Friends,
Raven and I first drafted the ancestor of this declaration in 1989 whilst tripping around Northern Arizona in a beat up old Honda Civic. Here is the latest incarnation which I submit here for the purpose of receiving your comments, suggestions, grammar corrections- whatever.
LM
Declaration of Ethnobotanical Rights
Understanding that plants have historically been a source for food, fiber, fuel, and medicine, and that the human family has been traditionally sustained through its relationship to the botanical world, it is hereby declared that:
1. All plants species are naturally created equal, each bearing its own unique qualities and inherent value.
2. All people have an inalienable right to cultivate, utilize, study, and share information regarding any species of plant. As this Sacred Trust lies beyond the natural jurisdiction of any human agency, this natural relationship shall not be infringed providing that it does not actively endanger native ecological communities or public welfare.
3. No individual person should be prohibited from the cultivation of any plant species for medicinal, spiritual, aesthetic, or other personal, non-mercantile purposes.
4. While reasonable governmental taxes may be levied on the sale of agricultural products, no person or organization should be impeded in the commercial adaptation and trade of any plant, or plant product, providing such commercial activities do not violate civil or criminal statutes or other public safety codes regulating the commerce or transfer of specific plant materials, and are not contaminating of the genetic qualities and well-being of other species or ecological communities.
This blog is a fascinating subject. Since I can remember, I have talked to plants and they have whispered to me. I want to comment on the two versions of "The Declaration of ethnobotanical Plants", I hope you preserve and consider the original version. I think that you had a spark of genius when you wrote that one, but I have seen you do that before. However, David and myself (Chen)think that the first version is less complicated, it is "universal". The latest declaration is specific but since you include prohibitions it becomes less of a declaration. The issue of prohibitions has sorrounded plants from the very beginning. Remember the "Garden of Eden" You may eat of these plants but not of these! This negative and erroneous philosophy has sorrounded plants historically. People think that plants should be "controlled". Historically, plants have exercised freedom and choose to help humanity through their physical and spiritual life force which they possess in abundance. They balance us and heal us. A "universal" declaration is a way of thinking about them which preserves their magical spirit. All this other stuff about government taxes and criminal statues is our limited knowledge and perception of something so incredible and magical. I don't really know how or why they choose to help humankind but all I can think of is that they have so much compassion and love, and their deep understanding and perception of humanity gives them the power to see that we need help. In the case of "peyote" often we don't have the humility to surrender and receive help. With the exception of the huichol who are truly able to perceive like you said Leo, become who we are suppose to become "human". Now keep in mind that those who think are guardians of what we should eat, smoke or drink have limited knowledge and a narrow perception and understanding of "universal and natural" laws and will not become truly human since their perception and relationship with our humble friends and relatives of the green world of plants is limited to statues, prohibitions etc.
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