You will have to justify your "wants" to the proper authorities who
issue permits.
Alternately, you may try making positive contacts with scientists or
other folks who do have the proper permits. Laymen CAN contribute to
science, but they must work with the scientists and the scientific
methods. Botany degree is not required. Botanical education is.
I am very aware that the process of permit-getting is unnecessarily
difficult. However, I hope this is not used as an excuse for illegal
collecting. If there is NO legal way to collect, you may just have
to accept that and not do it.
Michael Chamberland