Religion in Utah That Uses Magic Mushrooms in Sacrament Causes Laws to Clash

Last year in Utah a law protecting religious freedoms was passed. It says the government can’t unduly burden someone who is exercising their religion. It was in response to some of what went on during the pandemic when churches were closed. 

Deciding What Law Wins When Illegal Drugs are Used in a Religion 

In a case that is still pending, a religious group uses Psilocybin, a controlled substance in Utah, as a sacrament. These are mushrooms that have hallucinogenic properties. They are allowed in Utah to treat behavioral health problems by medical doctors. 

Police in Provo raided the place and confiscated the mushrooms. However, a federal judge has said this action has placed an undue burden on the fledgling religion and run afoul of the new law. 

Drugs Used in Religion is Not a New Question 

This conflict between laws against drug use and allowing them to be used by religions has been around for a long time. In 1993 the Supreme Court ruled on the side of religions importing and using drugs in their ceremonies. 

Because of this earlier ruling and the new law passed in Utah, the group using the magic mushrooms has some precedence to stand on. It will be interesting to see how the court rules in this particular situation. 

Read More: Is It Illegal To Park an RV or Tent on Public Land in Utah?

It would be ironic if the law passed in Utah to strengthen religious freedoms was undermined by this same government in trying to regulate harmful drugs.