An international conference that brings together Indigenous knowledge holders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss ayahuasca, the traditional Amazonian plant medicine brew.
The forum addresses the intersection of Indigenous epistemologies, contemporary scientific research and regulatory frameworks surrounding ayahuasca use. Sessions typically cover topics including traditional preparation and ceremonial contexts, pharmacological studies, mental health applications, conservation of source plants and legal status across different jurisdictions. The gathering serves as a rare platform where Amazonian shamans and academic researchers can exchange perspectives on a substance that holds both sacred cultural significance and growing medical research interest. Discussions often navigate tensions between Indigenous intellectual property rights, biopiracy concerns and the expansion of ayahuasca practice beyond its traditional contexts.