ADF Webinar #2: Myths and Realities about the Legality of Ayahuasca in the USA

What are the myths and realities about the legality of ayahuasca in the USA? In the second webinar in the series, we will explore the claims being made by various churches and groups that they can legally use ayahuasca (and other entheogens) in the US. Presenters will examine these claims through the lens of relevant legislation and court cases and contrast them with churches with legal status, such as the União do Vegetal (UDV) and some Santo Daime churches.

The group Ayahuasca Healings’ petition to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for a religious exemption from the Controlled Substances Act will be examined for its viability. We will also touch on a number of best practices that could serve as measures for legal protection, lay the grounds for a future exemption process, and promote the integrity and well-being of those involved.

“Ayahuasca IS illegal in the United States; it is covered by the scheduling of DMT.  The US Supreme Court, in the UDV decision, clarified that, in the US, ayahuasca (if it contains DMT) is included in the laws prohibiting DMT”.

Bia Labate

Presenters: Jeffrey Bronfman, Robert Heffernan, J. Hamilton Hudson
Hosted by: Bia Labate
Photo: Gianni Pictures

In the previous webinar we reviewed the case of União do Vegetal (UDV) church in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who initiated a legal action where the small church eventually sued the government of the United States for the return of its sacrament and a court order authorizing its religious practice. This case reached the Supreme Court of the United States, and was fully resolved in the church’s favor. This first webinar is available here.

Through this series of webinars, leading world researchers share their knowledge on ayahuasca’s current legal situation, and also cover larger issues related to ayahuasca’s journey to public legitimacy, as well as the challenges associated to its globalization.