IMPLICACIONES PENALES DE LOS COMPORTAMIENTOS RELACIONADOS CON LA AYAHUASCA. ESTUDIO DEL OBJETO MATERIAL EN LOS “OTROS” DELITOS CONTRA LA SALUD PÚBLICA
Revista de Derecho Penal y Criminología January 13, 2026 Antonio Martín Pardo
Ayahuasca's growing presence in society raises questions about its legal treatment under criminal law. This article examines whether ayahuasca can be considered the material object of any criminal offenses that protect public health, beyond specific drug-related crimes, given that the International Narcotics Control Board has repeatedly stated it is not an internationally controlled substance. The research analyzes various categories of material objects in Chapter III of Title XVII of the Spanish Penal Code, specifically examining ayahuasca's possible fit within pharmacological crimes, food crimes, and crimes related to dangerous substances. Only when the preparation can be identified with a typical material object does the analysis extend to other elements of the crime to assess potential criminal relevance of behaviors involving this brew.