As a facilitator and consumer of the sacred medicine of Bufo Alvarius I have witnessed first-hand the incredible benefits that this psychedelic experience can bring to people, helping them to find a deep connection with themselves and the world around them. However, as I deepened my relationship with this sacred medicine, I also realised the importance of raising awareness about its sustainability and the potential harm we could cause to the species.
Bufo Alvarius, also known as the Sonoran desert toad, is a fascinating creature that inhabits the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico. Its venom contains psychoactive substances, such as the powerful 5-MeO-DMT, which has gained popularity in psychedelic circles due to its transformative effects. And for a long time, I have been inspired and excited to share this medicine with those seeking a greater understanding of themselves and a deeper connection to life.
However, as interest in Bufo alvarius grew, so did the pressure on its populations and natural habitats. And I realised that irresponsible collection of toad secretions for consumption could have devastating consequences for the species. Since these toads already face challenges to their survival due to habitat loss, climate change and the spread of pathogens.
Bufo alvarius is not officially an internationally endangered species. But there are studies about the population decline. And in the United States, it is presumed to be nearly extinct in California, endangered in New Mexico and considered vulnerable in Arizona (NatureServe, 2021). Probably due to increased human interest. Because it spends most of its time underground, hunters seek the toad during its short mating season.
Although milking itself does not harm toads if done responsibly, their habitats are being invaded by fervent hunters for their venom, and this will undeniably have an effect on this species. In addition, some black market vendors are selling them to establish farms, removing the larger, more fertile toads from their native ecosystems.
I. alvarius toads with highly vascularised skin and glands. This is an immediately visible effect of too frequent "milking" on the sensitive skin of amphibians (image by Robert Villa).
As a facilitator and consumer, I found myself facing an ethical dilemma. On the one hand, I wanted to share the benefits of this transformative medicine with others and expand its healing potential. But on the other hand, I could not ignore the potentially negative impact my participation could have on the toad population and its ecosystem.
It was then that I realised the importance of finding a balance between personal gain and environmental preservation.
I cannot allow my personal experience with this sacred medicine to be based on exploitation and harm to a valuable species. I am therefore determined to take immediate action and promote positive change.
My focus now is to encourage greater awareness of the importance of sustainability and responsibility in the use of Bufo Alvarius. We cannot forget that we are part of an interconnected ecosystem, and our actions have a direct impact on the natural world around us.
As a facilitator and consumer, I am committed to stop looking for quick and easy solutions, and to prioritise sustainable and ethical practices and alternatives. The synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT in laboratories and the use of natural sources of the substance (Anadenanthera, Virola spp...) are options that do not involve harming the toads or their habitat. And these alternatives can still offer meaningful experiences of healing and consciousness expansion without endangering the survival of a species.
In addition, as facilitators, we can encourage a more conscious and holistic approach to the use of Bufo Alvarius medicine. Instead of focusing solely on the individual effects of the experience, we can teach participants about the interconnectedness of all life forms on our planet and how our actions can affect other living beings.
As a community, we have the opportunity to be leaders in the conservation and protection of biodiversity. We can make a difference by making conscious and ethical decisions in our practices and choices. In doing so, we can ensure that future generations can also experience the beauty and magic of Bufo alvarius medicine, without compromising the survival of the toads and their ecosystem.
I invite all consumers, facilitators and enthusiasts of the sacred medicine of Bufo Alvarius to join this call to action. Let us be advocates for sustainability and respect for life in all its forms.
Let us consider the impact of our actions and make informed and responsible decisions.
Together, we can make a difference and create a future where we can enjoy the gifts of this medicine in harmony with nature and all its inhabitants. Just as this sacred medicine has transformed our lives, it is now our turn to transform the world around us, protecting and preserving the Bufo alvarius species for generations to come.
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