Spokane, Washington – A church that operates as a traditional worship space while offering ayahuasca ceremonies has secured a rare exemption from federal drug laws, allowing its nearly 70 members to use the psychedelic tea strictly for religious purposes. The decision marks a notable landmark in the evolving landscape of psychedelic religion in the United States.

The Church of Gaia became the first psychedelic house of worship to win an exemption by petitioning the Drug Enforcement Administration, rather than pursuing litigation. Ceremonial leader Connor mize said the approval confirms a “purely spiritual” aim behind their practices, which remain focused on faith rather than recreation.

Psychedelics remain Schedule I substances under federal law. Yet a small group of churches have won protections to use these substances as sacraments through years of legal battles. Since the 2000s, four organizations have secured federal protections after protracted fights with the DEA. Now, the Church of Gaia’s triumphant petition demonstrates a growing, if still narrow, path for religious exemptions.

In a broader context, experts say hundreds of psychedelic churches operate outside formal protection.As courts reinterpret religious freedom standards and more Americans turn away from traditional organized religion, such groups increasingly push the boundaries of what substances and beliefs deserve government protections.

Legal scholars describe the Church of Gaia’s win as part of a rising trend: the last year has seen three new psychedelic practices recognized in the United States-more than half of all such recognitions to date, according to specialized attorneys. This momentum comes after decades of RFRA-driven precedent that began with a New Mexico case and continued with subsequent state settlements.

The church’s petition process required showing that ayahuasca would be used solely for religious purposes and that the church would pause operations during the application. While the approval is the first of its kind obtained via petition, negotiations for other exemptions are already underway in several states, said advocates familiar with the DEA process.

With the legal status secured,Church of Gaia leaders outline a future plan that includes visa arrangements for Peruvian teachers and the construction of a circular,mat-filled space designed for long ceremonies. In those future gatherings, groups will reportedly sip ayahuasca, engage in traditional Amazonian songs, and practice their faith in a controlled setting.

Experts caution that this path remains fragile. Practical challenges like securing insurance and property for a religious group operating in a legal gray area persist, and leaders must stay vigilant against potential enforcement actions. As one attorney specializing in psychedelic law notes, openness to settlements appears to be growing, in part because litigation has often ended unfavorably for these groups.

Beyond ayahuasca, the broader movement includes other groups exploring plant medicines and mushrooms as religious rites. A notable Utah case involving the mushroom-focused group Singularism has drawn attention to the possibility that mushroom-based ceremonies could one day gain recognition, should legal battles tilt in favor of religious exemptions. That case is ongoing and has already led to temporary clearance to continue operations while lawsuits proceed.

Meanwhile, the field remains varied. some centers rely on a single sacrament, while others use multiple substances in tandem, a practice that raises questions about regulatory boundaries. Advocates compare the analogy to traditional religious rites, arguing that faith communities should not be forced to choose between fundamental elements of their worship.

Population trends mirror the growing interest in spirituality as a source of personal meaning. A large share of Americans report becoming more spiritual over time, even as traditional church enrollment shifts downward. These dynamics help explain why more groups are seeking formal protections rather than remaining underground operations.

In Spokane, Church of Gaia leaders say they hope their experience will pave the way for other congregations seeking legitimate space to practice their faith with sacred plant medicines under the law. They stress that the path forward will require careful safeguards to protect participants and the surrounding community.

Evergreen takeaways for readers

The evolving legal framework around psychedelic religious practice is reshaping how communities can pursue faith-based use of plant medicines. While exemptions remain scarce, the growing number of petitions and settlements signals a shift toward more nuanced recognition of sincere religious practices. Legal scholars emphasize the importance of rigorous safeguards, clear definitions of religious purpose, and clear community oversight as these groups navigate a landscape that blends spirituality with federal drug policy.

As more cases move through courts and regulatory channels, many questions remain: How will multi-sacrament groups be treated? what standards will the DEA apply to verify sincerity and safety? And how will communities balance freedom of belief with public health and safety concerns? These issues will shape the trajectory of psychedelic religion for years to come.

What do you think about government exemptions for religious use of plant medicines? Should more faith groups be allowed similar protections, or should strict controls limit access? Do you foresee mushroom-based congregations achieving recognition alongside ayahuasca rites?

Share your views in the comments below.

— End of report, updated as the legal landscape develops.

reader questions:

• Should the federal government extend exemptions to other sacred plant medicines used in worship?
• What safeguards are essential to ensure safety and integrity in psychedelic religious ceremonies?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and reflects ongoing legal developments. It is indeed not legal advice.

Breaking: Australia opts for four pacers as Boxing Day Test looms on a green Melbourne pitch

Australia named a pace-heavy 12-man squad for the Boxing Day test in Melbourne,with captain Steve smith standing in for Pat Cummins. the selection indicates the hosts will not deploy a spin specialist in the XI, instead leaning on four seamers plus all-rounder Cameron Green.

Smith described the Melbourne surface as “quite furry, quite green,” describing a pitch with about 10 millimetres of grass.The weather and the surface are expected to offer early movement, influencing the pace-bowling-heavy plan.

In the squad, only pace bowlers are included, meaning off-spinner Todd Murphy is not featured in the 12-man group at this stage. The decision comes after Nathan Lyon suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Adelaide, prompting a recall for Murphy to provide spin depth if needed.

Australia’s skipper returned to action after missing the third test due to illness. Usman Khawaja keeps his spot in Melbourne at the expense of Josh Inglis, and will bat at five, with Green dropping to seven in the batting order.

The Boxing Day clash follows a Melbourne Test in 2021 that finished inside three days, when England were dismissed for 185 and 68. this year, Australia lead the series 3-0 and are pushing to complete a 4-0 sweep, while England chase their first win in the country in an 18-match winless run state.

Smith told reporters on Christmas Day that the pitch is expected to offer assistance to pace bowlers and that conditions look similar to the day before-cold and overcast with notable movement anticipated from the surface.

With Cummins unavailable due to a back issue and Hazlewood absent for the entire series, Australia must decide which two of the pace options-Michael Neser, Brendon Doggett, and Jhye Richardson-will join the frontline attack once the team is named for the fourth Test.

In the lead-up, players from both teams trained side-by-side on Christmas morning, and many England staff wore Father Christmas hats. Families also gathered on the MCG outfield as squads prepared to celebrate the holiday before the match.

key context remains: the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is a marquee event, with the surface and weather frequently enough shaping selection decisions and match tempo. The outcome could further define momentum for both sides heading into the new year.

Key facts at a glance

As the teams prepare to take the field, readers can weigh in: Which pace pairing should Australia back for the final XI? And how will the green surface influence England’s batting approach?

Two questions for readers: Do you expect four pacers to prevail on the MCG’s green track? Which of doggett, Neser, or Richardson should secure the fourth bowler’s role?

Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as the boxing Day showdown approaches.

Breaking: Vatican Shifts Gaza Spotlight During Christmas Day Address

In a Christmas morning homily at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV tied the Nativity story to the plight of Gazans living in makeshift shelters, underscoring a humanitarian imperative amid brutal winter conditions. He reminded the crowd that “God has pitched his fragile tent” among humankind,drawing a direct link to those enduring rain,wind,and cold in Gaza.

This renewed emphasis arrives after his recent apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, during which he avoided publicly naming Gaza. The trip focused on Middle East distress, with calls for peace and support for a two-state solution, yet the Palestinian enclave’s name did not surface in his public remarks.

During the Urbi et Orbi blessing, the pontiff again turned to Gaza, noting that Gazans have faced weeks of adverse weather and living conditions in shelters. He asked,”How,then,can we not think of the tents in Gaza,exposed for weeks to rain,wind and cold?”

Analysts say the Christmas address marks a deliberate shift back toward Gaza-focused moral urging after a visit characterized by restraint on naming the region. The Vatican’s stance aligns with ongoing advocacy for humanitarian access and a two-state framework, while acknowledging the region’s harsh winter and deteriorating living conditions.

What is your take on religious leaders using high-profile addresses to spotlight geopolitical crises?

Should faith leaders blend spiritual messages with political advocacy, or keep these domains separate to preserve impartial humanitarian outreach?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.