Research Symposium

BIO

Hi! My name is McKenna, and I am a second-year student double majoring in Political Science and History from Dunwoody, Georgia. Some of my current academic interests are American history, analyses of US Supreme Court decisions, and domestic policies following the Cold War. Following graduation, I plan to attend law school to pursue a career in law, specifically military and constitutional law. Currently, I am involved in Alpha Chi Omega and Phi Alpha Delta on campus. I also serve as a University Ambassador representing Florida State University to prospective students. Off-campus, some of my interests include Atlanta Braves baseball, learning new recipes, and participating in City Church's SALT Company.

State and Federal Law and the Religious Use of Psychedelic Sacraments

Abstract

This project analyzes the relationship between state psychedelic drug laws and religious freedoms in the United States. Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized psilocybin through state law for use at approved healing centers with the assistance of a licensed facilitator through Measure 109 and Proposition 122. However, psilocybin is still considered a Schedule I drug federally, creating tensions between new state laws and federal authority. Because these new laws fail to outline proper procedures relating to the use of psychedelic sacraments for religious purposes, there is a threat to the free exercise of communities using these sacraments. This project was conducted through literature reviews of current legislation, proposed and failed legislation, and other literature sources that reviewed these new drug laws. Preliminary findings demonstrate that, as the legal framework surrounding access to psychedelic substances becomes more prevalent, there must be additional guidelines that protect the religious use of psychedelic sacraments. The lack of clarity between state and federal procedures posits the safety of religious freedom directly between a state and federal attempt to garner authority over the future of psychedelic substance use. Future recommendations for psychedelic drug law include the addition of guidelines that address this position, guaranteeing religious access to psychedelic substances as protected by both state and federal laws. By understanding the implications of access to psychedelic substances in states like Colorado and Oregon, this project contributes to the broader field by suggesting future policies to provide psilocybin services to those in need, while also protecting religious freedoms.

Keywords: Law, Psychedelic Sacraments, State Law