Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants

The Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants is an initiative of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines that endeavors to advocate for the legal and ethical uses of sacred plant medicines among Indigenous peoples and non-indigenous communities, encourage legal harm reduction practices that protect those who use plant medicines, educate on the conservation of plant species, engage in critical thinking around relevant social issues, and consult on legal cases, including possible litigation. It promotes communication across diverse cultural settings and fosters community safeguarding, dialogue, and healing. Our goal is to raise awareness around the impacts of the globalization of Indigenous plant medicines, increase understanding of religious freedom rights and obligations, and encourage positive action through collaborative, cross-cultural research and community engagement. Covering social and cultural perspectives, we provide public education and cultural understanding around psychedelic plant medicines and explore key issues of concern within traditional communities. We also encourage good practices and conduct, and provide advice and support. This project includes: production of academic research and multimedia educational materials; curation of critical conversations; a catalog of documents and reports of arrests, ethical issues, safety and public health concerns; a network of anthropologists, lawyers, and activists; resources and consultation for academics; and advocacy for drug reform.