A federal appeals court questioned a DEA lawyer over the agency's approximately six-year delay in ruling on a religious exemption petition from the Iowaska Church in Iowa, which seeks to use the psychedelic ayahuasca in its practice. The DEA attorney defended the protracted review, citing the need for a thorough investigation due to the substance being "extremely dangerous" and the need to verify the source of the imported ayahuasca. Judges expressed skepticism, suggesting the process should take months, not years. The church filed its petition in 2019 and also sought tax-exempt status. Similar delays have been reported by a cannabis company seeking to become a bulk manufacturer of research-grade marijuana, though a different Washington State church recently had its ayahuasca exemption approved by the DEA without legal challenges.

Federal Judge Criticizes DEA Delay on Ayahuasca Religious Petition

Nov 19, 2025

Source:

Kyle Jaeger

Marijuana Moment

The DEA is currently under fire for taking its sweet time—nearly six years—to rule on a religious exemption for an Iowa church wanting to use ayahuasca. During recent oral arguments, federal judges didn't hold back, questioning why a process that should take months has dragged on for over half a decade. The agency claims it needs a "thorough investigation" due to the substance's nature, but the court remains skeptical of the massive timeline. This isn't just about one church; other entities, including a cannabis research company, have reported similar bureaucratic roadblocks.

For the everyday toker, this legal grilling is a breath of fresh air. It highlights the growing frustration with federal agencies using "complexity" as an excuse for endless delays. Whether it's psychedelics or cannabis rescheduling, we need a government that moves at the speed of reality, not one that sits on petitions for years. Watching a judge call out these stall tactics is a win for anyone waiting on sensible reform and fair access to plant medicine.

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