Yopo - Cohoba seeds
Anadenanthera Peregrina
Preparation and Dosage
- The ripe, dry seeds are usually lightly roasted and then ground into a fine, grayish green powder that is often mixed an alkaline plant ash or ground snail shells and other additives. The addition of the alkaline substances liberates the alkaloids.
- The dosage is usually determined by the sniffing instrument that is used. The minimum dosage is approximatly 1g of seeds (when applied nasally). The snuff can be ingested in a series of dosages.
Effects
- When ingested nasally, the snuff induces psychedelic effects and produces multidimensional visions. Experiences of ego dissolution, death-and-rebirth, transformations into animals and flying are common. The effects of the snuff last for some 10-15 minutes, although aftereffects may be noticeable for up to an hour.
Ritual Use
Many tribes use the roasted sceds to manufacture snuffs that are used for shamanic purposes and that hunters also ingest to locate their prey. The Tiano made great use of this powder during their healing rituals and tribal celebrations.
History
Archaeological remains of seeds that were definitely used in ritual contexts have been found in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The snuff known as cohoba, which is made from Anadenanthera peregrina, was mentioned several times in early colonial sources. In the early 16th century Gonzalo Valdes was the first to note that the powder was obtained from the seeds of a tree belonging to the legume family. The island of Cuba was apparently named after cohoba.
Cultivation
The ripe, dried seeds are easy to germinate and plant. The tree requires poor and relatively dry soil. It can be started in the moist tropics but quickly dies.
Psychoactive Material
- Seeds
- Seedpods (with seeds)
- Bark
Warning
- Can cause hallucinations. Be prepared and do not exceed the recommended dose. Only use recreationally and in a safe environment.
- Do not use in combination with other stimulants, psychedelics or sedatives.
- Do not use during pregnancy/lactation.
- Do not use during work or while driving, operating or handling vehicles, machines or computers.
