Abstract:
The article presents an analysis on the process of building relationships between the ayahuasca religions and the Brazilian State. These religions use the ayahuasca psychoactive drink, and are associated with the contemporary public discussion concerning drugs. However, as they build their social legitimacy and broaden their rights, they are moving away from the drug issue. The conquest of the right of religious use of ayahuasca and the inclusion of this theme in the cultural policies of the Brazilian State are expressions of the political choices, strategies and projects of the religions commented on in this article. It is also intended to draw some comparisons between the politics of the ayahuasca religions and that of other Brazilian religious expressions.
Keywords:
brazilian ayahuasca religions; drug policy;
Ayahuasca
; political rights.