Constanza Sánchez Avilés: Ayahuasca Practices as Intangible Cultural Heritage & Drug Policy

Indigenous traditional practices continue to face legal hurdles under current drug policy frameworks. While ayahuasca and coca leaves have been recognized as intangible cultural heritage in some Andean cultures, their inclusion remains largely disconnected from the global legislative, political, and medical frameworks. Policies currently treat these substances as drugs of abuse, ignoring cultural context, human rights, and religious freedom. The Ayahuasca Defense Fund serves by providing legal, scientific, and political support for individuals and groups across the world involved in cases related to these traditional plants. While the recognition of cultural heritage does not equate to formal legal regulation, it offers a pathway for developing a more comprehensive policy approach that respects indigenous rights and human rights.