Arizona Church Granted Federal Settlement to Use Ayahuasca in Religious Rites

Landmark Settlement for Religious Freedom

A recent settlement between a nonprofit organization in Arizona and the federal government marks a significant victory for spiritual freedom. The Church of the Eagle and the Condor (CEC) secured the right to import and utilize ayahuasca as a religious sacrament, a development hailed as a historic milestone.

Permission for Ayahuasca Use

Under the terms of the settlement, CEC has been granted permission to import, manufacture, distribute, and use ayahuasca exclusively for religious purposes. This agreement, reached under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, represents a groundbreaking achievement for the church and its members.

First Non-Christian Church Granted Protection

CEC proudly asserts itself as the first non-Christian church to receive legal protection for its spiritual practices involving ayahuasca. This recognition underlines the significance of the settlement, as it safeguards the rights of the church without the need for a trial—a precedent-setting occurrence.

Resolution of Legal Dispute

The settlement resolves a legal dispute initiated by CEC in 2022 against the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The lawsuit challenged the government’s seizures of ayahuasca shipments intended for ceremonial use and threats of federal prosecution against the church and its members.

Celebration of Indigenous Tradition

Joseph Tafur, a doctor and ayahuasquero for CEC, emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance of the ayahuasca ceremony. Rooted in the Shipibo Amazonian tradition, this practice has been passed down through generations and now finds expression in North America. Tafur views the settlement as the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, enabling the continuation of this ancestral practice for the well-being of the community.

Recognition of Indigenous Rights

Martha Hartney, CEC’s general counsel, describes the settlement as a watershed moment, highlighting the government’s acknowledgment of the community’s right to religious freedom. She celebrates the resurgence of Indigenous ways and their integration into American culture, enriching society with their rituals, art, and cosmology.

Federal Stance on Psychedelics

While the settlement is a victory for ayahuasca use in religious contexts, broader debates surrounding psychedelics persist at the federal level. The DEA’s recent arguments regarding the Right to Try Act and its handling of psychedelic scheduling proposals underscore ongoing tensions between regulatory agencies and advocates for expanded access to these substances for therapeutic and research purposes.

DEA’s Quota Increases

Despite growing interest in psychedelic research, the DEA’s decision to raise production quotas for substances like DMT and psilocybin has raised eyebrows among advocates. Critics argue that such actions are inconsistent with fostering scientific inquiry into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and may hinder progress in the field.

Continued Advocacy

Despite setbacks and legal challenges, advocates remain steadfast in their efforts to promote responsible and informed use of psychedelics. The evolving landscape of psychedelic policy reflects a broader societal conversation about the intersection of spirituality, medicine, and personal freedom.