DEA - DEA Sanctions Religious Use Of Ayahuasca But Refuses Psilocybin For Cancer Patients' Pain Relief | Benzinga
The Church of the Eagle and the Condor (CEC) announced on Monday that it settled its lawsuits with the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and the DEA to use ayahuasca in its religious ceremonies.
Ayahuasca, a South American ceremonial hallucinogenic, is used socially and as spiritual medicine among the indigenous people and recently in Western culture. It contains DMT, a powerful hallucinogen that results in altered states of consciousness that purportedly can help those dealing with mental health issues.
Some churches, like the CEC, use it for its sacred religious rituals.
Ayahuasca, which has gained popularity over the past decade including among celebrities, is classified as a Schedule I drug. The settlement obtained by the CEC was based on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
"This Agreement permits CEC to import, receive, manufacture, distribute, transport, securely store, and dispose of ayahuasca solely for CEC's religious purposes," reads the settlement. "CEC may not conduct any of these activities for non-religious purposes, including but ...