Smudging's popularity is feeding a sage poaching craze. What is the cultural and ecological impact?

Summary: You’ve probably seen them in shops. Little bundles of silver sage leaves tied with a piece of string. Maybe you bought one of these "smudge sticks,” as they’re commonly called.  But the skyrocketing popularity of “smudging” is causing a problem.  Demand for California White Sage is enticing poachers who want to cash in quick. Millions of dollars are being raked in while wild sage populations are being culled at an alarming rate.  In this episode of Valley 101, we speak with The Republic's Indigenous affairs reporter, Debra Krol, about her investigation into sage poaching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices