Legality
At Sacred Sanctuary, Ayahuasca is regarded as a holy sacrament, a sacred vessel through which members may enter into prayer and deeper relationship with the Divine. Our work with this sacrament is strictly spiritual, religious and ceremonial in nature. We do not promote, facilitate, or condone the recreational or entertainment use of our sacrament. We approach our work with this sacrament with reverence, responsibility, and devotion.
Our religious exercise is protected under:
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which safeguards the free exercise of religion. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993, which prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a sincere religious practice unless it can demonstrate a compelling governmental interest pursued through the least restrictive means. These protections have been affirmed through federal case law.
The following federal cases have upheld the protected religious use of Ayahuasca:
- Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita Beneficente União do Vegetal
The United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of a religious organization’s right to use Ayahuasca (hoasca) as a protected sacrament under RFRA. - Church of the Holy Light of the Queen v. Mukasey
A federal court upheld the right of a church to use Ayahuasca as part of its sincere religious practice. - Church of the Eagle and Condor v. Garland
This case further affirmed the protected religious use of Ayahuasca. The settlement agreement permits the church plaintiffs to import, receive, manufacture, distribute, transport, securely store, and dispose of Ayahuasca solely for their religious purposes. - Church of the Celestial Heart v. Garland
This case further affirmed the protected religious use of Ayahuasca solely for their religious purposes.
These decisions affirm that when a church demonstrates sincerity, structure, and responsible stewardship, the sacramental use of Ayahuasca is entitled to federal protection. We operate with the same transparency, legal awareness, and deep spiritual integrity as these legally upheld organizations. Our practices are carefully structured, member-based, and rooted in sincere religious devotion. As such, we are currently working with our legal team to receive the same federal protection.
We honor both the sacred nature of this sacrament and the constitutional framework that protects the free exercise of religion in the United States.
