WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether a church in New Mexico can continue using hallucinogenic tea in its religious services.
At issue is whether use of the tea is protected under freedom of religion laws.
The hoasca tea contains a drug banned under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
The Bush administration contends the tea is illegal and use of it is potentially dangerous for church members.
Justices agreed Monday to review a lower court ruling that allowed the Brazil-based church to import and use the tea while the case was appealed.
The church -- O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal -- has about 140 members in the United States.
The church says the tea is a central sacrament in its religious practice.
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Is drug use even protected under freedom of religion?
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