World's largest psychedelic church is shutting down in San Francisco

The Church of Ambrosia, recognized as the world's largest psychedelic church, is announcing the closure of its San Francisco location. Pastor Dave Hodges has cited harassment and religious discrimination from the city's planning department as primary reasons for this unfortunate decision. The church operates as an entheogenic establishment, providing its members with various sacramental substances, including cannabis, mushrooms, and DMT, believing that these tools help individuals access their True selves and find answers in life. With a membership of around 120,000, the church has become a significant community in the area, with another location in Oakland still operational. The church's troubles began with attempts to make renovations, such as replacing a sliding door and securing its ground-level windows. Although these modifications were necessary for safety and structural integrity, Pastor Hodges claims the church was met with continued scrutiny and additional requests for costly improvements from the city authorities. He expressed concerns that even if the church complied with the current demands, new issues may arise, leading to ongoing conflict. The Planning Department, however, disputes the pastor's claims, asserting that there are ongoing code violations related to electrical and plumbing issues and that some alterations were made without proper permits. According to Dan Sider, Chief of Staff for the Planning Department, the city has taken steps to facilitate smoother processes and lower fees for small businesses, including organizations like the Church of Ambrosia. Nevertheless, the church perceives the scrutiny as targeted harassment. As of now, the last day of operation for the San Francisco location is set for December 28, 2024, indicating a quick approach to its closure. Pastor Hodges remains hopeful about the possibility of returning to the city in the future, pondering how the church could continue its mission of spiritual enlightenment and community while navigating the complexities of local regulations. The fallout from this dispute raises questions about the intersection of religious freedom, local governance, and the treatment of unusual faith practices within urban environments.