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DEA Gives First-Ever Approval for Psychedelic Church to Use Ayahuasca in U.S.

Left 67% Center coverage: 6 sources Right

Spokane, Washington, USA

May 24, 2025 1 Neutral I want health & wellness updates

Spokane, Washington, USA: In a groundbreaking move, the DEA granted Soul Quest Northwest Church permission to import and serve ayahuasca—a DMT-containing brew—for religious use. This is the first U.S.-founded church to receive such an exemption, citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. While supporters call it a victory for spiritual autonomy, critics worry about safety and possible misuse. Tight controls will govern ceremonies, with the DEA requiring strict inventory and member-only participation.

What this means for you:

•	If you’re curious about plant-based entheogens for spiritual or mental health reasons, note that legal options remain rare—this case is narrowly approved.
•	Community members near such churches can stay engaged with local officials about public safety, traffic, or noise concerns.
•	Researchers see potential for more data on psychedelics’ therapeutic effects—some studies link ayahuasca to PTSD relief, but it’s not risk-free.
•	Legality is case-specific: do not assume you can import or use DMT outside an authorized church setting.

Key Entities

• DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration): Granted the exemption for Soul Quest’s ayahuasca import.
• Soul Quest Northwest Church: A U.S.-based congregation using ayahuasca as a sacrament.
• Ayahuasca (DMT): A powerful psychoactive brew traditionally from Amazonian spiritual practices.
• Religious Freedom Restoration Act: Key legislation allowing certain exemptions if religious practice is sincere.
• UDV Church: A Brazilian-origin group with prior legal precedent for ayahuasca use in the U.S.

Bias Distribution

Left: 17% (1 source)

Center: 67% (4 sources)

Right: 17% (1 source)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

Open to exploring therapeutic/spiritual potential, cautious about oversight.

Centrist View

Focuses on legal frameworks and religious freedom aspects.

Right-Leaning View

Often skeptical of psychedelic expansions, but acknowledges religious liberty arguments.

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