Just wondering if i can remove some variables by getting an idea which plants are the most consistent so as that i can worry less about choosing a vendor and focus on my technique. Not necessarily the most potentially potent, though at a certain point cost does trump knowing that a plant is consistently weak. My interests are chacruna, chali, mhrb, and acrb. These seem to be the basics, Is there anything else i should consider?
I do hear mhrb is quite consistent, and potent! but what about the other actives in the other 3, they sound fun too!?

Thanks! I will try to return the favor as this does feel like a nice community

Which is easiest to work with? is it right to assume that the barks are hardier, can be boiled or stored easier than leaves can without effecting the quality?
Are there any plants that have more undesirable effects that should/need to be cleaned out? I figure to make tea first and if it works then learn to extract, and maybe establish a combination of extracts and tea for my ideal work with the medicine.

Any help would be appreciated!

Mhrb would probably be your best bet.
Its become nearly impossible to get domestically anymore in the u.s.
Ordering it from overseas is becoming increasingly risky as customs has really cracked down.

Chaliponga i hear is fairly consistent & better than chacruna if you find a good batch somewhere.
Acacia is good, but it may not be the time of year to get acacia. I've noticed several other members, myself included having weak acacia recently & it looks as if this happens about the same time every year (the last 2 years acacia was great during the summer & spring & yeilds seem to drop from ~1.9% to 0.5-1% consistently in the winter months).

Thanks. that's interesting to hear. I guess it is good to consume what's in season, for quality and price. Less than 1% isn't much. I just had chacruna, no idea what was in it but it could be quite spendy if i had to keep up test level doses, 75 grams, ouch!

When dealing with customs is there ever much risk of me getting in trouble for personal quantities? Do the good vendors usually refund or credit?

MOD EDIT Read This...

I can't say really. I've never had to deal with customs & i think it's against the rules to say anymore about it here.
Personally i woudln't risk it even for small amounts but some do.

ah, ok. Sorry. I see the rules more, somewhat.. clearly. That makes sense (attitude page) i want to be respectful, Especially around something that could become a sacred gateway, as well as the gatekeepers. It is too bad though that we can't talk, but i only meant to keep myself safe and have no information about this.
Oh well, it's ok. I will either find better language or find another way, especially if that way can be more healthy holistically. I'm saddened but I do not need anything that is not already within me.

And, i meant to say also, Thank you concombres, your tone is wise.
In my searching yesterday i did see one page, happened to be on nexus about a unfortunate soul being raided after ordering from new zealand. I pray for him. I can say from personal experience, that though this stuff is weird and maybe even dangerous to some, it is really a life saver for others.

There is a legal way or at least i think it would be legal to obtain and use mhrb. It is probably out of the range of most & may be farther than alot of us are willing to go, but it's been something i've been thinking about for a few months.
You may be able to get in contact with a jeruma farm in mexico or brazil, take a trip there during the summer & help out. During that time you may be able to have some experiences with the people who harvest, grow, & sustain the farm.
I think it would prove very valuable especially if made into a regular thing each year.
There is alot one can learn about growing mimosa, sustainably harvesting, & you'd also make some friends in the process.

Wow, nice idea! I too am in the midst of change and am looking for ways to make a bigger positive difference for myself and the world. Always nice to make new friends and get more acquainted with that which helps.