The Native American Church (NAC) emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as Indigenous communities sought to protect their spiritual traditions during a period of intense cultural suppression. Federal policies at the time criminalized Indigenous religious practices, prompting tribes to formally organize peyote ceremonies within a religious framework to preserve their cultural and spiritual autonomy. (Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Peyote and the Native American Church)
Within the Native American Church, peyote is regarded as a sacred sacrament rather than a recreational substance. Ceremonies are conducted in highly structured settings that include prayer, drumming, singing, and guided reflection, often lasting through the night. Participation is governed by ethical principles emphasizing respect, intention, sobriety, and communal responsibility, reinforcing peyote’s role as a spiritual tool rather than a casual substance. (Stewart, Peyote Religion: A History, University of Oklahoma Press)
Legal recognition of the Native American Church played a critical role in protecting peyote use in the United States. After decades of arrests and legal challenges, federal law now explicitly protects the religious use of peyote by enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. These protections are rooted in the First Amendment and reinforced by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994. (U.S. Department of Justice, AIRFA Amendments of 1994)
Beyond its legal function, the Native American Church acts as a cultural steward for peyote traditions. Church leaders have consistently opposed non-Indigenous appropriation, commercial exploitation, and unsustainable harvesting of peyote. This stewardship is especially important given peyote’s slow growth rate and increasing ecological vulnerability in its native habitat. (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Peyote Conservation)
The role of the Native American Church illustrates how spiritual practice, cultural survival, and legal advocacy intersect in the history of peyote. Understanding this context is essential for responsible plant science education, as it underscores that peyote is inseparable from Indigenous identity, religious freedom, and ethical boundaries surrounding access and use. (Cornell Law School, Legal Protection of Peyote Use)
All information presented is for educational purposes only and focuses on plant science research and emerging studies. This content does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult licensed healthcare providers or trained professionals in plant-based science and natural health disciplines. All information provided is thought to be put to date with modern research and you should still do your own research and consult with professionals.
