What is Ayahuasca? – Benefits & Risks

Ayahuasca is a sacred Amazonian plant medicine that has gained recognition around the world for its ability to support deep healing and spiritual growth. Interest in ayahuasca has spread beyond South America to the United States, including states like Kentucky, where many are beginning to explore its transformative potential. Popular media, documentaries, and celebrity testimonials have helped bring this medicine into the public eye, with some high-profile figures crediting ayahuasca as a catalyst for profound personal change. As a result, curiosity and searches for ayahuasca in Kentucky and across the U.S. continue to grow.

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This rising awareness is exciting, but it also comes with risks. In the U.S., including Kentucky, authentic ceremonies led by trained and experienced facilitators can be hard to find. The lack of regulation has created opportunities for inexperienced or unqualified leaders to offer unsafe gatherings. This can put participants’ emotional, spiritual, and even physical well-being at risk. For anyone considering ayahuasca in Kentucky, it’s important to ask careful questions, verify the background of facilitators, and ensure that the space honors the medicine while providing proper preparation and integration support.

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Legal Considerations in Kentucky

Legally, ayahuasca remains prohibited under U.S. federal law due to its DMT content, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. However, under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), some groups have obtained legal exemptions to use ayahuasca as part of their spiritual practice. Churches such as União do Vegetal (UDV) and Santo Daime have already been recognized, and in 2025, another U.S. church received DEA approval to conduct ceremonies involving psychedelics.

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Kentucky does not currently have any state-level exemptions, so ayahuasca remains illegal without federal recognition. Still, the broader cultural landscape is shifting. With states like Oregon and Colorado pioneering decriminalization efforts, and cities such as Oakland and Washington, D.C. taking steps toward reform, there is growing momentum for change. For those considering ayahuasca in Kentucky, understanding this legal context is crucial before committing to a ceremony.

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

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 to provide additional support?

7. Are there female facilitators or helpers available?

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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Finding the answers to these key elements will make sure the ceremony is experienced, safe and aligned with your needs. New Life Rising looks foward to offering retreats in the United States soon!