Psychedelic renaissance jeopardizes sacred peyote for Native Americans

In Mirando City, Texas, Amada Cardenas emerged as a pivotal figure in the peyote trade and Native American religious practices. Born into a Mexican American family, she became renowned for her work as the first authorized dealer of peyote in the United States. Over the years, Cardenas welcomed numerous members of the Native American Church into her home, providing a vital link between peyote traditions and contemporary ceremonial practices. After her husband’s death in 1967, she remained dedicated to these efforts until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday. Cardenas's home was a sanctuary for Native Americans who sought healing and spiritual connection through peyote. Her contributions have had a long-lasting impact on the preservation of peyote practices among Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of this sacred cactus in their spiritual lives. She faced challenges with governmental persecution regarding peyote use, often advocating for the rights of Indigenous people to access and utilize peyote for religious purposes. Cardenas's legacy endures, as she is remembered fondly by many Native Americans as an elder and healer. Over the decades, concerns have grown about the sustainability of peyote, which faces threats from poaching and excessive harvesting. The slow-growing cactus, which can take years to mature, is considered sacred but is in danger due to increased interest in psychedelics. Activists and members of the Native American Church are now calling for greater protections for peyote and its natural habitat in southern Texas to ensure its availability for future generations.