New Workshop from Chacruna
San Francisco, CA – September 2025 — As psychedelic plant medicines gain visibility in spiritual communities, the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines is proud to announce its latest offering: “Psychedelic Churches: From Legal Protections to Ethics and Reciprocity,” a live, virtual workshop taking place Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST.
This workshop addresses the growing intersection of spirituality, legality, and ethics for communities practicing with psychedelic sacraments. Participants will receive practical legal guidance and critical tools for building culturally respectful and ethically grounded ceremonial spaces.
Led by leading experts in the field—including Dr. Bia Labate, Dr. Henrique Antunes, Dr. Osiris García Cerqueda, and Lígia Duque Platero—the workshop will explore:
- Legal frameworks protecting psychedelic churches under U.S. law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)
- Key cases such as UDV, Santo Daime, Church of the Eagle and the Condor, and more
- The meaning of “sincere religious belief” and sacramental protection
- Ethical frameworks rooted in reciprocity, cultural respect, and accountability
- Indigenous perspectives on the commodification of sacred medicines in the Global North
“As psychedelic churches multiply, it’s not enough to focus solely on legal protections. We must also ask: Are we honoring the origins of these sacred practices? This workshop is a space to integrate legality with ethics, and to foster relationships rooted in reciprocity, respect, cultural awareness and responsibility.”
Dr. Bia Labate, Executive Director of Chacruna
“As psychedelic churches multiply, it’s not enough to focus solely on legal protections. We must also ask: Are we honoring the origins of these sacred practices? This workshop is a space to integrate legality with ethics, and to foster relationships rooted in reciprocity, respect, cultural awareness and responsibility.” said Dr. Bia Labate, Executive Director of Chacruna.
This 4-hour workshop is especially relevant for church leaders, facilitators, guides, legal advocates, policy professionals, and anyone working at the intersection of spirituality, law, and psychedelics.
Workshop Details
- Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
- Price: $100
- CE Credits: Approval Pending
- Scholarships Available
- Free or discounted access for Chacruna members
About the Chacruna Institute
The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Northern California. Founded by Brazilian anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate and American psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar, Chacruna advances psychedelic justice by amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples, women, queer people, people of color, and the Global South. Through research, public education, and critical dialogue, Chacruna bridges ceremonial traditions and contemporary psychedelic science.
Media Contact:
Lorien Chavez
Chacruna Institute
lorien@chacruna.net
415-390-6157
