New Life Rising in the United States

For those in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area, it is essential to choose a trusted retreat center to ensure your ayahuasca experience is both safe and truly transformative. The set, setting, and quality of ceremonial guidance are the most important factors in determining whether the journey supports deep healing or becomes overwhelming. With growing national conversations about plant medicine and the evolving cultural and legal landscape in the District, we are bringing our signature 6- and 8-day ayahuasca retreats to the United States.

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At New Life Rising, we have been honored to guide thousands of participants through authentic ayahuasca retreats for more than a decade. Our ceremonies are rooted in tradition and led by trauma-informed facilitators who prioritize safety, care, and respect for the medicine. As we expand into the United States, we look forward to welcoming guests from Washington, D.C. and beyond who feel called to experience this sacred work with integrity and intention.

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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. Washington, D.C. has seen a rise in curiosity as more people explore ayahuasca as a tool for personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual connection. Documentaries, podcasts, and even celebrity testimonials have amplified awareness, with many attributing ayahuasca to profound breakthroughs in their lives. As a result, interest in ayahuasca in Washington, D.C. and across the nation continues to grow.

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This growing curiosity is encouraging, but it also comes with important considerations. Finding authentic ceremonies led by trained, experienced facilitators in Washington D.C. can be difficult to find. For those considering ayahuasca in Washington, D.C., 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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Legal Considerations for Ayahuasca in Washington, D.C.

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) offers a pathway for legal use through recognized religious groups. Organizations such as União do Vegetal (UDV) and Santo Daime have already been granted legal recognition, and in 2025, another U.S. based church received DEA approval to incorporate psychedelics into its ceremonies.

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In Washington, D.C. voters approved Initiative 81 in November 2020, known as the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act. This measure made the cultivation, possession, and non-commercial use of entheogenic plants and fungi, including ayahuasca, the lowest law enforcement priority for local police. While this doesn’t make ayahuasca fully legal, it does reflect shifting public attitudes and reduces the likelihood of prosecution at the local level.

 

The cultural landscape is changing quickly, however. With decriminalization movements advancing in cities like Oakland, Denver, and D.C., and with Oregon and Colorado pioneering broader reforms, public acceptance of plant medicines continues to expand across the United States.​