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Episode 7: From Seed to Ceremony, the Evolving Conservation of Peyote | Leonardo Mercado
Episode 7
Tuesday, 17 February, 2026

Why are wild peyote populations shrinking, and what can be done about it? In this episode, we explore the sacred medicine of peyote and efforts to conserve it with Leonardo Mercado. We discuss restrictive U.S. laws, unregulated harvesting, ongoing debates, conservation work led by some Native communities, wild vs. greenhouse cultivation and more.For 40 years, Leo has been dedicated to preserving peyote and its seed sources to create a sustainable future for the medicine. He’s now Cultivation Director at Seedling Sanctuary in Tucson – a proof of concept program demonstrating an efficient model for the ethical stewardship of peyote. It operates under the Morning Star Conservancy (MSC), a non-profit organization founded by members of the Native American Church (NAC). So what’s working, what needs improvement and what support is needed? Take a listen!If you’d like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE.For more information about Leo and Morning Star Conservancy, and to support conservation efforts: MSC’s Website Leo’s Instagram They are looking for a permanent home base for the seedlings (preferably in Southern Arizona) - if you have any connections who could help with this, please get in touch with MSC or Leo. Timestamps: (00:00) Opening and Welcome(02:50) Growing Up Around Reservations & Introduction to Cacti(03:47) The Accidental ‘Death/Rebirth’(05:23) Finding an Elder and Vision Quest (07:22) Philosophical Conflict and Protecting Sacred Tradition(09:19) Why Peyote Is Scarcer Than Ever: Supply, Ethics, and Habitat Loss(15:21) Learning with the Wixárika in Mexico(18:04) From Picket Line Roots to Conservation(22:30) Peyote Paradox: Legal Abroad, Restricted Where Needed(27:17) Morning Star in Arizona: Seed Bank, Germination, Proof of Concept(32:13) Seed-to-Ceremony: Donations and Scaling Up(40:31) Natural Culture & How to Help: Land, Funding, and the Future