AYAHUASCA
LEGALITY
Where is ayahuasca legal?
Is Ayahuasca Legal?
The legality of ayahuasca depends on the country and local laws. In the US, ayahuasca is illegal under Federal Law with the Controlled Substances Act, which lists DMT, the active component of Ayahuasca, as a Schedule 1 Substance. Despite this, many local and state governments have decriminalized the personal use of ayahuasca. The benefits of psychedelic therapy are gaining traction and a direct link is being formed between ayahuasca use and higher quality of life, so it's likely we will continue to see more local governments adopt favorable policies for psychedelic use.
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There are many countries through Central and South American, where ayahuasca is completely Legal. This is because ayahuasca use originates in the Amazon, and the cultures have incorporated ceremonies for hundreds of years knowing the benefits of the medicine intimately.
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Like the United States, there are many other countries in which ayahuasca is completely illegal to possess, consume, transport, or distribute.
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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
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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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COLOMBIA
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BRAZIL
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ECUADOR
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BOLIVIA
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
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ISREAL
Countries where Ayahuasca is Unregulated or Status Unknown:
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COSTA RICA
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AUSTRALIA
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ARGENTINA
So, if ayahuasca is illegal in the United States, how are there ceremonies and retreats available in the US? The answer is sort of complex, but most organizations will claim they have protection under the religious freedom act. In 1999 a Brilian Sect called the UDV was charged with importing ayahuasca into the United States. They fought the charge siting religious use, and the case made it all the way to the supreme court where they ruled in favor of the UDV in 2006.
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Since this case set a precedent for all cases to follow, many ‘churches’ have popped up around the United States claiming to use ayahuasca as a sacrament and therefore gain protection under Religious Freedom. Legally though, that may not be the case.
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With the recent study of the therapeutic use of ayahuasca combined with the decriminalization of psychedelics in a growing number of cities across the US, it seems ayahuasca has become a very low priority of law enforcement, even if it is still technically illegal and punishable by federal law in the United States.
The Ayahuasca Retreat
A Small Retreat with a Big Impact: How New Life Rising can Support your Journey
New Life Rising was founded on the principle of quality over quantity.
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We are not a large commercially operated retreat; we are a small, intimate healing center founded by a husband-and-wife team whose love for each other -and themselves– has flourished through transformative ceremonial work.
Since 2014, our small retreat has established an incredible reputation that stands along some of the largest names in the ayahuasca community. This achievement is a testament to years of unwavering dedication by our amazing team and the heartfelt support we’ve received from our guests.
Our retreat is continually evolving as we refine our approach to include the latest safety practices, trauma-informed care, and a range of alternative healing modalities to enrich the ayahuasca retreat experience. With deep gratitude, we’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of participants through hundreds of retreats over more than a decade of service.
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 wisdom to our participants 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, we 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. ​
Unlock Your Full Potential
Attending an Ayahuasca Retreat:
The New Life Rising retreat is for anyone who is ready to break free of self-imposed limitations and embrace their full potential. Ayahuasca can assist in:
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Cultivating Self Love & Forgiveness
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Finding Purpose and Meaning
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Inspiring Motivation & Action
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Release Emotional Blocks
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Reframe Integrate Trauma
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Change Relationship Perspectives
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Encourages Spiritual Growth
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Energetic and Physical Cleansing
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Renewed sense of Gratitude
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Our ayahuasca retreat honors the brilliance of plant medicine while respecting indigenous healing traditions and blending ancient knowledge with modern complementary therapeutic practices.​
ECO-CONSCIOUS
AYAHUASCA RETREAT COSTA RICA
At our eco-retreat we are intentional about the relationship we have with the natural world. Ayahuasca, a medicine from the earth, teaches us to value the resources we have and the gifts the earth provides.
While we offer the comforts of air-conditioning and a pool, we do all we can to minimize our impact on the local ecosystem by utilizing recycling practices, turning off lights and A/C when not in use and utilizing natural building materials wherever possible. We can learn a lot by observing our routines and being aware of the impact our consumption has on the earth.
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An ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica is the perfect place to begin to deepen your connection the natural world as you deepen your connection to self. She acts a s bridge between worlds, both the physical to spiritual and the modern to our ancestors. Through this reflection we see that we are connected, all as one. We learn how to appreciate the ways the eart nurtures us through plants, medicine, water, beauty and food and learn to nurture her in kind.
Discover our healing Ayahuasca Costa Rica retreat at our ecosactuary oasis.
THE AYAHUASCA CEREMONY
TRADITIONALLY TRAINED GUIDES
Our ceremonies guide you through the Ayahuasca experience in a safe and therapeutic atmosphere that encourages each participant to explore and journey within themselves, to 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.
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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 famed shaman Don Ron Wheelock.
Matt and Jeanae have completed many master plant dietas, have facilitated hundreds of ceremonies, and have evolved into strong and compassionate ceremonial leaders.
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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 drink Ayahuasca at every ceremony so they can navigate and guide the energy of the space. A minimum of 2 additional helpers are always there to assist as needed.
Ayahuasca Costa Rica Ceremonies can help you tap into your own power and heal your pain.
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.
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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.