How peyote used as a ceremonial, legal medicine helped heal one familys grief [Video]

DURANGO, Colo.  — This is my personal story of how my family and I utilize peyote as medicine.

Throughout the past several decades, the public has attached a negative connotation to peyote, most commonly identifying it as a drug. Calling this living entity — a cacti with hallucinogenic properties — a drug disrespects its purpose, and creates a barrier to those who use peyote for ceremonial purposes.

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act gives Indigenous people the right to utilize peyote during ceremonies.

The pandemic was very difficult for my family and myself. Something we were not prepared for was my father’s death from COVID-19. I found so much fear, anxiety and displacement after he passed, and so did the rest of my family.

My father passed away on June 12, 2020 and COVID-19 restrictions did not give my family the opportunity to have a peyote meeting at that time. It was not until October of …