Can You Really Go To An Actual Ayahuasca Retreat In Texas?

Never one to shy away from a tricky topic, I have found myself researching things that leave most people I know staring at me blankly with their mouths hanging open as I explain them. I came across a post on social media asking if there were legal ayahuasca retreats in Texas. Great question, says I. So let's dig.

Can you really take Ayahuasca at a retreat in Texas, legally? Some say yes. Some say no. Some of us are confused.

First, I'm Not Condoning You Going Rogue And Tripping All Over The Lone Star.

Laws are laws, friend. And the law doesn't care, most of the time, how you feel about a given topic. If it's illegal, you pay the cost if you get caught. And guess what, it's illegal.

Thus, is life.

However, this gets a little tricky with something like ayahuasca. There are a small number of religious organizations allowed to use ayahuasca in their religious ceremonies.

This has led to a wave of churches and retreats happening all over the country. I typed in "ayahuasca church" and Google spit out results all over the country.

That still doesn't mean it's legal for everybody. It's quite the opposite, actually.

They're Not Easy To Find, But They're In Texas

True story. Once upon a time you would have had to travel to South America to get this kind of experience. Now, it's supposedly here in the Lone Star State.

Heads up, it can be quite expensive. As you might be able to imagine.

I found one retreat that charged almost $2,000 for a three night ceremony. Others were a bit more vague with the pricing. They simply stated they would tell you the recommended donation over the phone when you called to make your reservation.

There are a few places online where you can find the information. It's as simple as doing a Google search.

I was shocked to find anything at all, considering that ayahuasca isn't necessarily legal. But it's there. On the web. And happening primarily around Austin as you would probably expect.