​Legal Considerations for Ayahuasca in California

Ayahuasca remains prohibited under U.S. federal law due to its DMT content, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. However, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) provides a pathway for exemptions, allowing recognized religious groups to legally use ayahuasca in ceremonies. União do Vegetal (UDV) and Santo Daime have already received legal recognition in the U.S., and more recently, other churches have pursued DEA approval for sacramental use of psychedelics.

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In California, the legal climate has been shifting for several years:

• 2019 California State Resolution: The California Assembly passed a resolution urging state agencies to consider the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi. While not legally binding, it signaled strong political support for reform.

• Local Decriminalization Movements: Several California cities, including Oakland (2019), Santa Cruz (2020), and San Francisco (2022) have decriminalized entheogenic plants and fungi, making their possession, cultivation, and use the lowest law enforcement priority. These measures generally cover ayahuasca as well.

• Statewide Efforts: California lawmakers have introduced bills to decriminalize or regulate psychedelics at the state level, though some efforts have stalled. In 2023, a bill to decriminalize possession of natural psychedelics passed the legislature but was vetoed by the governor, reflecting ongoing debate about how best to regulate entheogenic use.

While these initiatives represent progress, it’s important to note that ayahuasca is not fully legal in California. Federal law continues to apply, and ceremonies remain restricted unless conducted under the protection of a recognized religious organization or as part of a sincere reglious practice. Still, California’s role as a national leader in psychedelic reform suggests that further changes may be on the horizon.

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10 Things You Must Know Before Attending an Ayahuasca Ceremony in California

1. Who is facilitating the ceremony?

2. How much experience do they have?

3. What is their background and training?

4. Where will the ceremony be held?

5. How many participants will be present?

6. Are there sitters or helpers available to provide additional support?

7. Are there female facilitators or helpers on the team?

8. Where does the brew come from, and what ingredients does it contain?

9. What safety protocols are in place?

10. How will integration support be provided after the ceremony?

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Asking these questions helps ensure that your ayahuasca experience in California is safe, ethical, and aligned with your personal needs.

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What is Ayahuasca? Benefits & Risks

Ayahuasca is a sacred Amazonian plant medicine that has been used for centuries in indigenous traditions for deep healing and spiritual awakening. In recent years, it has gained worldwide attention for its transformative potential, drawing interest far beyond South America to the United States. California, known for its progressive culture and openness to alternative healing, has seen growing curiosity around ayahuasca as more people explore it as a tool for personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual connection. Documentaries, podcasts, and celebrity testimonials have amplified awareness, with many attributing ayahuasca to profound breakthroughs in their lives. As a result, interest in ayahuasca in California and across the country continues to expand.

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This rising interest is encouraging, but it also comes with important considerations. Authentic ceremonies led by trained, experienced facilitators can be difficult to find in California, as ayahuasca remains unregulated. This creates the risk of unqualified or inexperienced ceremonies, which can endanger participants’ emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. For those considering ayahuasca in California, it’s essential to thoroughly research facilitators, ask the right questions, and choose a space that honors the sacredness of the medicine while also providing clear safety measures, preparation, and integration support.

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New Life Rising in the United States

Access to safe and legal ayahuasca ceremonies in California remains limited due to federal restrictions. For this reason, many seekers choose to travel abroad to attend trusted retreat centers where the medicine is legal and practiced within its traditional cultural framework.

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At New Life Rising, we have been guiding authentic ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica for more than a decade. We offer safe, supportive, and transformative experiences led by an experienced husband-and-wife team. Thousands of guests have joined us for 6 and 8-day retreats that combine authentic ceremonies with complementary healing practices such as yoga, massage, and group integration circles.

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We look forward to expanding into the United States in 2026 and we welcome participants from California and beyond who wish to experience ayahuasca in a safe, respectful, and deeply supportive environment.