I did not know how bad the poaching situation is, and I'm grateful to you for letting me know.

I grow my own white sage in my back yard. I love it as an herb. I love it because it smells like my childhood (hippy parents). I love it because it makes my home feel more peaceful.

Do you see a difference between ethically sourced sage, and poached? Between theft and appropriation and quiet, ethical, sustainable useage?

I feel like the two are different. Like it's possible to grow and use sage ethically, while also supporting Indigenous rights and dignity.

Do you feel that I'm missing something here? Do you feel like using one's own backyard sage is problematic, or is it abusive use and theft that is the fundamental problem for you?