Is Ayahuasca Legal in the USA? 5 Reasons to Travel Abroad

‍Ayahuasca Retreats in the United States: Why Most People Travel Abroad for Legal Experiences

Before jumping into an Ayahuasca Retreat just because it's close to home, here are some considerations we highly recommend to help you decide whether your time and hard-earned money may be better spent on a Retreat experience abroad, where legality may not be as large of an impediment as it is the U.S. In this blog we'll explore:

• The legal grey areas around the use Ayahuasca
• The benefits of traveling abroad for an ayahuasca retreat
• How to choose the right ayahuasca retreat

After years of misinformation regarding the power of plant medicine and human potential, we find ourselves in the throes of a psychedelic renaissance.

The truth is that most of us have been suffering.

After generations of war, trauma, addiction and the challenges of modern life, we are ready to heal, elevate our consciousness, and live our purpose - and the age of psychedelics is right on time.

We are only JUST beginning to recognize that we've set the bar for health in entirely the wrong place. We are in a healing process of global proportions - a mass awakening to the true spiritual nature of human beings. It is our destiny to live in radiance and abundance. Our success in  does not need to be at the cost of peace, love, and joy.

Ayahuasca tourism, with its blessings and its dark side alike, has played a significant role in our collective spiritual awakening. As thousands have traveled for an Ayahuasca retreats in Mexico, Costa Rica, and different parts of Latin America and South America for life-changing experiences and returned home humbled, empowered, and grateful, their souls longing to communicate that which can never be. Such is the power of sacred plant medicine.

Its not to say that great experiences can't be found closer to home, but with a decision as big as this one, it's important to keep your horizons open.

‍

5 Main Reason People Travel Abroad for Ayahuasca Retreats

‍

1. Legality Grey Area

Ayahuasca Retreats in the USA are either underground (100% illegal) or operate under the RFRA - the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. These retreats are required to operate within the cosmology and belief systems that govern their permission to serve medicine, which are typically in the ways of the indigenous people from where the medicine originates.

A number of USA-based Ayahuasca Retreat centers have adjusted their practices to appeal to a more Western audience and unfortunately lost their licenses, as they no longer meet the religious requirements set out under the RFRA.

Working with and supporting indigenous healers and who carry ancestral wisdom is essential to the health of the intercultural and planetary ecosystem. At the same time, language barriers and cultural gaps can sometimes stand in the way of receiving a level of attention and focused healing that folks in the West might be looking for.

Retreats outside of the USA vary greatly, from full jungle mosquito immersion and 10 days of silence in a hut by yourself, to high end resorts with 50+ people in a single ayahuasca ceremony, which is quite, uhh.... shall we say... an energetically vibrant experience, and of course, everything in between.

Despite what you may read, there's no right and wrong here. Pros and cons certainly, but there's no single best ayahuasca retreat. Ultimately what matters is what resonates with you.

‍

‍

2. Motivations and Subjectivity

Those operating under the RFRA serve plant medicine to extend and deepen their religious and spiritual understanding, and often to grow their following.

The container (property, staffing, schedule, services) has not necessarily been designed for someone who is coming for a week long ayahuasca retreat.

In addition, if there is a group of people in a ceremony with a shared belief system that differs from your own, that can add another layer that may not be welcome at a time when we are more focused upon working on our own stuff.

Working with medicine is powerful and subjective. Make sure you feel there is space that allows subjectivity of experience, and that you feel aligned with those who are organizing and facilitating the experience that you choose.

{{CTA-Upcoming-Retreats="/utility/components"}}

‍

3. Service Orientation

Our recommendation is that you choose a retreat experience that is oriented around service. Working with medicine, we can find ourselves at our most vulnerable, and often require a highly supportive context to allow us to go through what we need to go through.

If there is an Ayahuasca Retreat that you've heard about that is happening and you've been invited to participate, take the time and energy to understand whether there is a depth and breadth of services available to you to ensure your safety, well-being, preparation, and integration.

Regardless if your facilitator is an indigenous shaman or a western-oriented practitioner, you should feel a loving, welcoming energy from them. Of course, its harder to connect with your healer when your Ayahuasca Retreat has a large number of participants, so smaller retreats are usually preferable for those looking for more personalized, deep healing.

{{btn-begin-your-journey="/utility/components"}}

4. Energetics around Legal Ayahuasca

There's something about the process of jumping on a plane that provides a sort of energetic reset, almost like we've gone through a portal of some sort. Obviously, this applies whether we travel within the 50 states or whether we travel internationally, but do your best to consider the energetics around the experience.

Good: A week long experience with mother ayahuasca in a beautiful, serene setting, and some time for rest, reflection, and integration before going back to work

Not so good: Driving 3 hours on Thursday for Friday and Saturday ceremonies, and back to work on Monday. You and this deep work deserve better.

Make sure you choose the right ayahuasca retreat.

‍

5. Broadening Horizons

Another benefit of traveling for an Ayahuasca experience is that we are able to connect with another culture, way of living, and to meet a broader cross-section of the good souls participating in the human experience.

Connecting with the ocean, the jungle, and mother earth is also a profound aspect of our individual and collective healing, so choose a location that sings to you.

When we travel, we also make friends from all over the world, which opens up new opportunities and connections that we may have never found without leaving the homeland.

‍

Anchoring the New You

Regardless of what Ayahuasca Retreat center you choose, we highly recommend that you take time off after the retreat to anchor the new you. If you've done your preparation work and attended a high quality retreat, it's highly likely that you've had insights that could be transformative to your life.

We say "could" be because the integration and "making it last" are things that happen after the retreat. If we go back to our old ways of being, our patterns, our limiting beliefs, and allow the expectations of those around us to be who we are, we can lose the magic in weeks.

Our recommendation is to take 3+ days, a week if possible after your journey to anchor your newest version of yourself. Free of expectations from work, free of expectations from friends, family, etc. Allow the new you to explore a new world (culture, location, people, cuisine, etc), and then bring home that confidence in your new self to your "old world".

This gives your new self a fighting chance - it gives your spiritual transformation the respect it deserves. The respect YOU deserve.

‍

Looking for a safe, legal, and therapeutic retreat in an idyllic setting? Behold Retreats facilitate life-changing private and small group experiences.  Experience Ayahuasca and DMT (Bufo) at beautiful retreat centers in Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, and Peru (coming soon!). Behold also offers a game-changing 7-Week Coaching Program for optimized psychedelic preparation and integration.

‍

Come have a chat with one of our team to see if we're a mutual fit and can be of service. Apply today.

‍

{{btn-begin-your-journey="/utility/components"}}

‍

{{CTA-Upcoming-Retreats="/utility/components"}}

‍

FAQ:

Is psychotria viridis a master plant?

Does ayahuasca vine interract with my medication or other medicinal plants?

How is ayahuasca different san pedro, magic mushrooms, and other healing modalities?

Can experienced shamans give medical advice?

My yoga teacher just started serving ayahausca..is that ok?

Where can I find a Santo Daime retreat center?

Ayahuasca retreats near San Francisco

‍
Q: Is Ayahuasca legal in the USA?

A: In the USA, Ayahuasca is generally considered a controlled substance due to its psychoactive properties.

Q: Are there any exemptions for the use of ayahuasca in the USA?

A: Yes, exemptions exist for specific religious groups. For instance, the UDV (União do Vegetal) and the Santo Daime churches have received legal protection to use ayahuasca as a sacrament following prosecution by a 2006 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Q: What is the legal status of ayahuasca in the USA for private individuals?

A: For private individuals, the legality of ayahuasca in the USA is more restricted. It is illegal to possess, distribute, or consume ayahuasca outside of religious exemptions, and violations can result in legal consequences.

Q: Why has ayahuasca become more popular in recent years?

A: Ayahuasca has become more popular due to increased interest in its potential for emotional and psychological healing. Many individuals are turning to ayahuasca to address issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Q: What are some reasons to travel abroad for ayahuasca ceremonies?

A: Traveling abroad for ayahuasca ceremonies can be beneficial due to the broader acceptance and legal status of ayahuasca in countries like Peru and Brazil. These countries often have established and reputable centers where individuals can drink ayahuasca safely and legally.

Q: Are there any known ayahuasca churches in the USA?

A: Yes, there are some known ayahuasca churches in the USA, such as the Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth and the Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth. These organizations may have legal protection to use ayahuasca for religious purposes.

Q: What are the risks of participating in an ayahuasca ceremony in the USA without legal protection?

A: Participating in an ayahuasca ceremony without legal protection can result in legal ramifications, including prosecution and potential penalties. Additionally, unregulated ceremonies may pose health risks due to the lack of oversight and proper medical protocols.

Q: How can one find out if an ayahuasca church is legally recognized in the USA?

A: To find out if an ayahuasca church is legally recognized in the USA, you can check for official statements or rulings on their legal status. Research if the church has received exemptions similar to those granted to UDV and Santo Daime.

Q: What should someone consider before booking an ayahuasca retreat?

A: Before booking an ayahuasca retreat, consider the legal status of ayahuasca in the destination country, the reputation of the retreat center, and the qualifications of the facilitators. Ensuring the retreat follows ethical and safety guidelines is crucial. Places such as Costa Rica and Mexico are great and nearby options.

‍