The religious use of plant hallucinogens, or entheogens as they are increasingly known in the academic literature, stretches back millennia and across the globe. It formed a partof the famous Greek Mystery Rites at Eleusis, is praised in the ancient Indo-Aryan religious text Rig Veda, and was and remains an integral part of indigenous religious ceremonies in Mesoamerica and West Africa. . . . UDV's Use of Hoasca Is a Recognized and Venerable Form of Religious Worship, Similar to Religious Practices Followed Throughout History and Across the Globe.

The district court in this case was clearly correct to conclude that the relatively low and contained risks to UDV members through their use of hoasca are insufficiently compelling to prohibit them from practicing their religion. In view of that sound conclusion and because (as found by the district court and explained in the briefs of Respondents and other amici), the government failed to establish that any other compelling interest requires a ban.

The judgment below should be affirmed.