Federal Law

Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Federal protections for sincere religious exercise, combined with our 508(c)(1)(a) church framework.

About RFRA

What RFRA does

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act is a 1993 federal statute. It requires that whenever a federal law substantially burdens a person's sincere religious exercise, the government must show a compelling interest and use the least restrictive means available. Courts apply this framework as a strict-scrutiny test.

508(c)(1)(a) church status

Ceremonia is a 508(c)(1)(a) faith-based organization. Section 508(c)(1)(a) of the Internal Revenue Code recognizes churches and church-associated organizations as tax-exempt without requiring separate 501(c)(3) registration. It is the IRS framework for organized religious bodies.

How it protects ceremonial use

Together, RFRA and 508(c)(1)(a) provide a federal framework for sincere religious exercise involving sacramental plant medicine. Courts have applied this framework to protect organized religious bodies whose sacramental use of plant medicines is sincere and structured. Ceremonia operates within this framework where state law does not provide a more direct authorization.

What this isn't

RFRA is not a loophole. It does not authorize unrestricted recreational use. It requires sincerity and good-faith religious practice, evaluated based on the structure of the organization, the ongoing nature of the practice, and the role of the medicine in that practice. Participants in Ceremonia ceremonies are not buying drugs; they are participating in religious exercise.

For Colorado-specific licensing under state law, see the Natural Medicine Health Act framework.