Ayahuasca and Public Health II: Health Status in a Large Sample of Ayahuasca-Ceremony Participants in the Netherlands
Maja Kohek, Genís Ona, Michiel van Elk, Rafael G. Dos Santos, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Miguel Ángel Alcázar‐córcoles, José Carlos Bouso
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs May 28, 2022 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2077155 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractRegular participation in ayahuasca ceremonies is not linked to relevant health harms. Compared to normative Dutch data, 377 participants (50.1% women, mean age 48.8 years) showed better general well-being, fewer chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, more physical activity, and a more balanced diet. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they used less alcohol. Although they used more illegal drugs than the general population, they did not report associated harms. This evidence could inform drug policymakers in developing evidence-based public policies.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 377 |
| Population | Regular participants in ayahuasca ceremonies in the Netherlands |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca ceremony participation |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Public health Normative Medicine Ceremony |
| Citations | 25 |
| Key finding | Regular participation in ayahuasca ceremonies is not linked to relevant health harms and is associated with better general well-being, fewer chronic diseases, more physical activity, and a more balanced diet compared to normative Dutch data. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a plant decoction in traditional Amazonian medicine. Its ritual use has been internationalized, leading to policy challenges that countries should address. This study evaluates the impact of regular ayahuasca ceremony participation on health by assessing the health status of 377 participants in ayahuasca ceremonies in the Netherlands using validated health indicators. A questionnaire was developed and administered to study participants. The questionnaire included several health indicators with public health relevance (e.g., BMI, diet, physical activity) and psychometrically validated questionnaires (ELS and COPE-easy). The data retrieved through health indicators was compared to normative Dutch data. Participants (50.1% women) were mostly Dutch (84.6%) with a mean age of 48.8 years (SD = 11.6). Compared to normative Dutch data, regular participants in ayahuasca ceremonies showed better general well-being, fewer chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, more physical activity, and a more balanced diet. Participants also used less alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic, and although they used more illegal drugs than the general population, they did not report associated harms. Our findings suggest that regular participation in ayahuasca ceremonies is not linked to relevant health harms. This data could help drug policymakers to develop and implement evidence-based public policies.