Des Moines Church Approved for Ayahuasca Use

The Iowaska Church of Healing has reached a probationary agreement for its ceremonies.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Des Moines Church Approved for Ayahuasca Use

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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing has approved an agreement allowing the Iowaska Church of Healing to use ayahuasca in Des Moines. The church must now complete a board investigation before the terms of the agreement take effect.

Why it matters

The authorization marks a significant regulatory development regarding the use of the psychoactive tea in religious ceremonies. The church must adhere to strict oversight and reporting requirements to continue its operations.

The agreement mandates a 1-year probation period for the church. It requires that any adverse health effects necessitating off-site medical care be formally reported to the state.

The players

Iowaska Church of Healing

This is a religious organization based in Des Moines that conducts ceremonies utilizing ayahuasca tea.

Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing

This is the Iowa state agency responsible for regulatory oversight and the issuance of operational agreements for facilities.

The details

The church conducts ceremonies involving a psychoactive tea brewed from the ayahuasca plant. Under the new state-approved agreement, the facility must submit to a board investigation to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

The church is subject to a one-year probation period under the new agreement.

The Big Picture

The authorization of ayahuasca in Iowa conflicts with standard interpretations of the Controlled Substances Act, which generally classifies such psychoactive compounds as illegal. This state-level agreement marks a notable departure from broader federal scheduling patterns.

Residents should be aware that the church is now subject to strict safety monitoring and must report medical emergencies. The state investigation may lead to further changes in how these ceremonies are conducted locally.

The takeaway

Religious organizations seeking to use psychoactive substances face increasing regulatory scrutiny at the state level. Participants in such ceremonies should prioritize health safety and ensure the entity is compliant with mandatory reporting protocols.