# Happy Caapi: The First Non-Hallucinogenic Ayahuasca Vine Supplement

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2026-08-28
- Length: 33m
- Episode: 362
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-08-28-happy-caapi-the-first-non-hallucinogenic-ayahuasca-vine-supplement
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb3647d3

## Summary

Gonzalo Bisquerra, founder of Happy Caapi, and botanical expert Chris Kilham discuss launching the first non-hallucinogenic supplement derived from the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi). Bisquerra explains how his background in CPG supply chain and a personal ayahuasca ceremony inspired him to create a legal, shelf-stable product for focus and mood enhancement, navigating four years of regulatory and formulation challenges. Kilham provides scientific context on the vine's alkaloids, clarifies the distinction between psychoactive and psychedelic effects, and shares findings from his sustainability research confirming that cultivation, not wild depletion, is the future of the plant.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Happy Caapi and the Non-Hallucinogenic Ayahuasca Vine
2. Gonzalo Bisquerra’s Origin Story and Product Inspiration
3. The Science: Psychoactive vs. Psychedelic and Alkaloid Effects
4. Sustainability and Sourcing: Chris Kilham’s Field Research
5. Product Format, Retail Strategy, and Future Vision
6. Advice for CPG Brands Sourcing Botanicals

## Topics

- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Happy Caapi (product)
- Banisteriopsis caapi (material)
- Medicine Hunter (company)
- Biohackers conference (other)
- American Botanical Council (company)
- HerbalGram (other)

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- [297 - Can functional THC beverages help with alcoholism? Jonny Locarni and Magic Cactus believe so!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-12-04-297-can-functional-thc-beverages-help-with-alcoholism-jonny-locarni-and-magic-ca) (People of Packaging)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-08-28-happy-caapi-the-first-non-hallucinogenic-ayahuasca-vine-supplement. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Startup CPG Podcast.