Allegations of sexual, financial, and psychological abuse sometimes arise in the growing psychedelic church movement in Utah and beyond. A leader or guide might use their authority to pressure people – usually women – into having sexual contact with them. How might mind-altering substances play into such abuses of power? How should practitioners navigate consent? And what can psychedelic churches do to keep people safe?

In November 2024, police raided Singularism, an establishment that claims to be a new religion founded by a former Mormon man. But before the state could press charges, Singularism went on the offensive, saying the seized psilocybin was a religious sacrament. Singularism sued the state of Utah, claiming religious freedom. So far, a federal judge has been adamant: psychedelic religion is still religion.

In South Africa, a former ballet dancer and horseback rider struggled for years with anorexia. After undergoing in-patient treatment and regular therapy, she tried psychedelics, and that’s when she got her first meaningful glimpse into what her mind would be like without anorexia. So is this actually a potential treatment? Early research suggests it could be. And now, at the University of California, San Francisco a new study is underway, exploring whether psilocybin might help young adults with severe anorexia.

If you or someone you know are struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Please call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline at 866-662-1235.

And for 24/7 support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text “HOME” to 741741 to reach the crisis text line.