A Defense Expert Witness on Ayahuasca
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Misinformation about ayahuasca was evident during a 2006 trial in Spain, where expert witnesses faced challenges from the Spanish Agency of Medicine. Dr. José Carlos Bouso, with a PhD in pharmacology, highlighted the conflict between established research and misconceptions surrounding ayahuasca's effects. His advocacy work through the Ayahuasca Defense Fund aims to combat stigma and promote understanding of this plant medicine. Engaging with both scientific insights and legal battles, Bouso's efforts reflect a commitment to preserving cultural practices and improving accessibility to ayahuasca globally.
Abstract
In this interview, performed in 2018, anthropologist and ayahuasca researcher Dr. Bia Labate speaks with Dr. José Carlos Bouso, who is a clinical psychologist with a PhD in pharmacology and is Scientific Director of the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service (ICEERS). Dr. Bouso speaks on his first experience being a defense expert witness on ayahuasca in Spain along with Dr. Jordi Riba (in memoriam) in 2006. During this trial, it seemed that there was much misinformation presented from some members of the Spanish Agency of Medicine (AEM) which directly contradicted the research of Dr. José Carlos Bouso and Dr. Jordi Riba surrounding the effects of ayahuasca. This was a classic case of ignorance surrounding ayahuasca in an effort to block accessibility and importation of this plant medicine into Spain, regardless of Santo Daime's religious status there. This is just one example of the work that Dr. Bouso and his team at the Ayahuasca Defense Fund (ADF) have been doing to address stigmas and persecutions to the ceremonial use of ayahuasca and other plants worldwide. This interview reflects on strategies and lessons learned from this work that combines scientific knowledge and advocacy.