings of connection and unity

Some people may also experience bad trips that involve intense anxiety and confusion.

From studies done about the drug, it does not seem to have any negative long-term effects on the body.