Is Ayahuasca legal in United Kingdom?

Legal status

In the United Kingdom the ayahuasca brew is treated simply as DMT: N,N-dimethyltryptamine is a Class A controlled drug under Schedule 2, Part I of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (the entry extends to any stereoisomeric form, ester, ether or salt), so the DMT-containing brew is a Class A preparation and there is NO religious or traditional-use exemption for ayahuasca.

Consequences if caught

Possession, production, import or supply of the ayahuasca brew is prosecuted as a Class A drug offence (possession up to 7 years; supply or importation up to life imprisonment), and UK courts have convicted ayahuasca importers without accepting a religious defence.

If prescribed or medical

Ayahuasca/DMT has no prescription status; DMT is a Schedule 1 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, meaning no recognised medical use and Home Office licence only for research.

Documentation

MDA 1971 Schedule 2, Part I names dimethyltryptamine as Class A; the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 is not needed here because DMT is already an individually named controlled drug.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Kingdom’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.