PRINCE Harry’s praise for a psychedelic drug has been slammed by the family of a young woman who died after taking it.
And an MP yesterday blasted his revelations about ayahuasca as “dangerous and outrageously stupid’’.
Prince Harry’s revelations about psychedelic drug ayahuasca was blasted by the family of a young woman who died after taking it
Jennifer Spencer, 29, killed herself in 2019 after suffering psychosis from the drug
In 90-minute weekend livestream with controversial physician Dr Gabor Maté, Prince Harry revealed the South American brew helped him cope with the trauma of his mum Princess Diana’s 1997 death.
Class A ayahuasca, a high from Amazon rainforest vines, is illegal in the UK.
Jennifer Spencer, 29, killed herself in 2019 after suffering psychosis from the drug during a yoga retreat in Peru.
At her inquest, the coroner issued an urgent alert to NHS England.
Jennifer’s aunt Fiona Chase, 73, of Andover, Hants, said of Harry’s revelation: “He should not be speaking positively about this drug. It’s irresponsible because a lot of people look up to him.
“It worked for him, but it certainly didn’t work for Jenny. Like every drug, different people react differently.”
The coroner’s warning said: “There is a lack of awareness about shamanic hallucinogenic drugs and their propensity to cause or exacerbate psychosis.
“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths.”
MP Nigel Mills said: “Harry’s comments are clearly dangerous. What he said is a disgrace.
“If you have a coroner issuing warnings about this stuff then we should not have someone in such a high-profile position promoting and boasting about it. He is by no means a medical expert.
“His comments are outrageously stupid.”
A medical source insisted: “Harry’s comments are very troubling. Young people could see this as open season. The dangers are clear.”
Meanwhile, war heroes scoffed as Harry’s claims to Dr Maté that many in the forces disagreed with the Afghan war but just did as they were told.
Former SAS soldier Andy McNab insisted: “If you don’t want to fight, then get out of the Army.
“It’s absolute nonsense. They are doing the job they volunteered to do.”
Former Colonel Richard Kemp added: “He is trying to satisfy his woke followers by pretending he didn’t support the war.”
Jennifer’s aunt Fiona Chase, 73, said of Harry’s revelation: ‘He should not be speaking positively about this drug’
