Lawsuit Exposes PMW’s Illegal Use of Ayahuasca in Kentucky Religious Ceremonies

 Lawsuit Exposes PMW’s Illegal Use of Ayahuasca in Kentucky Religious Ceremonies

In a disturbing case that has sparked legal and public outcry, the Peaceful Mountain Way (PMW) church in Kentucky has been accused of running illegally and operating without proper oversight, leading to a tragic death and a legal battle that has raised important questions about the safety and legality of using ayahuasca in religious ceremonies. The death of 33-year-old Lindsay Poole during a ceremony in 2016 set the stage for a negligence lawsuit that concluded in a significant legal ruling against PMW, which was ordered to pay $768,000 to the Poole family. The case not only highlights the dangers of ayahuasca in unregulated religious settings but also shines a light on PMW’s questionable legal status and the broader implications for churches in Kentucky using psychoactive substances in their services.

PMW's Shift from ONAC to Metaphysical Church

At the time of the incident, PMW was affiliated with the Oklevueha Native American Church (ONAC), a group that claims to use ayahuasca as a sacred sacrament. However, after the death of Lindsay Poole, PMW severed ties with ONAC and rebranded itself as a metaphysical church. This transition to a metaphysical church is significant because it raises serious legal questions about the church’s authority to serve ayahuasca in ceremonies.

Unlike Native American churches, which have some legal protections under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) for using ayahuasca in sacramental practices, metaphysical churches like PMW do not automatically enjoy the same religious exemptions. In essence, PMW’s attempt to operate as a metaphysical church without clear legal standing to use a controlled substance like ayahuasca is not only questionable but may also be illegal.

Ayahuasca’s Status Under U.S. Law

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other plants, is illegal under federal law because it contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a Schedule I controlled substance. While certain religious groups, such as those affiliated with the Santo Daime and União do Vegetal traditions, have successfully argued for religious exemptions allowing the use of ayahuasca, the case of PMW is vastly different. As a metaphysical church, PMW does not have the same legal protection to use ayahuasca under religious freedom claims. Without these legal exemptions, the use of ayahuasca in ceremonies is, in fact, illegal under U.S. law.

The fact that PMW continued to serve ayahuasca even after their legal status shifted from a Native American Church to a metaphysical group calls into question the church’s compliance with both federal and state laws. In Kentucky, the substance is illegal, and PMW’s continued use of ayahuasca could have led to criminal charges. Yet, the church’s decision to label itself as a metaphysical organization may have seemingly shielded it from facing prosecution. The trial of the tragic incident involving Lindsay Poole brought the matter to light.

The Tragic Death of Lindsay Poole

On the night of the ayahuasca ceremony in 2016, Lindsay Poole, a 33-year-old woman, participated in the service at PMW’s Kentucky branch. Hours later, she was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was never conclusively determined, but ayahuasca was considered a possible contributing factor. The absence of medical oversight, inadequate preparation, and lack of clear warnings in the church’s handling of the ceremony were central points of contention in the lawsuit.

This was not just a tragic accident—it was the result of gross negligence by PMW. Church leader and owner, Demian Gover, was accused of failing to properly supervise the ceremony, administering ayahuasca. Despite the risks associated with the use of ayahuasca, PMW failed to ensure a quick response for its participants in a moment of distress. 

The Lawsuit and Its Implications

In 2017, the Poole family filed a lawsuit against PMW, seeking $5 million in damages for negligence in their daughter’s death. The family argued that PMW had a duty to provide proper care and oversight, especially when administering such a powerful psychoactive substance. 

After the trial, the court ruled in favor of the Poole family on April 22, 2025, awarding them $768,000 in damages. The ruling highlights several legal precedents, namely that organizations offering psychoactive substances, especially in a religious context, have a responsibility to ensure the safety of participants. This ruling also serves as a wake-up call for other religious groups and metaphysical churches that use substances like ayahuasca in their ceremonies. It is clear that negligence in the handling of such substances can lead to both legal consequences and financial liability.

PMW’s Illegal Operations and the Bigger Picture

The legal fallout from Lindsay Poole’s death underscores the broader illegality of PMW’s operations. Even though PMW claimed to be a religious organization, its actions violated both state and federal laws. The church’s decision to operate as a metaphysical group after severing ties with ONAC exposed a significant gap in its legal standing—PMW is not legally entitled to serve ayahuasca in its ceremonies.

This case also highlights the need for stronger regulation and clearer laws surrounding the use of psychoactive substances in religious and metaphysical contexts. While religious freedom is constitutionally protected, it cannot be an excuse for operating outside the law or ignoring basic safety protocols. PMW’s negligence in overseeing the ayahuasca ceremony ultimately led to preventable tragedy, and the lawsuit serves as a legal precedent for other religious organizations.

As metaphysical churches and spiritual organizations continue to experiment with the use of substances like ayahuasca, this case will likely influence future legal battles surrounding religious exemptions and the regulation of psychoactive substances in the U.S. The outcome of this lawsuit is clear: operating illegally and failing to prioritize safety in religious ceremonies can result in both legal liability and moral accountability. For PMW, the consequences are dire, and the legal landscape surrounding religious use of ayahuasca has been permanently altered.

The Tragic Death at Soul Quest: Legal Fallout and the Church's Status

 The Tragic Death at Soul Quest: Legal Fallout and the Church's Status

In 2018, 22-year-old Brandon Begley tragically died during a retreat at Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth in Orlando, Florida. His death has led to significant legal repercussions for the church and its founder, Christopher Young, raising critical questions about the safety and legality of unregulated psychedelic ceremonies in the United States.​

---

The Incident

Brandon Begley attended a weekend retreat at Soul Quest, where participants consumed ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic brew containing DMT, and kambo, a secretion from the Amazonian frog. After ingesting these substances, Begley drank excessive amounts of water, leading to severe hyponatremia—a dangerously low sodium level. Despite exhibiting symptoms such as seizures and unresponsiveness, Soul Quest staff delayed seeking emergency medical assistance for several hours. By the time help arrived, it was too late to save Begley.​

---

The Lawsuit and Verdict

In 2020, Begley's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Soul Quest and Christopher Young. The case went to trial in May 2024, and the jury found both the church and Young liable for Begley's death. They were ordered to pay a total of $15 million in damages, with 40% of the liability assigned to Soul Quest and 60% to Young. The jury rejected the defense's argument that Begley had misrepresented his medical history or contributed to his own death.​

The court determined that Soul Quest and Young had failed to provide adequate care and had not acted in a timely manner to address Begley's medical emergency. Experts testified that prompt administration of saline solution could have potentially saved his life. Furthermore, the church's practice of combining ayahuasca with kambo was deemed reckless, as both substances can cause adverse reactions, especially when used together.​

---

Legal Standing of Soul Quest

Despite the jury's verdict, Soul Quest continued to operate, hosting regular retreats and generating significant income. In 2022, the church reported nearly $7.5 million in revenue, with Young receiving an annual salary of approximately $320,000. However, in July 2024, a Florida court rejected Soul Quest's motion to declare bankruptcy, citing the church's ongoing operations and substantial revenue. This decision underscored the court's determination to hold the church accountable for its actions.​VICE

Additionally, Soul Quest had previously petitioned the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a religious exemption to use ayahuasca, a Schedule I controlled substance. In 2016, the DEA denied the petition, concluding that the church had not demonstrated that its use of ayahuasca was a sincere religious exercise and that it had not met the requirements under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this decision, reinforcing the DEA's authority to regulate controlled substances and denying the church's request for a religious exemption.​Justia Law

Despite these legal setbacks, Soul Quest continued to advertise its retreats and operate without the necessary legal exemptions. This ongoing defiance of federal regulations has led to increased scrutiny from law enforcement and regulatory agencies.​Green Market Report

---

Implications for the Psychedelic Community

The events surrounding Brandon Begley's death and the subsequent legal actions have highlighted the risks associated with unregulated psychedelic ceremonies. While substances like ayahuasca and kambo have deep roots in indigenous traditions, their use in commercial settings without proper oversight can lead to dangerous outcomes.​

Experts argue that there is a need for standardized safety protocols and regulations to ensure the well-being of participants in psychedelic ceremonies. The lack of medical training among facilitators, inadequate emergency response plans, and the combination of multiple potent substances contribute to the potential for harm.​

The Soul Quest case serves as a cautionary tale for other organizations offering psychedelic experiences. It underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements, ensuring participant safety, and being prepared to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. Without such measures, similar tragedies are likely to occur, leading to further legal actions and potential shutdowns of unregulated operations.​

---

Conclusion

The tragic death of Brandon Begley has cast a spotlight on the practices of Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth and similar organizations. While the church continues to operate, its legal standing is precarious, with ongoing lawsuits and regulatory challenges threatening its existence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unregulated psychedelic ceremonies and the need for stringent safety standards and legal compliance in the growing field of psychedelic spirituality.

The Hidden Dangers of Ayahuasca Retreats: What You Need to Know

 The Hidden Dangers of Ayahuasca Retreats: What You Need to Know

In recent years, ayahuasca has surged in popularity, attracting thousands of people from around the globe who are seeking profound spiritual and psychological experiences. The potent brew, made from the ayahuasca vine and other plant ingredients, has long been used by indigenous communities in the Amazon for ritualistic and healing purposes. However, as more people flock to ayahuasca retreats, the darker side of this growing trend has begun to surface, revealing a number of dangers that are often overlooked or ignored.

While many claim that ayahuasca ceremonies lead to personal enlightenment, healing, and growth, there are several reported cases of harm and even death associated with these experiences. The risks include physical dangers such as poisoning, dehydration, and water intoxication, as well as psychological and emotional dangers like mental manipulation, coercion, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. The lack of regulation in many retreat centers exacerbates these risks, making it difficult for participants to know where to turn for help when things go wrong.

Tobacco Purges and Scopolamine Poisoning

One of the most dangerous practices at some ayahuasca retreats is the use of tobacco purges. Tobacco, often in the form of tobacco smoke or snuff, is used in conjunction with ayahuasca to cleanse the body or to "purge" negative energy. In some cases, participants are forced to inhale or drink large quantities of tobacco, which can lead to nicotine poisoning. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, and even death in extreme cases. Tobacco purges are meant to trigger intense vomiting and sweating, but they can also cause serious harm when administered recklessly or in excessive amounts.

Another deadly substance that has been linked to ayahuasca retreats is scopolamine, a powerful hallucinogen derived from the jimson weed plant. In some cases, ayahuasca facilitators have been accused of using scopolamine as a tool for control, essentially “drugging” participants to make them more compliant during the ceremony. Scopolamine poisoning can result in delirium, hallucinations, memory loss, and even death. Reports of this dangerous practice have surfaced in certain retreat centers, with individuals unaware that they are being administered substances that could severely alter their mental state and put their physical health at risk.

Water Intoxication and Self-Inflicted Injuries

Water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, is another health risk associated with ayahuasca retreats. In some cases, participants are encouraged to drink large amounts of water to "prepare" for the ceremony or to enhance the purging effects. However, drinking excessive amounts of water can dilute the sodium levels in the blood, leading to swelling of the brain, seizures, and even death. This is particularly dangerous for individuals who are already in a vulnerable or weakened state, either physically or emotionally.

Self-inflicted injuries are another major concern during ayahuasca ceremonies. The intense psychological effects of the brew can lead participants to experience profound emotional and spiritual realizations, but it can also trigger panic, confusion, and loss of control. Some people, in their altered state, have been known to engage in self-destructive behavior, including self-mutilation or running into dangerous environments without understanding the risks. Retreats that fail to provide proper supervision or medical support leave participants at risk of harming themselves during the ceremony.

Sexual Abuse, Mental Manipulation, and Coercion

One of the most disturbing aspects of unregulated ayahuasca retreats is the prevalence of sexual abuse and exploitation. There have been several high-profile cases in which retreat leaders, often seen as spiritual guides, have taken advantage of their position to exploit vulnerable participants. Accusations of sexual misconduct, inappropriate touching, and even rape have surfaced, with victims alleging that their trust was violated in the name of spiritual healing.

In addition to sexual abuse, there are also reports of mental manipulation and coercion at some ayahuasca retreats. In these cases, retreat facilitators may use the power of suggestion or psychological techniques to manipulate participants into making life-altering decisions, such as leaving their partners, abandoning their careers, or giving away large sums of money. The power dynamics in these retreats often leave participants vulnerable, as they are under the influence of a powerful psychedelic substance and in a highly suggestive mental state.

Some facilitators also pressure participants to stay longer than planned or to pay for additional "healing sessions" or "special ceremonies," which can lead to significant financial exploitation. These practices exploit the spiritual vulnerability of those seeking healing and can cause lasting emotional and financial damage to individuals.

Theft and Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation is a significant problem in some ayahuasca retreat centers. Many retreats charge exorbitant fees for the ceremonies, accommodations, and spiritual guidance, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Participants often feel pressured to pay these high fees, believing that the price is necessary for their spiritual growth and healing. In some cases, they are asked to make large, unexpected donations to the retreat center or its facilitators.

Worse, some retreat centers have been accused of theft, with reports of facilitators or other participants stealing personal belongings such as money, electronics, or valuables. The lack of accountability and regulation in these unlicensed centers makes it difficult for participants to recover stolen items or report the crime.

Unregulated Retreats and Legal Concerns

One of the most concerning aspects of the global ayahuasca movement is the prevalence of unregulated and illegal retreats. In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, ayahuasca is not recognized as a legal or regulated substance. Despite this, many retreat centers continue to operate under the radar, offering ceremonies to tourists without proper licenses or oversight.

In some countries, such as Brazil and Peru, ayahuasca is legal for religious use, but many retreats still operate outside the confines of law, often exploiting legal loopholes or operating without permits. This lack of regulation means that participants have little recourse if something goes wrong, leaving them exposed to both physical and psychological harm.

Conclusion

Ayahuasca, with its profound and transformative effects, can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. However, as the popularity of ayahuasca retreats continues to grow, so too do the dangers associated with unregulated and poorly managed centers. From physical risks like tobacco purges and water intoxication to psychological dangers such as mental manipulation, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation, the risks are real and should not be ignored.

As the ayahuasca movement expands, it is crucial for individuals to carefully research any retreat center they are considering and ensure that it adheres to ethical, legal, and safety standards. Without proper regulation and oversight, the darker side of ayahuasca retreats will continue to put vulnerable individuals at risk. Participants must be aware of these dangers and exercise caution when embarking on their spiritual journeys.

 

The Dark Side of Ayahuasca Retreats: Missing Persons, Human Trafficking, and Why You Should Stay Away

Ayahuasca ceremonies are often portrayed as magical experiences promising deep healing and spiritual awakening. But behind the glossy marketing, there’s a much darker reality — one filled with missing persons, human trafficking, exploitation, and serious legal risks.

If you're considering attending an ayahuasca retreat anywhere in the world, here’s why you need to think twice.

Missing Persons Linked to Ayahuasca Retreats

One of the most heartbreaking cases involved Kyle Nolan, an 18-year-old from California who traveled to a retreat in Peru in 2012. After drinking ayahuasca, Kyle tragically died — and instead of alerting the authorities, the staff buried his body and lied to his family. His disappearance launched a frantic missing persons search that only ended when the retreat finally confessed.

This isn’t an isolated case. Other travelers have gone missing after connecting with so-called "spiritual communities" tied to ayahuasca ceremonies. Once you're in a remote retreat, often deep in the jungle or countryside, you have little to no way to call for help if something goes wrong.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Even more disturbing, some ayahuasca retreats have been linked to human trafficking rings.

In 2023, Spanish police uncovered a network of fake shamans operating in 11 countries, trafficking people under the guise of offering "healing ceremonies." Victims were exploited for free labor, financial scams, and sometimes worse.

Some common types of exploitation at retreats include:

• Labor Trafficking: Volunteers are lured in with promises of "free spiritual training" and then forced into unpaid, brutal work.

• Sexual Abuse: Many reports have surfaced of participants being assaulted or coerced during ceremonies while under the influence.

• Financial Exploitation: Some retreats manipulate vulnerable participants into handing over massive amounts of money for endless "healing" sessions.

When you attend an unregulated ayahuasca retreat, you are placing your trust — and your safety — entirely in the hands of strangers. And sadly, some of those strangers have extremely bad intentions.

No Legal Protections

Another huge danger? Ayahuasca retreats are often operating illegally or in legal gray zones.

In the U.S., the active ingredient in ayahuasca, DMT, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance — meaning it's federally illegal except under very rare religious exemptions.

Even in countries where ayahuasca is tolerated due to indigenous use, retreats are often completely unregulated. No background checks. No medical oversight. No guarantees of safety.

If something happens to you — theft, assault, a medical emergency — you’ll likely find yourself with no legal protection and very little chance of real help.

Real Physical and Mental Risks

The dangers don’t stop at trafficking or missing persons. Drinking ayahuasca can be physically and psychologically dangerous even under the best conditions.

Some of the serious risks include:

• Cardiac arrest

• Psychotic breaks or suicidal thoughts

• Water intoxication (from forced purging rituals)

• Nicotine poisoning (from dangerous tobacco cleansing rituals)

• Self-inflicted injuries during hallucinations

Many retreats push additional "purification" ceremonies involving strong tobacco brews, scopolamine (a dangerous hallucinogen), and other unknown substances — putting participants at even greater risk.

Why You Should Stay Away

The bottom line is simple:
Ayahuasca retreats are not safe.

You are not just risking a "bad trip."
You are risking your freedom, your health, your sanity — and even your life.

There are many safer ways to seek healing and spiritual growth:

• Meditation and mindfulness retreats

• Breathwork sessions

• Counseling and therapy with licensed professionals

• Nature immersion trips (without mind-altering substances)

None of these options involve handing your physical and mental wellbeing over to an unregulated stranger.

Final Thoughts

Ayahuasca may promise profound healing, but the risks are simply too high.

Behind the romanticized Instagram posts, there are real stories of death, sexual assault, missing persons, and human trafficking. These tragedies are not rare outliers — they are a growing and disturbing trend.

Stay safe. Stay aware. And don’t gamble your life on a psychedelic promise.

About the Author

 About the Author:

Ethan Wells is an independent writer and researcher with a passion for exposing the dangers of unregulated spiritual practices and the dark side of alternative healing industries. With a focus on the intersection of spirituality, legality, and ethics. Ethan Wells aims to educate readers on how to navigate these spaces safely. Through in-depth analysis and real-life case studies, they seek to shed light on practices that often remain hidden from the public eye. Ethan Wells is dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and spiritual journeys.

email: ethanwellsmind@gmail.com