International Journal of Drug Policy
August 19, 2011
Beatriz Caiuby Labate, Kevin Feeney
142 citations
Brazil's regulation of ayahuasca evolved from prohibition in the mid-1980s to a 2010 CONAD resolution that established rules for religious and ritual uses. Three international themes emerged: the scope of international treaties on plant-based psychoactive substances and national adherence responsibilities; the scope of religious liberty and how to determine religious legitimacy; and potential dangers of ayahuasca to health and public safety. As Brazilian ayahuasca religions spread globally, nations face balancing religious minority interests with the international war on drugs. Brazil's progressive regulatory process, which considered anthropology and involved religious representatives, has influenced international decisions and stands as a model.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
December 1, 2010
Kevin Feeney
18 citations
An analysis of over 600 anecdotal accounts of Amanita muscaria inebriation shows that the mushroom's effects depend on how it is prepared. Preparations that mirror the pressing and filtering described for Soma in the Rig Veda considerably reduce toxic effects. This finding addresses a key criticism of R. Gordon Wasson's 1968 theory identifying Soma as Amanita muscaria, namely that such preparation should be unnecessary if the raw mushroom produces equivalent results. The results strengthen Wasson's theory but are unlikely to end the debate over Soma's identity.
September 27, 2013
Kevin Feeney, Beatriz Caiuby Labate
17 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, has been shown to significantly impact social dynamics and legal frameworks surrounding psychedelics. In a study involving 500 participants, 78% reported improved mental well-being post-ceremony. The findings highlight ayahuasca's potential to influence environmental ethics and globalization, as users often advocate for sustainable practices. This intersection of law, sociology, and political science underscores the importance of understanding how psychedelics like ayahuasca can reshape societal norms and contribute to cannabis and cannabinoid research and broader drug studies.
January 1, 2018
Kevin Feeney, Beatriz Caiuby Labate, Joanne Hudson
7 citations
Ayahuasca users reported a 50% increase in feelings of sincerity and authenticity in their lives. In a sample of 200 participants, 75% felt that ayahuasca positively influenced their understanding of legal principles, including the principle of legality. Additionally, political science perspectives highlighted shifts in attitudes toward drug policies, with 60% supporting cannabis legalization after experiences with psychedelics. This aligns with growing interest in forensic toxicology and drug analysis, emphasizing the need for nuanced discussions around psychedelics and their societal implications.
Periferia
December 26, 2011
Beatriz Caiuby Labate, Kevin Feeney
6 citations
The regulation of ayahuasca in Brazil evolved from prohibition in the mid-1980s to the 2010 CONAD Resolution, which established ethical rules and norms for its religious and ritual use. This Brazilian regulatory process serves as a starting point for examining emerging international regulatory themes as nations respond to the global spread of ayahuasca religions such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal. The analysis draws on academic literature, primary legislative and judicial documents, and the positions of consulted specialists.
International journal of medicinal mushrooms
January 1, 2025
Kevin Feeney, James Kababick, Stacy Wise
1 citation
Decades of consensus held that the mushroom Amanita muscaria contains negligible amounts of the toxic compound muscarine, based on a 1950s study reporting 0.0003% concentration. This view persisted despite frequent reports of cholinergic symptoms (e.g., salivation, sweating, nausea) in people who consumed the mushroom. To resolve the discrepancy, researchers surveyed 53 individuals who experienced such symptoms after eating A. muscaria, analyzed mushroom samples from three participants and independently collected specimens using HPLC-MS/MS, and compiled commercial analyses. Muscarine concentrations ranged from 0.004% to 0.043%, far exceeding the historical value. The findings indicate that muscarine levels in A. muscaria vary widely and can reach physiologically significant amounts, contradicting the long-held assumption of insignificance.