Drugs Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Psychoative Sacrament? Legal Fight Erupts in Utah Over 'Mushroom Church'

March 25th, 2025

A Utah church which consumes psychedelic mushrooms as part of a religious ritual recently had their sacrament seized by authorities. A judge just sided with them, ruling that the law must protect controversial faiths.

Political & Religious Controversy 79 Comments

Can Magic Mushrooms Bring You Closer to God? One Church Says Yes

August 11th, 2023

The Church of Ambrosia, based out of California, consumes psychedelic mushrooms as sacrament, arguing the trip is nothing less than a spiritual experience, and they say police are infringing on their religious freedom.

Progressive Spirituality 70 Comments

The Secret Church Using Psychedelics as Sacrament

July 30th, 2021

One California church returned to in-person services recently, but they're a bit different than your run-of-the-mill church. They're part of a growing religious movement using psychedelics to achieve enlightenment.

Political & Religious Controversy 65 Comments

New Study: 78 Percent of Pastors Say Using Marijuana is Morally Wrong

May 19th, 2021

A recent survey of Christian leadership shows that some 78% of pastors believe that marijuana use is morally wrong and should remain illegal. But others say not only is cannabis use ethical, it's even in the Bible.

Political & Religious Controversy 188 Comments

Porn Star Arrested After Spiritual Encounter Involving Toad Venom Results in Death

June 6th, 2020

Porn star Nacho Vidal has been arrested in connection with the death of a man he allegedly ritualistically smoked dehydrated toad venom with. Those who take the drug say they experience something akin to "seeing God."

Life and Death 16 Comments

Could Magic Mushrooms Explain the Story of Santa Claus?

December 21st, 2018

Where does the objectively strange story of a man in a red and white suit who travels with flying reindeer come from? One popular theory involves Siberian shamans bearing particularly special gifts: magic mushrooms.

Humor & Satire 30 Comments

Welcome to the 'Church of Safe Injection,' Where Jesus Comes Second to Clean Needles

November 5th, 2018

The Church of Safe Injection is combating the opioid crisis by handing out sterile needles, overdose medication - and bibles, just for good measure. But some say this approach only enables addicts and promotes long-term addiction.

Political & Religious Controversy 41 Comments

One Way to Get Rid of Drug Dealers: Shoot ‘Em

August 24th, 2017

Drug dealers are not exactly model citizens, but do they deserve to die? In the Philippines, the answer is a resounding “yes”. Upon taking office, the country’s president, Rodrigo Duterte, instituted a uniquely violent strategy to combat the country’s

Political & Religious Controversy 81 Comments

Clergy Members Will Trip On Psychedelic Mushrooms for Science

July 31st, 2017

Researchers at John Hopkins University and New York University have convinced a group of religious leaders to try “magic” mushrooms in the name of science. The researchers will give two dozen priests, rabbis and pastors controlled doses of psilocybin, the

Science & Technology 98 Comments

When Someone You Love Is an Addict

January 29th, 2016

Chances are that you or someone you know has struggled with an addiction at some point. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 24 million people struggle with addiction.

Progressive Spirituality 48 Comments

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