Hapè

What is Hapè

Hapè (or Rapé) is an amazonian snuff recipe consisting of “Mapacho” (Nicotiana rustica), various herbs, and sometimes tree ashes. The blend is typically consumed in the form of a grounded powder blown into the user’s nostrils with a Tepi, a long blowpipe made from bamboo or bone. It can also be self-delivered with a pipe called a Kuripe.

The physical effects of Hapè consumption often include burning or stinging sensations in one’s head (nostrils, sinuses, throat), nasal mucus, increased heart rate, dizziness, and light-headedness. It can also cause nausea, resulting in vomiting; though as with ceremonial ayahuasca consumption, this is often regarded by practitioners as a beneficial purging of mental or physical toxins.

Indigenous tribes in Brazil have used Hapè for spiritual purposes since the pre-Columbian era, with recipes varying from one tribe to another. The substance is regarded as purifying the body and the spirit, as well as assisting in “communication with a metaphysical world.”

Is Hapè Legal in Canada?

Depending on the particular recipe used, Hapè possession appears to be legal in Canada. Manufacture, sale, and other activities relating to the substance are likely subject to regulation under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act.

Under s. 2 of the Act, a “tobacco product” is defined as “a product made in whole or in part of tobacco, including tobacco leaves. It includes papers, tubes and filters intended for use with that product.” The Act states in s. 5 that no manufacturer shall “manufacture or sell a tobacco product that does not conform with the standards established by the regulations.”

As the main ingredient in Hapè is the tobacco Nicotiana rustica, Hapè appears to fall within the purview of the Act. Further, since the definition of “tobacco product” also includes “papers, tubes and filters intended for use with that product”, pipes such as Tepis and Kuripes would also be covered.

The Act does not prohibit simple possession of “tobacco products”, but manufacture, sale, and other activities in contravention of the Act and its regulations are illegal.

Medical or Therapeutic Use?

Variation between different Hapè recipes makes it difficult to conclusively state whether there are benefits or risks associated with Hapè use, and what those benefits or risks may be. Researchers believe that certain ingredients often used as part of Hapè consumption may be beneficial and include “antifungal, antidiarrheal, analgesic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, energizing, and hypotensive agents”. Other ingredients may be toxic. 

Hapè’s main ingredient, the tobacco Nicotiana rustica, has very high nicotine content compared to the more commonly used Nicotiana tabacum. Nicotine consumption is associated with various health risks.

Nonetheless, there are various anecdotal accounts of health benefits associated with Hapè consumption, including increased mental focus, feelings of detoxification, sinus clearing, and a “calming, grounding effect on the emotions.”