Zide Door Church: Legal Battle for Entheogenic Rights in Oakland

The Zide Door Church of Entheogenic Plants, located in Oakland, is embroiled in a legal battle with the city and local law enforcement following a 2020 raid. The church, which advocates for the use of magic mushrooms to facilitate spiritual experiences, asserts that the raid violated its constitutional and religious rights.

Founded by Dave Hodges, the Zide Door Church serves as a local chapter for followers of the Church of Ambrosia, a religious organization promoting the use of entheogenic plants such as cannabis and magic mushrooms. Hodges claims a membership of 60,000 individuals who contribute $5 per month and make donations in exchange for sacramental substances.

Hodges himself advocates for high doses of mushrooms, ranging from 15 to 25 grams, which he believes induce profound spiritual visions and facilitate encounters with divine entities. Despite the legality of cannabis in California and the decriminalization of mushrooms in Oakland, the church was raided in 2020, resulting in the confiscation of approximately $200,000 worth of substances. While no arrests were made, Hodges alleges a violation of the church’s rights.

In response, the Zide Door Church has filed a lawsuit seeking damages and a permanent injunction to operate freely in Oakland. Hodges emphasizes the importance of holding the Oakland Police Department accountable for their actions. The lawsuit centers on religious freedom, citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which permits certain religious groups to use banned substances.

Although the church resumed its operations shortly after the raid without further interference from law enforcement, Hodges pursued legal action before the statute of limitations expired. He argues that entheogenic plants play a crucial role in human understanding and spiritual growth.

Operating as a physical location for distributing sacraments, the church also conducted Sunday services prior to the pandemic. Hodges dismisses accusations of the church functioning solely as a dispensary, asserting genuine religious beliefs among its members.

While Hodges admits to delivering sermons inspired by mushroom experiences, he refrains from doing so in public settings due to the intimate nature of the experience. Despite legal challenges, the Zide Door Church remains steadfast in its mission to provide spiritual exploration through entheogenic practices.