Ayahuasca
Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis
Formula: C12H16N2
Drug class: Psychedelic; tryptamine
Other names: Aya; Hoasca; Brew; Grandmother
Onset of action: 20-60 minutes
Peak: 3-5 hours
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew or tea most commonly derived from Banisteriopsis caapi, a vine containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the leaves of Psychotria viridis or other plant containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and often several other admixture plants.
Did you know?
- Ayahuasca is legal in many countries in South America.
- MAPS completed the first North American observational study of the safety and long-term effectiveness of ayahuasca treatment for addiction and dependence.
- In the United States, the União do Vegetal and the Santo Daime Church have been granted legal freedom to use ayahuasca for religious purposes, though DMT, the principally active ingredient, remains a Schedule I controlled substance.
Studies
The Drop
See the latest in ayahuasca news.
Red Table Talk with the Smith Family: The Miracle Treatment We Almost Couldn’t Tell You About
November 10, 2021
Summary: On a new episode of Red Table Talk, Jaden Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Gammy Norris speak with author Michael Pollan, journalist Lisa Ling, oncologist Paul Song, and entrepreneur Bob Parsons …
WIRED: Big Tech’s Psychedelics Grift
November 7, 2021
Summary: WIRED investigates the growth of support for psychedelic medicine, highlighting how entrepreneurs from the technology industry are contributing to the field through philanthropic contributions …
CNBC: Psychedelic Trips Could Soon Be Part of Therapy — Here’s What Those Sessions Will Look Like
July 24, 2021
Summary: Cory Stieg of CNBC Make It illustrates the details of psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions, pulling from the expertise of MAPS-sponsored researcher Jennifer Mitchell, Ph.D., and Corine de Boer, …
Baltimore Sun: Experimental Treatments Changed the Course of the Aids Epidemic; We Need the Same Approach to Mental Illness Today | Commentary
July 19, 2021
Summary: In an opinion piece for Baltimore Sun, Monnica Williams, Ph.D., and Morgan Campbell, M.D., provide a compelling argument for expediting access to psychedelic-assisted therapy, including MDMA-assisted …
MAPS Podcast: Episode 44 – Rachel Harris, Ph.D.: Listening to Ayahuasca
July 14, 2021
Originally appearing here. This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview between Rachel Harris and host Zach Leary. Rachel’s kindness, wisdom and dedication to the expansion of knowledge …
Ethan Nadelmann Reexamines Adult Drug Use in New Podcast ‘Psychoactive’
July 12, 2021
Summary: In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Ethan Nadelmann, Drug Policy Alliance Founder and former Executive Director, discusses his new podcast, Psychoactive! Rolling Stone explains that …
The New York Times: How Should We Do Drugs Now?
July 11, 2021
Summary: In The New York Times, bestselling author Michael Pollan considers the multiple possible paths of integrating psychedelics, as well as other currently illegal substances, into society after decades …
Harvard Health Publishing: Back To The Future: Psychedelic Drugs in Psychiatry
June 23, 2021
Summary: “Just because a drug can be enjoyed or misused, or has been associated with a counterculture or a particular set of political values, that shouldn’t mean that it ought to be locked away …
Good Housekeeping: Are Psychedelics the Next Big Cure?
June 10, 2021
Summary: Psychedelic research “studies that have been completed, while preliminary, have been nothing short of amazing,” declares Good Housekeeping, as advancements in psychedelic science continue …
Healthline: Psychedelic Therapy Is Having a Moment — Here’s What You Need to Know
May 25, 2021
Summary: Healthline provides a well-rounded overview about the basics of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including the current research applications and statuses of various psychedelics, stages of the therapeutic …
Imperial College: Q&A: Could Psychedelic Ceremonies Help People Navigate a Path to Peace?
May 19, 2021
Summary: In an interview with Imperial College London, psychedelic researcher Leor Roseman, Ph.D., describes the findings and potential implications of an observational study investigating relational processes …
Barron’s: The First Phase 3 Success for Psychedelics Will Pave the Way for an Industry
May 11, 2021
Summary: Author Bill Alpert of Barron’s contrasts MAPS’ leading non-profit and public benefit models with the profit-oriented approach of new psychedelic companies. “None of the for-profits …
