Yet, the entheogenic topic will not go away; it cannot be totally denied. Bits of information contradictory to “common knowledge” continually press their way to the surface regarding their proven safety, ubiquitous use in ancient history, and wide array of healing effects. The contradictions are many, such as the fact that a subset of our own population is legally permitted to use these substances due to their beneficial effects. There is no debate as to the safety and efficacy of the entheogens used among a segment of our population.

Ingesting a solid or tea in strictly prescribed and controlled religious ceremonies, the sacrament is neither addictive nor habit forming. Courts which have made factual findings regarding the religious use of peyote by Indians have concluded that such use is not harmful. – U.S. Congress³

Curiously, to be considered legally safe and effective, an individual’s heritage must consist of 25 percent Native Indian blood. Aside from being an egregiously discriminatory law and in direct violation of the First Amendment’s right to religious freedom, this ruling again raises the question that if the entheogenic practice among this large pool of possibly half a million people has shown to be safe and effective, why are they restricted to only certain segments of the population?  There is no doubt the members of the Native American Church use their sacrament with very few mental or physical problems due to its respectful, prepared, and ritualistic use. Would it be fair to imply the remainder of the populous is not responsible enough to utilize the entheogens as the Native American Church members do?

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