Ayahuasca Costa Rica
Ayahuasca Retreat Costa Rica
Ayahuasca Retreat Texas United States
AYAHUASCA
LEGALITY
Where is ayahuasca legal?
Is Ayahuasca Legal in the United States?
Ayahuasca legality in the United States is best understood as a nuanced area of law where federal drug policy and religious freedom protections can intersect in complex ways. Ayahuasca raises legal questions under federal law because DMT, one of its active compounds, is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance. At the same time, U.S. law recognizes important protections for sincere religious exercise, which means the legal landscape is not always simple or one-size-fits-all. Questions in this area often depend on context, structure, sincerity of belief, and the specific facts of a religious practice. Under RFRA, the government may not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion unless it demonstrates a compelling governmental interest and uses the least restrictive means.
For sincere churches and spiritual communities, that is why integrity, structure, safeguards, and lawful religious purpose matter so much. New Life Rising Church is grounded in that seriousness. We are committed to honoring the sacred nature of this path and carrying our work forward with reverence, responsibility, and deep respect for both the spiritual and legal frameworks that shape it.
New Life Rising Ayahuasca Church and Our Religious Practice
New Life Rising Church is a spiritual community and a federally recognized 501(c)3 organization committed to fostering personal transformation, inner growth, and connection with the divine through the reverent use of our sacrament. Our practices are rooted in deeply sincere religious beliefs, emphasizing harmony with nature, personal responsibility, and spiritual awakening.
Our religious practice is carried out with respect for the protections afforded under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). RFRA was enacted to help safeguard sincere religious exercise from substantial federal burden and reflects the broader tradition of religious freedom protected in the United States.
Within our church, ayahuasca is honored as a sacred sacrament within a bona fide religious context. It is not approached casually, recreationally, or as entertainment, nor is it presented as medical treatment. Rather, it belongs to a spiritual path rooted in prayer, intention, inner reflection, communion with the divine, and sincere religious practice.
The Role of Ayahuasca in Our Spiritual Path
We regard ayahuasca as a sacred gift from the earth that may support profound spiritual insight, self-examination, and a deeper relationship with God, spirit, and the higher self. In our community, it is used exclusively within a religious setting and under the guidance of experienced spiritual leadership. Ceremonies are conducted in intentional, private, and structured settings designed to uphold the seriousness, sanctity, and integrity of the practice.
Participation is not casual or public. Individuals are expected to move through a thoughtful process that may include screening, preparation, orientation, and discernment before participating in any religious ceremony. This helps ensure that the practice remains aligned with our values, our responsibilities as a church, and the seriousness of the path we hold.
No Commercial Sale of Sacrament
Ayahuasca is not bought or sold within our religious practice. We do not treat the sacrament as a commodity, product, or commercial offering. New Life Rising may serve as the public-facing name for the overall retreat experience, and retreat-related payments may cover practical services such as accommodations, meals, transportation, and other operational support. But no payment is made for the purchase or sale of ayahuasca or any other sacrament.
Our gatherings are spiritual in nature, not commercial transactions. Any support directed toward retreat logistics, facilities, operations, or the broader mission exists separately from the sacrament itself. The spiritual and religious aspects of the experience are provided through New Life Rising Church in accordance with our sincerely held beliefs and practices.
Foundations of the Legal Framework
The legal framework most often discussed in relation to ayahuasca and sincere religious use in the United States includes the First Amendment and RFRA. RFRA provides that the federal government may not substantially burden religious exercise unless it can meet a very high legal standard. This framework has also been supported by important court decisions:
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Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993:
This landmark legislation protects individuals and organizations from government interference in the exercise of religion. It requires that any federal action burdening religious practice must serve a compelling governmental interest and employ the least restrictive means possible. -
Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (2006):
In this unanimous Supreme Court decision, the Court upheld a religious community’s right to use ayahuasca (referred to as hoasca) as a sacrament, affirming that sincere religious use of entheogens is protected under RFRA. -
Church of the Holy Light of the Queen v. Mukasey (2009):
This federal case further validated the religious use of ayahuasca in the United States, recognizing the church’s sincere spiritual practice and granting legal protection for its sacramental ceremonies. -
Church of Gaia (Washington, 2023):
In a historic precedent, the Church of Gaia was granted a DEA religious exemption recognizing its lawful use of ayahuasca as a sacrament. This decision marked one of the first clear acknowledgments of entheogenic communion under federal oversight and set an important precedent for future faith-based organizations seeking similar protection
Taken together, these developments help illustrate why ayahuasca law in the United States cannot be reduced to a simple yes or no. The legal analysis turns on facts, religious sincerity, structure, safeguards, and the particular legal posture involved.
Commitment to Safety, Integrity, and Sincerity
We approach this work with care and seriousness. Our commitment is not only to spiritual depth, but also to integrity, discernment, and responsible structure. This includes maintaining clear ceremonial containers, thoughtful preparation, appropriate screening, consent processes, and guided support intended to preserve both safety and sanctity.
Our focus is on authentic spiritual practice. We do not present this path as recreational, casual, or commercial. We understand that religious freedom carries both rights and responsibilities, and we seek to hold this work with reverence and integrity.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. It is also not medical advice.
Ayahuasca legality in other countries:
Around the world, ayahuasca is held within very different legal, cultural, and spiritual contexts. Part of the complexity is that DMT is internationally controlled, while the plants and plant preparations associated with ayahuasca are not always treated the same way under international frameworks, leaving individual countries to shape their own laws around preparation, possession, importation, ceremonial use, and enforcement. In some places, its traditional or religious use is more openly recognized. In Peru, the traditional knowledge and uses of ayahuasca have been recognized as part of the nation’s cultural heritage, and in Brazil, religious use of ayahuasca has been formally recognized within an established legal and regulatory framework. In many other countries, however, the legal landscape may be more restrictive, more uncertain, or more dependent on local interpretation and enforcement. For that reason, it is always important to look carefully at the laws of the specific country involved rather than assuming the same standards apply everywhere.
Countries where Ayahuasca is ILLEGAL:
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FRANCE
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DENMARK
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GERMANY
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IRELAND
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NETHERLANDS
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NOWARY
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SWEDEN
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ITALY
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RUSSIA
Countries where Ayahuasca is ILLEGAL except with Religious Exemption:
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UNITED STATES
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CANADA
Countries where Ayahuasca is LEGAL:
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PERU
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BRAZIL
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MEXICO
Countries where Ayahuasca is Decriminalized or Controlled:
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CHILE
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PORTUGAL
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SPAIN
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ROMANIA
Countries where Ayahuasca is Unregulated or Status Unknown:
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COSTA RICA
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AUSTRALIA
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ARGENTINA
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COLOMBIA
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GUATEMALA
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ECUADOR
Ancient Knowledge
Peruvian Traditions Meet Western Culture
We are honored to have been passed down traditions and medicine songs through generations of healers from both Peruvian Indigenous and Western decent. This unique position allows us to bridge the two words, blending cultures and bringing ancient spiritual wisdom to our congregation without cultural barriers or the need for translators. Our ceremonies reflect a deep reverence and respect for Peruvian Mestizo traditions and the linages through which we were trained.
As a husband-and-wife team, Jeanae and Matt bring a harmonious balance of feminine and masculine energies into the ceremonial space. Matthew offers a grounded sacred masculine energy, while Jeanae embodies a compassionate and divine femininity, beautifully blending these complementary polarities. During the ceremonies, they both contribute their voice and musical talent to the Icaros and accompanying instruments.
THE AYAHUASCA CEREMONY
TRADITIONALLY TRAINED GUIDES
Our ceremonies guide you through the spiritual Ayahuasca experience in a safe and sincere atmosphere that encourages each participant to explore and journey within themselves, to commune with God, confront the darkness, and embrace the light. It is only through this duality and embracing all parts of ourselves that we can truly know ourselves and find balance in life.
Our Ayahuasqueros Matt and Jeanae lead all of our ceremonies. Matt has been involved with plant medicine since 2011, initially with Ibogaine in Mexico (featured on HBO's VICE), and later in Costa Rica. Jeanae was introduced to Ayahuasca in 2014, and shortly after they both felt called to go deeper and learn more about the traditional practices of Ayahuasca, so they started traveling to Peru and began an apprenticeship under a famed shaman in Iqtuois.
Matt and Jeanae have completed many master plant dietas, have facilitated hundreds of ceremonies, and have evolved into strong and compassionate ceremonial leaders.
Our ceremonies are performed in darkness and are guided by Icaros, or medicine songs. Each ceremony begins with cleansing rituals to prepare the space. From there, the night is guided through Matthew's powerful Icaros, accompanied by Jeanae and a variety of other instruments.
Matt and Jeanae partake in ayahuasca during each ceremony, allowing them to more fully attune to the space and guide the energy with presence and care. They are always supported by at least two additional helpers who remain available throughout the night to offer assistance as needed.
AYAHUASCA SAFETY
PHYSICAL AND ENERGETIC PROTECTION
Ayahuasca is safe when used properly, however, there are known risks associated with its use.
The primary safety concern is with interactions between Ayahuasca and other drugs/medications which could have adverse interactions or even fatal consequences. To ensure the safety of all our guests, we require every participant to complete a medical questionnaire over the phone before booking. In addition to the screening protocol, New Life Ayahuasca Costa Rica retreat center is equipped with emergency medical equipment such as an AED (automatic electronic defibrillator) and emergency medications. Jeanae and Matthew are certified in CPR and AED use. We always have 2 assistants at every ceremony to respond when needed.
Beyond physical safety, we safeguard our energetic space. Our training has equipped us with the ability to hold a ceremonial space with expertise and care. We use spirit allies for protection and possess the knowledge of when and how to interact with any spirits or entities that may enter the ceremonial space. As part of our mission to provide safe experiences, we limit our groups so that the ceremonial container can be maintained through the powerful energetic exchange not only from Ayahuasca but by each participant in the group.