•
We launched a four-year study on the effects of harvesting on regrowth
and mortality of peyote in habitat in South Texas.
See the data we have collected after months 8, 12, 24 & 36. (The 2009–2011 reports include color photos.)
• We
designed studies on the cultivation of peyote in habitat and in the
greenhouse. Progress on the greenhouse study began in 2009.
• We acquired a reference sample of pellotine through the generosity of Vlastimil Habermann.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the
conservation significance of pellotine, the published analytical work
on the non-williamsii species of Lophophora indicates
that pellotine replaces mescaline as the major alkaloid, and that
mescaline occurs only in trivial, pharmacologically insignificant
concentrations in those species, or is not present at all. The
implication is that the non-williamsii species in Mexico (also locally known as peyote) should not be harvested, as they are not effective sources of mescaline.
In order to confirm the accuracy of those
earlier analytical reports a known reference sample of pure pellotine
was required as a GCMS standard.
Additionally:
• We provided pro bono
regulatory consulting services to a Native American Church group as
they applied to the DEA for guidelines that would allow them to
cultivate their sacrament in the greenhouse.
• We have offered technical advice
to Native American Church groups who are interested in cultivation of
their sacrament in the greenhouse.
•
This has been a time of broadening communications and increasing
visibility for the CCI. This website has attracted many inquiries, and
we have been interviewed for articles in the popular press – including
stories in Reuters (December of 2007) and the Time website
– and for radio programs on NPR.
This year already promises to be just as active.
