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US Supreme Court Allows Use of Hallucinogenic Tea in Religious Ceremonies

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The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that U.S. followers of a Brazilian-based religion can import and use hallucinogenic tea in their ceremonies.

The court Tuesday ruled in the case that pitted religious freedom against federal drug laws.

The justices said the New Mexico branch of a Brazilian-based religion, known as O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal can use sacramental hoasca tea, which contains the drug known as DMT.

Members of the religion believe the tea is sacred and that it helps connect them to God.

The Bush administration argued that the drug in the tea violates federal narcotics laws.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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