LEGAL ADVOCACY
Sacred Plant Alliance is committed to safeguarding the legal protections of sacramental communities across the United States. Grounded in our mission to support ethical and safe spiritual practices, we serve as a unifying voice for our members that are their own religious communities for which ceremonial sacraments are central to their religious exercise.
Sacred Rights, Protected Practices: Advocacy for Religious Freedom
Policy & Legal Advocacy
At Sacred Plant Alliance, we are committed to safeguarding the legal protections of sacramental communities across the United States. Grounded in our mission to support ethical and safer spiritual practices, we serve as a unifying voice for our members that are their own religious communities for which ceremonial sacraments are central to their religious exercise.
Current Advocacy Focus
We are preparing a lawsuit against the DEA to reform its religious-based exemption process. If SPA is successful, the DEA would be required to provide a legally compliant religious-based exemption petition process, establishing for the first time in our country a meaningful administrative pathway for sincere religious practitioners to register with the DEA and thereby protect, enjoy, and celebrate these sacramental practices.
Past Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy for Drug Sentencing Reform: In a comment to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, SPA highlighted the historical inequities and disproportionate harms of the Controlled Substances Act, advocating for revisions to drug sentencing guidelines that reflect fairness and respect for sincere religious practices.
Input to PATH Congressional Caucus: In a comment letter to the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, SPA emphasized the importance of integrating community-based spiritual frameworks into discussions on psychedelic-assisted therapies. SPA’s recommendations included recognizing the role of religious settings in fostering safe and meaningful ceremonial practices.
Amicus Brief in Support of Religious Freedom: SPA joined the Chacruna Institute in submitting an amicus brief supporting the Iowaska Church of Healing, reinforcing the right to religious exercise involving sacramental substances.
Our Advocacy Focuses
Defend legal protections for sacramental communities.
Support legislation, policy, and government initiatives that safeguard the right to religious exercise involving ceremonial sacraments.
Advocate for religious exemptions from the Controlled Substances Act for the safe and sincere religious use of psychedelic sacraments.
Promote ethical standards that ensure safety and public trust.
Educate policymakers about the spiritual significance of preserving religious traditions involving ceremonial sacraments.
Facilitate dialogue between sacramental communities and government entities to foster mutual understanding, common goals, and trust.