Santuário Céu de Aparecida logoSantuárioCéu de Aparecida
Menu

Religious use of ayahuasca in Brazil

Regulation, self-regulation and responsibility.

Brazil’s religious use of ayahuasca is guided by ethical principles consolidated by the National Council on Drug Policy. At the Sanctuary, these references are combined with registered bylaws, internal regulations and practical safeguards.

Santuário Céu de Aparecida at sunset in rural Matão, São Paulo, Brazil
01

Brazilian framework

What Resolution CONAD No. 1/2010 represents

Resolution CONAD No. 1 of January 25, 2010 consolidated decisions and ethical principles concerning the religious use of ayahuasca in Brazil. It recognizes the historical legitimacy of ritual and religious use while setting references for responsible practice.

Among these references are use within religious rituals, in places authorized by their respective direction, and the prohibition of combining ayahuasca with illicit psychoactive substances.

The resolution is not an automatic authorization for any practice. Each religious organization remains responsible for its structure, decisions, internal procedures and compliance with other applicable rules.

02

Institutional maintenance

A contribution is not the sale of ayahuasca

Resolution CONAD No. 1/2010 prohibits the commercialization of ayahuasca and financial advantage as payment for its production or consumption. It distinguishes this from contributions intended for the maintenance and regular operation of religious organizations, according to their traditions and bylaws.

At the Sanctuary, a suggested contribution supports ceremony costs and maintenance of the space. It is not a purchase of medicine and never guarantees participation.

Financial circumstances should not become an absolute barrier. The direction may consider a smaller contribution, donation of materials, help with maintenance or a social place, according to the possibilities of each gathering.

03

Communication limits

No advertising of effects or therapeutic promises

The Brazilian ethical framework advises organizations to avoid commercial practices, advertising effects and tourism packages associated with ayahuasca. Therapeutic use is addressed as a field of experimental research, not an automatic purpose of religious ceremonies.

The Sanctuary therefore does not market ayahuasca as treatment, promise healing, diagnose conditions or present a ceremony as a substitute for medical, psychological or other professional care.

04

Self-regulation

Bylaws, internal rules and institutional guidelines

Responsibility is not limited to an external resolution. The Sanctuary has registered bylaws, constituted direction, internal deliberations, activity reports, study-group regulations and ethical guidelines.

Nine principles guide everyday practice: non-specialism, non-intervention, free will, silent listening and presence, care with words, spiritual humility, service and fellowship, respect for Indigenous traditions, and autonomy with personal responsibility.

05

Practical application

How responsibility appears in each ceremony

Every first-time participant completes a health questionnaire and interview, even when they have experience elsewhere. First-time participants also receive preparatory guidance and attend an in-person orientation circle.

Ceremonies have limited attendance and are supported by directors and guardians. Care includes the environment, fire, circulation, music, silence, speech, free choice and assistance throughout the ritual.

After the ceremony, listening and integration remain available. Psychologists associated with the temple may offer initial support within professional boundaries when appropriate.

06

Responsible reading

What this page does not claim

This page explains how the Sanctuary understands and applies institutional references in its own context. It does not replace the full legal texts, constitute legal advice or suggest that compliance with one resolution exhausts every legal, health, environmental, administrative or professional obligation.

Public rules and guidance may change. The direction follows official sources and reviews its procedures when necessary.

Prepared and reviewed by the direction of Santuário Céu de Aparecida · Updated August 3, 2026.

Sources and limits of this content

Sources