Supreme Court Sides With Church in Ayahuasca Case

Supreme Court Sides With Church in Ayahuasca Case In a UNANIMOUS RULING Tuesday, the Supreme Court decided that O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal (UDV), a religious congregation based in New Mexico, can use ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea, in its ceremonies.
Home Why Entheology.org? Our simple and concise mission statement including information regarding submissions. We pay you for reprint rights on any research paper we'd like to include here at Edoto...just click for details. Plants of the Gods Absolute essential read for anyone interested in sacred entheogens. Includes detailed history and preparation of 97 psychoactive and/or sacred plants. Annual Causes of Death in America The REAL truth is the most sobering statistic. Annual Causes of Death in America The REAL truth is the most sobering statistic. Extracting Salvinorin from Salvia Divinorum This is a concise extraction method for educational purposes only. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Extremely important information regarding MAOI's, complete with Diet Card. Traditional Quid Preparation Information regarding the traditional praparation of Salvia divinorum for divination by the Mazatecs. Pharmacology of Bufotenine Exhaustive case study regarding Bufotenine, 5-MEO-DMT, and related substances. Study on Calea Zacatechichi (Dream Herb) Calea zacatechichi is a plant of extensive popular medicinal use in Mexico. An infusion of the plant is has been reported to have psychotropic properties that have been clinically-proven to induce dreaming, and increase the frequency of dreams as well. In Depth Report Regarding DMT In this article I wish to draw attention to a strange property of DMT which sets it apart from other psychedelics, namely, it's ability to place users in touch with a realm that is apparently inhabited by discarnate entities of an intelligent nature. The Science of Ethnobotany Ethnobotanists share two decades of experience living with the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. Entheogens and the Future of Religion The book should prove to be a welcome complement to other serious studies in mysticism (including those that take a fundamentally different tack). Tukanoans The Tukanoans are one of the most known cultures that utilize ayahuasca as their sacrament. They are one of about 70 tribes who share this practice. Ayahuasca, shamanism, and curanderismo in the Andes The term ayahuasca comes from the Quechua, meaning literally "the vine of souls," although it is also called "the visionary vine" or the "vine of death." The folk term refers to the botanical species of liana known as Banisteriopsis Caapi , which is also The Santo Daime Religion In this paper, the reader will be introduced to the sect of Santo Daime, a Brazilian religion which combines Christianity with the indigenous practice of using ayahuasca, a native entheogenic plant. Santo Daime Church Wins Court Case Freedom of Religion versus the Psychotropic Substance Treaty - The Verdict Ayahuasca: Human Consciousness and the Spirits of Nature Anything with the name Ralph Metzner even remotely attached to it is a safe buy. An elder statesman responsible for dramatic shifts in consciousness within this nation and throughout the world... DMT: The Spirit Moecule Covering a groundbreaking psychedelic substance that is actually found in human cerebrospinal fluid, Rick Strassman tells a first-person story of his research on the profoundly mysterious substance dimethltryptamine (DMT). The World As You Dream It: Shamanic Teachings from the Amazon and Andes John has done a lot to honor and preserve the indigenous teachings and the ethnobotanical environment. Shapeshifting: Shamanic Techniques for Global and Personal Transformation John has done a lot to honor and preserve the indigenous teachings and the ethnobotanical environment. Canada to Decriminalize Cannabis The Liberal government is preparing to move ahead in the new year with legislation to decriminalize marijuana, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said yesterday. Solubility of Active Components – Quick Guide Brief discussion on active components of plants and whether they were traditionally extracted into alcohol, water, or other solvents. Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are perhaps one of the least understood of modern-day entheogens and exotic botanicals. There is much controversy in regards to its true place in Shamanic and traditional history outside of its native culture and home; India. Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are perhaps one of the least understood of modern-day entheogens and exotic botanicals. There is much controversy in regards to its true place in Shamanic and traditional history outside of its native culture and home; India. Panaeolus spinctrinus - Hoop-Petticoat Under construction. Panaeolus subbalteatus - Dark-rimmed Mottlegill Panaeolus subbalteatus is a psilocybin-containing mushroom that also has large amounts of serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan, which may account for its reportedly relatively mellow effects. Pandanus Natives of New Guinea employ the fruit of an unidentified species of Pandanus for hallucinogenic purposes, unfortunately little is known of this use. Peganum harmala - Syrian Rue The seeds, as well as the roots, of P. harmala contain a mixture of the harmala alkaloids, armine and harmaline. When admnstered to humans, the harmala alkaloids are serotonin antagonists, CNS stimulants, hallucinogens and extemely potent, short term MAO Pelecyphora aselliformis - Peyotillo P. aselliformis is a well known medicinal peyote sold in the markets of San Luís Potosí, Mexico, and is used as a remedy for fevers and rheumatic pains. Extracts have also been shown to have antibiotic activity. Pernettya furens - Hierba loca The fruit of tagili, of Ecuador, is well recognized as poisonous, capable of inducing hallucinations and other psychic alterations as well as affecting the motor nerves. Petunia violaceae - Shanin SHANIN (Petunia violacea) is one of the most recently reported hallucinogens. It is taken by the Indians in Ecuador to induce the sensation of flight. Petunia violaceae - Shanin SHANIN (Petunia violacea) is one of the most recently reported hallucinogens. It is taken by the Indians in Ecuador to induce the sensation of flight. Phalaris arundinacea - Red Canary Grass The plant contains DMT, beta-carbolines, 5-MEO-demethyltryptamine, and trace amounts of bufotenine. Phragmites australis - Common Reed A perenniel grass with a long association with humans, the common reed is native to Eurasia and Africa but has spread all over the world with people, even though it has practically never been cultivated. Psilocybe cubensis - San Isidro Psilocybe cubensis is distinguished by its slightly curved caps which can grow up to 8 cm in diameter, and feature a yellow or golden center. Like all mushrooms containing psilocybin, Psilocybe cubensis provides a potent visionary experience, often with s Psilocybe cyanescens - Wavy Cap Psilocybe cyanescens is a psilocybin/psilocin-containing mushroom most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, but the most potent varieties grown in and are used by mushroom cults in central Europe. Psilocybe mexicana - Teonanacatl Few plants of the gods have ever been held in greater reverence than the sacred mushrooms of Mexico. So hallowed were these fungi that the Aztecs called them Teonancatl ("divine flesh") and used them only in the most holy of their ceremonies. Even though, Psilocybe semilanceata - Liberty Cap Psilocybe Semilanceata was first described in 1900, by Civil War veteran, Charles McIlvaine in his seminal mycological treatise “One Thousand American Fungi,” where he described the Liberty Cap and all of its “strange effects.” However, it wasn’t until 19 Psychotria viridis - Chacruna The classical principle admixtures of Ayahuasca and Yagè commonly employed throughout Amazonian Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Related to the coffee plant in a large genus of over 700 species, Psychotria viridis is a small glabrous tree or shrub reaching 14 fo Rynchosia phaseoloides - Piule The beautiful red and black beans of several species of Rhynchosia may have been eployed in ancient Mexico as an hallucinogenic. Salvia divinorum - Diviner's Sage Salvia divinorum is a perennial labiate used for curing and divination by the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. The psychotropic effects the plant produces are compared to those of the other hallucinogens employed by the Mazatecs, the morning glory, Rive Sceletium tortuosum - Kanna The family Mesembryanthemaceae contains many pharmacologically active species. One of the most utilized by native peoples in South Africa was the genus Sceletium(Kanna), for which whole tribes would travel hundreds of miles to pick a years supply. Scirpus atrovirens - Bakana One of the most powerful herbs of the Tarahumara of Mexico is apparently a species of Scirpus. Solandra grandiflora - Chalice Vine Many aboriginal Indian tribes from central Mexico and northern Central America have long believed in the magical and mysterious powers of Solandra grandiflora, (Kieli/Kieri-Plant of the god’s), some of these tribes include the Huastec, Huichol, and Mixtec Tabernatnthe Iboga - Iboga Iboga is basic to the Bwiti cult and other secret societies in Gabon and the Congo. Tanaecium nocturnum - Koribo This climbing vine grows natively in Central America, especially in southern Panama. It is also native to the Amazon, West Indies and the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Though this plant has not been extensively studied, there is ethnographic research detaili Teltrapteris methystica - Caapi-pinima ANOTHER KIND OF CAAPI is prepared from Tetrapteris methistica, a forest vine also belonging to the family Malpighioceae. Trichocereus pachanoi - San Pedro Cactus The San Pedro Cactus, or Trichocereus pachanoi, was in use at the very beginning of Andean civilization when it was highly prized as the “materia prima” (raw material) of the shamans of that era. In the central Andes district of Peru, as well as in the su Virola theiodora - Cumala Tree Most, if not all, species of Virola have a copious red "resin" in the inner bark. The resin from a number of species is prepared as an hallucinogenic snuff or small pellets. Vocanga - Vocanga Voacanga africana is one of the well guarded secrets of the African Magic Healers. Little is know about the actual use of the seeds and the bark of several Voacanga species (including V.africana), other than that the plant is held in high esteem for ritua How to Germinate Seeds Great article from a great online seed vender; Alchemy Works. To Save the Forest, the Trees Must Go In the name of science, the United States Forest Service has proposed the experimental logging of half a million acres in two forests in the Sierra Nevada... The Bwiti Religion and Tabernanthe iboga The use of vegetable hallucinogens by humans for religious purposes is very ancient, probably even older than its use for healing, magic or teaching purposes. The profound alterations in one's state of consciousness brought about by the use of a hallucino Mao Inhibitor Recipe Simplified This is a powerful MAO inhibitor, and should be treated VERY carefully! Studies of Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae), Salvia divinorum Epling & Játiva-M. is one of the vision-inducing plants used by the Mazatec Indians of central Mexico. The present status of research is summarized. Piper methysticum - Kava Kava Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Piper methysticum - Kava Kava Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Modern Day Shamanism in Hawaii Serge is doing his part to save the shaman traditions of his culture when he formed Aloha International; a world-wide network of people studying and practicing the Hawaiian shamanic traditions. Use of Psychoactive Snuff in Pre-Columbian Chile One notable feature of the Pre-Columbian San Pedro culture is the high incidence of snuffing implements. The most common of the snuffing kits found in San Pedro de Atacama consists of a woolen bag containing a wooden rectangular snuff tray, a snuffing tub Native Hallucinogen Piptadenias From very remote times, the indigenous inabitants of various parts of South America have been aware of the hallucinogenic properties of diverse species of the genus Piptadenia. The purpose of the present study is to bring out the salient facts concerning Argemone mexicana - Prickly Poppy This is an extraodinarily interesting psychoactive plant, which is just now being rediscovered by psychonauts everywhere. Rich in history with the Aztecs, this poppy plant is presently legal worldwide. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Wormwood is an ancient plant who’s roots can be traced back to ancient times. Most don’t think about this one fact, but the Greek goddess; Artemis is where this plant gets its name from. Most scholars believe that this was a name attributed to all Artem Lactuca virosa - Wild Lettuce, Green Endive, Lettuce Opium The Hopi smoked the dried resin, or sap, obtained from the plant. The Hopi believe that induced dream states contain more information about reality than the conscious waking state. Wild lettuce, aka lettuce opium, is said to enhances the vividness of dre FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana. FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana. FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana. Papaver somniferum - Opium Poppy Ancient peoples considered this a sacred medicinal plant and a source of powerful shamanic potions. The opium poppy was a magical ritual plant among the Germanic tribes. The opium poppy is one of the most significant plants in history, having had consider Acorus Calamus var. Americanus Calamus was originally noted to have hallucinogenic properties through ethnobotanical research dating back to the 1960s. However, sweet flag has been held in high esteem by North American Indians for hundreds of years. Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) Peyote (Lophophora williamsii grows in South-Eastern America and in northern regions of Mexico. In Mexico, peyote has been used for divination in shamanic rituals and in the treatment of ailments for at least 10,000 years. Tagetes lucida - Marigolds Tagetes lucida, widely identified as a powerfully psychoactive strain of the marigold flower, was first documented by the Aztecs. They used Tagetes lucida in their ritual incense they referred to as yyauhtl. This name was derived from the Aztecan word uja White Lotus - Nymphaea ampla The effects of the flower when prepared as a tea or decoction and ingested are said to be much like the opiate apomorphine. White lotus actually contains aporphine, which is closely related to apomorphine, differing only in the lack of two hydroxyl group Passiflora - Passion Flower The psychoactive properties of the Passiflora genus as a whole is still awaiting thorough ethnopharmacological study, however there are several species that have a rich history as entheogens. Yohimbe - Pausinystalia yohimba In addition to its sexual stimulant and aphrodisiac qualities, the bark of the yohimbe tree has been reported to also be hallucinogenic when smoked. The psychoactive effects are primarily due to the main active constituent yohimbine. Yohimbine has sympath Withania somnifera - Ashwagandha Widely used back in Mesopotamia for its medicinal and narcotic properties, this member of the Nightshade Family, was well known in ancient Egypt and characterized and classified as a sakrân intoxicant in Old Arabic. A Psychedelic ‘Problem Child’ Comes Full Circle Upon the death of psychedelic pioneer Dr. Albert Hofmann, Benedict Carey of the Ne York Times examines the history, and the potential therapeutic future, of LSD is examined. The Future of Psychedelics Author Daniel Pinchbeck discusses the 2008 World Psychedelic Forum held recently in Switzerland, and the potential for studying psychedelic therapies in the shifting world political climate. Self-Experimenters: Psychedelic Chemist Explores the Surreality of Inner Space, One Drug at a Time Alexander Shulgin endured a government crackdown and hallucinations of his bones melting in pursuit of new mind-bending compounds. Research On Psychedelics Moves Into The Mainstream In-depth article on the new, emerging studies of the psychotherapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, MDMA and Psilocybin. Autism, ADD, ADHD and Marijuana Therapy Medical Marijuana research over the last six years demonstrates a link to marijuana use and alleviating symptoms of ADD, ADHD, depression, pain and other chronic conditions. Psst... Government-Supplied Marijuana Program Turns 30 May 10th marked the 30th anniversary of a little-known federal government program - referred to as a Compassionate Investigational New Drug (IND) program - which supplies medical marijuana to only a handful of patients. Could an Acid Trip Cure Your OCD? Research intensifies into the use of psychedelics in the treatment of psychological conditions such as depression, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Patients undergoing treatment for life-threatening diseases such as cancer are finding answ Khat Out of the Bag A Somali national residing in London was caught with 10 kilogrammes of khat at the Malta International Airport (MIA) last week. This was the second time that the drug was discovered by the authorities in Malta. But it is well known in other parts of the w The Shroom Tragedy Magic mushrooms are on the verge of being outlawed by the Dutch government for the usual sensationalized reasons as everywhere else. The Shroom Tragedy Magic mushrooms are on the verge of being outlawed by the Dutch government for the usual sensationalized reasons as everywhere else. Blood is Thicker Than Friends Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama describes his experience with a Vanuatu kava session. Incense May Relieve Depression and Anxiety Naturally Researchers find psychoactive link between burning frankincense incense and relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Brazil Appeals Court Rules Drug Possession Not a Crime At the end of March, a Brazilian appeals court in São Paulo declared that possession of drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense. Several lower courts had previously ruled in the same way, but the ruling from the São Paulo Justice Court's 6th Crim Will Harvard Drop Acid Again? Dr. John Halpern of Harvard University conducts research through human clinical trials into the medicinal value and applications of LSD and psilocybin. Joining forces with Halpern is Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedeli Low-Dose Psilocybin Brings Relief To Cluster-Headache Sufferers Anecdotal evidence and comprehensive, scientific case studies point to successful treatment of cluster headaches with psilocybin mushrooms. What Herbs May Help People With Anxiety Dr. Michael W. Kahn, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and Director of Ambulatory Psychiatry at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, discusses alternative herbal therapies for treating anxiety. How the Internet Fuels the Global Psychedelic Community This year and the next, the United Nations will evaluate the War on Drugs. Since its official start in 1998 we have been bombed with official statistics on drug use, drug addiction, drug trafficking, street prices, courtcases and all the like. But what do US Leads World in Substance Abuse, WHO Finds The United States leads the world in rates of experimenting with marijuana and cocaine despite strict drug laws, World Health Organization researchers said on Tuesday. Countries with looser drug laws have lower rates of abuse, the researchers report in t Absinthe - Green Fairy - Wormwood Now that the ban on absinthe has been lifted in the United States, as well as around the rest of the world, all of us now are able to enjoy The Green Fairy again in all her psychoactive and sometimes psychedelic glory that inspired many great artists. Turbina corymbosa - Ololiuqui Ololiuqui is the Aztec name for the seeds of certain convolvulaceous plants which have been used since prehispanic times by the Aztecs and related tribes, just as the sacred mushrooms and the cactus peyote have been used in their religious ceremonies for The Land of the Lotus Smokers Metaphor and drug use from Homer's the Illiad and he Odyssey, and modern day use of the lotus flower in extracts and herbal blends. Theobroma cacao Cacao truly is a "Food of the Gods", especially now that it's been clinically-proven to be extraordinaily good for our bodies. Yes, chocolate is indeed derived from cacao and has extraordinary nutritional properties, as well as psychoactive and aphrodisi Might the Gods be Alkaloids? The question related in the title of our presentation addresses the role and use of psychoactive plants, throughout the process of human evolution, as inducers of altered states of consciousness. Marc Emery, Canada's Prince of Pot In November 2002, Cannabis Culture publisher Marc Emery completed his second run for Mayor of Vancouver, Canada's West Coast cannabis capital. The renowned pot seed merchant placed fifth on the crowded ballot, participating in all major debates and campai Who Will Be Obama’s Pick For ‘Drug Czar’? by Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director. Healing and Regenerative Effects of Ayahuasca One writer's personal journey into healing and self-awareness at Camp Ayahuasca. Russia Bans Blue Lotus Smoking Blends Light drugs are still available in free sale in Russia despite the official decree issued by Surgeon General Gennady Onischenko. One can purchase a blend of dry herbs in specialized shops. Dope sellers assure their customers that their products are absolu Russia Bans Blue Lotus Smoking Blends Light drugs are still available in free sale in Russia despite the official decree issued by Surgeon General Gennady Onischenko. One can purchase a blend of dry herbs in specialized shops. Dope sellers assure their customers that their products are absolu Ancient Psychoactive Incense and Preparations Psychoactive incense has been known about and used for thousands of years; Over time and after many trials mankind has discovered that a potent hallucinogenic incense could be made by combining several different plants, resins, bark and roots.Although the Ancient Psychoactive Incense and Preparations Psychoactive incense has been known about and used for thousands of years; Over time and after many trials mankind has discovered that a potent hallucinogenic incense could be made by combining several different plants, resins, bark and roots.Although the Empathogenic Effects of Sceletium tortuosum As far as being a potentiator of cannabis, there is no doubt that sceletium has this effect. Much more was gotten from much less when sceletium was added. Overall, it is my opinion that the pleasant effects of this substance, when used in moderation far o History of Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) Other reports confirm that kougoed induces feelings of euphoria and deep meditative tranquility. Subjects report that the relaxation induced by kougoed enables one to focus on inner thoughts and feelings, and enables one to intensely concentrate on the be The God Chemical: Brain Chemistry And Mysticism Barbara Bradley Hagerty discusses the latest in brain research and the use of entheogens to induce spiritual states of mind in the laboratory. Topics covered include: Peyote ceremonies, lessons learned from scientific studies of LSD's effect on the brain, Marijuana Kills Brain Cancer Cells The study showed, conclusively, that THC (the active alkaloid in Cannabis) caused brain cancer cells to undergo a process called autophagy. This process causes cells to feed upon themselves, thereby destroying them, and not only did researchers witness t Melissa officinalis - Lemon Balm Lemon Balm has long been known for its aromatic qualities and its culinary uses. The Greeks used Lemon Balm to treat insomnia, to calm nerves and alleviate anxiety. It was used as an ingredient in Mediterranean dishes, as a garnish, as an additive to flav Ethnopharmacology of Ska María Pastora S. divinorum is one of several vision-inducing plants employed by the Mazatec Indians, one of the native peoples living in the mountains and upland valleys of northeastern Oaxaca. Unlike other Mexican tribes, there is little information concerning their e Spiritual Effects Of Psilocybin In Sacred Mushrooms In a follow-up to research showing that psilocybin, a substance contained in "sacred mushrooms," produces substantial spiritual effects, a Johns Hopkins team reports that those effects appear to last more than a year. Writing in the Journal of Psychopharm Oldest Christian Bible - Let Translations Begin! The early work known as the Codex Sinaiticus has been housed in four separate locations across the world for more than 150 years. Starting Monday, it became available for perusal on the Web. Scot McKendrick, head of Western manuscripts at the British Libr Salvia on Schedule: Detriment to Research Scientific American explains how the scheduling the mind-altering herb as a controlled substance could slow medical research. This is not news, but the fact that Scientific American published this article is. Entada rheedii - African Dream Herb This liana vine is well known for its enormously large seeds and has been used, by African tribal healers, for centuries to commune with the spirit world through their dreams. The medicine men believe that by consuming the seeds of this magical plant they Celastrus Paniculatus - Celastrus Seeds For thousands of years, Ayurveda medicine men have used the Celastrus seeds for their potent medicinal properties. It was used for many different ailments, but most notably it was administered as a powerful brain tonic, appetite stimulant, and emetic. Cyperus Articulatus - Piri Piri Guinea rush grass, or Piri Piri, is native to the Amazon basin, where native tribes have used it as a medicine for hundreds of years; but it is also known to be a potent dream herb, euphorant and sedative. Helichrysum Odoratissmum - Imphepho Tribes in South Africa have used Imphepho to make smoking blends, often they mixed it with Shamanic grade tobacco to induce deep trance states and shamanic visions. Hemidesmus indicus - Sugandi, Sariva This healing plant, known in ancient Ayurveda medicine as Sugandi, has been revered for its medicinal properties for nearly a thousand years. It naturally produces a wide variety of beneficial compounds known for their healing, calmative and dream inducin	In a UNANIMOUS RULING Tuesday, the Supreme Court decided that O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal (UDV), a religious congregation based in New Mexico, can use ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea, in its ceremonies. The ruling marks an important victory for religious liberties. "The Supreme Court's sad track record of carving out a 'drug exception to the Bill Of Rights' has narrowed freedoms for all Americans. Thank God the Court has at last decided that there are exceptions to that exception," said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. The church, which blends Christian and indigenous South American religious practices, uses ayahuasca, a tea brewed from plants that grow in the Amazon, as part of its worship. Like ritual peyote usage among some North American Indians, ayahuasca has been a component of indigenous South American religious practices since pre-Columbian times. The federal government banned UDV from using the tea because it contains DMT, a Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. The church eventually sued, and last year a three-judge 10th Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld a lower court’s finding: the federal government did not prove that the drug posed a significant danger to its congregants or that use of ayahuasca would lead to non-religious use or abuse. The Bush administration then appealed the case to the Supreme Court, which released its opinion this week siding with the church. In the decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the federal government should have been barred from confiscating the tea from UDV, and that UDV uses ayahuasca as a part of a "sincere religious practice."
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