
LEGAL INFORMATION
We are committed to transparency and the safety of our members, and we recognize that misunderstandings about the legal status of Ayahuasca can create unnecessary harm and risks. Currently, Ayahuasca remains illegal for use in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, several religious groups have successfully challenged the DEA's enforcement of the CSA under RFRA, receiving federal permission through litigation or settlement agreements that have allowed them to legally use Ayahuasca.
In a significant legal development in May 2025, the DEA granted the first-ever approval for a Petition for Religious Exemption from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Pursuant to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) for the Church of Gaia. This exemption allows our church to legally use Ayahuasca in religious ceremonies, making it one of just several other legal Ayahuasca churches in the United States. The press release below shares the full announcement. For any questions or for further information, please contact us.