Controlled Sacraments Compliance Statement

Thousand Suns Church of Mother Earth Inc. (TSCME)

Sacred Sacraments & Legal Alignment

At Thousand Suns Church of Mother Earth, we honor the sacredness of plant medicines, ceremonial sacraments, and the ancient traditions of Indigenous healing. We affirm our right to use these sacraments as a protected expression of our religious practice under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA).

Understanding Federal & State Compliance Dynamics

While RFRA provides a powerful legal defense for the religious use of sacraments, it is important to understand the distinction between proactive exemption and reactive legal defense:

D.E.A. Exemption Letters: A proactive form of legal protection that grants formal recognition and preemptive clearance for the religious use of controlled substances. This process is often cost-prohibitive (estimated $100,000+ in legal fees) and is typically pursued by large, federally-lobbied organizations.
RFRA as a Legal Shield: Without a D.E.A. exemption, RFRA serves as a reactive defense. This means if a member or the Church faces legal challenge or enforcement, RFRA can be invoked in court to protect the religious practice. However, the burden to defend, present documentation, and navigate legal proceedings rests on the individual or Church.

Decriminalized Cities & Localized Grace Zones

In municipalities that have decriminalized entheogens (e.g., Oakland, Denver, Ann Arbor), law enforcement is instructed to de-prioritize enforcement against sacramental use. However, this grace applies within that city’s jurisdiction and does not automatically extend to statewide protection.

Members and practitioners are advised to:

Conduct ceremonies within decriminalized jurisdictions.
Respect and align with local legal climates.
Acknowledge that practicing in non-decriminalized areas may increase risk exposure.

Our Position of Faith and Responsibility

We declare that our unalienable right to sacramental use is rooted in spiritual covenant, not state-granted privilege. However, we also act in conscious alignment with lawful processes to ensure the continued practice and growth of our Church in a manner that is both respectful and sovereign.

RFRA does not eliminate the possibility of enforcement—it provides a shield in defense if challenged.

Our commitment is to remain in clarity, integrity, and informed sovereignty as we navigate the evolving legal landscape.

Guidance for Members

Know your jurisdiction: Practice in cities with supportive decriminalization measures when possible.
Carry documentation: Membership cards, Ninth Amendment Declaration, and Religious Rights Statements.
Stay informed: Laws are dynamic—members should remain aware of both state and local policies.