Soul Quest Shut Down: What Happened to Florida’s Most Controversial Ayahuasca Church?

Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth, located in Orlando, Florida, was established in 2015 by Chris Young and his wife, Verena. The church aimed to provide spiritual healing through traditional Amazonian plant medicines, notably ayahuasca and kambo. Over its years of operation, Soul Quest attracted a diverse membership, including many military veterans seeking relief from PTSD and other traumas.

Missions and Offerings

Soul Quest’s mission centered on offering individuals an opportunity to heal from various life challenges—such as PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and depression—through the sacramental use of ayahuasca. The church positioned itself as a spiritual learning and healing center, emphasizing education, fellowship, and guidance rooted in Mother Earth-based traditions. Retreats typically spanned weekends, featuring multiple ayahuasca ceremonies complemented by other traditional practices like kambo rituals.

Legal Challenges and Controversies

From its inception, Soul Quest faced significant legal hurdles. The primary concern was the use of ayahuasca, which contains DMT—a substance classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. In an effort to legitimize their practices, the church applied for a religious exemption from the DEA, seeking the right to use ayahuasca as a sacrament. However, the DEA denied this exemption, leading to ongoing legal battles.
The most severe controversy arose in 2018 with the tragic death of 22-year-old participant Brandon Begley. After partaking in multiple ceremonies involving ayahuasca and kambo over a short period, Begley suffered a fatal seizure attributed to hyponatremia, caused by excessive water intake. Critically, there was a delay of over three hours before emergency services were contacted.
This incident led to a wrongful death lawsuit, culminating in a 2024 court ruling that found Soul Quest and Chris Young guilty of negligence. The court ordered them to pay $15 million in damages to Begley’s family. Despite reporting substantial income in previous years, Soul Quest filed for bankruptcy, claiming an inability to fulfill the financial judgment.

Closure and Aftermath

In August 2024, following the court’s decision and financial strains, Soul Quest announced its closure. In a statement, Chris Young expressed that the church had been a target of religious discrimination and emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of ayahuasca churches. He also indicated a commitment to assisting others in establishing similar churches and continuing the mission in collaboration with indigenous leaders.

Community Impact and Legacy

Throughout its operation, Soul Quest served over 20,000 individuals, many of whom reported profound healing experiences. Testimonials highlighted significant personal transformations, particularly among veterans dealing with PTSD. However, the church also faced criticism regarding its practices, safety protocols, and the cultural appropriation of indigenous traditions.

The closure of Soul Quest underscores the complex landscape of psychedelic-assisted spiritual practices in the United States. It highlights the tension between emerging alternative healing modalities and existing legal frameworks, raising important questions about religious freedom, safety standards, and cultural sensitivity.

As the discourse around psychedelics and their therapeutic potential continues to evolve, the story of Soul Quest serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the profound impact such practices can have on individuals seeking healing and transformation.