In Episode 2021-026 of Psychedelica Lex, I provide a critical legal review of some of the main issues arising from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) denial to Soul Quest Church of Mother Earth of religious exemption to import and to dispense ayahuasca.
The DEA’s denial of exemption led to Soul Quest’s filing of a federal lawsuit, seeking to enjoin the DEA and other federal agencies from improper interference with Soul Quest’s sacramental tea, ayahuasca, which contains a potent natural form of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a schedule I substance. The case involves serious issues involving religious rights under the First Amendment and under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
My take? I respectfully suggest the DEA has overstated its role and mis-framed the issue.