The sad "death by ayahuasca" story.

I was saddened to read of the death of young Kyle Nolan during an ayahuasca session in South America and my heart goes out to his family. I don't know him or his family and have no idea what went into his preparation for the experience. Is it possible that he had taken something else to "enhance" the experience? Ayahuasceros use any number of plants as admixtures to their brews in addition to the basic DMT & harmine/harmaline source plants. Who knows what this particular "shaman" may have added without having any knowledge of what sort of drug sensitivities this young man may have had. While there are probably individuals who are very wise and skilled in the folk use of these materials in South America, there are probably many who are in it for the gringo dollars and let's face it, they aren't getting science based training. Don't forget, "folk" remedies used to include mercury for longevity, and bleeding for almost everything.

DMT/MAOI concoctions, and smoked DMT are very powerful psychedelics and produce profound effects. When used properly they have the potential to change a person's life by inducing a state in which new and useful patterns of conciouness become accessible. We made the mistake in the 60's of taking psychedelics too casually and recreationally and missed a chance to advance their use as therapeutic material. I hope young people today won't make the same mistake. I personally continue to consider these molecules to be sacramental substances that can provide deep insights into the nature of reality but there is a fine line between responsible growth-oriented use and self-absorbed abuse.