I have Cherokee blood in me. Legally it's something like 3/64, but family members say we lied about our blood earlier in our history, not that that matters. Anyways, I was reading up on Peyote and I found the laws concerning it interesting. Since I have "Indian" blood in me, could I legally obtain peyote? I have family that live outside Tahlequah, OK, so I would imagine there would be some peyote users near the Cherokee capital. I know it needs to be for "bonafide traditional ceremonial purposes", but I'd be down for trying a religious ceremony or recreating my own if I could try peyote. Just curious if anyone here has some knowledge on this subject.
even if it were legal for you because of your bloodline, it probably wouldnt be any easier to aquire. but if its somthing you can find, you can do your ceremony whether or not its legal. the question comes down to if you have access to peyote, not if you should. imo ... (c) Definitions For purposes of this section— (1) the term “Indian” means a member of an Indian tribe; this is probably going to be your hangup
I have heard you can pay the Native American Church a fee, and in return you get a Peyote "ceremony". I don't know if that is true or not.
Im afraid it isn't legal for you. in Texas you must be 1/4 native american with a tribal membership card and an NAC card. A few other states will legally allow anyone to use Peyote for religious purposes but in Texas any non-native use is illegal. Does this mean you can't participate in a ceremony if you are not native? No. All you need to do is find a roadman, a fireplace and be ready for a hard road. The Peyote way is not easy. Trust me. You need to pray, examine your convictions and be ready for it and the Peyote will appear when you are ready. Sitting all night in a meeting is not easy. You cannot stretch out and must remain upright no matter how uncomfortable it gets. The Peyote is extremely bitter and most people get nauseas and even vomit (which we refer to as "getting well". The effects can be powerful and overwhelming. If you have any desire for a recreational trip its not the place for you. Its a fireplace where people are praying and asking the creator for help and blessings. There are quite a few fireplaces in Texas that run peyote meetings and sweats. A Lot in the Austin and San Marcos area, and further south in San Antonio, and closer to the border and west Texas where the Peyote gardens are.
