Controversial church that uses hallucinogens in services looking for fresh start in Maine

A church that uses a hallucinogen during their services has moved to Maine for a fresh start.

It’s called Pachamama Sanctuary. It’s on 40 acres of land in Casco and serves as a retreat center and church.

“People in the community come here to make a connection with the spirit, with God, higher power, whatever they decide to call it,” said Derek Januszewski, founding pastor of the church.

Januszewski says they just moved their center from New Hampshire to the location in Maine after facing zoning problems with their old building.

Januszewski says the town’s zoning board wanted them to make changes like install different doors, and put in exit signs.

They weren't ready to make changes so the town issued him an injunction forcing them to stop doing ceremonies.

“I had to pay some lawyer fees, around $3,600. If I continued, they were gonna charge me a really big fine,” said Januszewski.

That’s when Januszewski decided it was time to find a new property and create a fresh start.

This new space and new state best suit their needs.

“It was really spirit-led,” Januszewski said. “Once we came here and realized how beautiful this place was and how serene and private and here we are."

He says this church’s practice seems unusual or controversial to some people. That’s because they use ayahuasca tea during ceremonies, which is a hallucinogen.

Members refer to the tea as medicine.

“When consumed it creates a mystical, spiritual experience,” said Januszewski.

He says it allows folks to dive into their past, into their traumas, and grief or shame.

“That energy comes up in ceremonies and we can see it a lot more clearly,” he said.

Some members say Maine is the best place for their practices. They feel connected to nature.

Lane Strahan says this church changed her life.

“I really care about how the medicine will transform your life without the longevity of doctors pills,” said Strahan.

Januszewski hopes Casco will be accepting and understanding of their practices.