10th Circuit Allows Utah to Prosecute Religious Psychedelic Use
The 10th Circuit overturned an injunction blocking Utah's prosecution of Singularism's founder.
Why it matters: This ruling affects how courts balance religious freedom with state drug enforcement and clarifies limits on federal courts interrupting state cases. It is crucial for white collar and litigation professionals navigating religious rights and criminal law conflicts.
- 10th Circuit overturned the injunction on October 5, 2026, allowing Utah's criminal case to proceed.
- Bridger Jensen, founder of Singularism, is prosecuted for religious use of 450 grams of psilocybin mushrooms seized in 2024.
- Federal court injunction in 2025 halted prosecution citing religious freedom concerns but was reversed under the Younger abstention doctrine.
- The appellate court remanded Jensen's religious freedom claim under Utah's Religious Freedom Restoration Act to the lower court for further review.
On October 5, 2026, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a federal injunction that had prevented Utah from prosecuting Bridger Jensen, the founder of the religious group Singularism, for the use of psychedelic mushrooms as a sacrament. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Jill Parrish in 2025, had blocked state criminal proceedings on the basis of religious freedom.
The case began when Provo City police seized 450 grams of psilocybin mushrooms and related religious scriptures from Singularism's center in November 2024. Utah authorities charged Jensen for possession and use of these controlled substances.
In its ruling, the 10th Circuit applied the Younger abstention doctrine, emphasizing that federal courts should generally not interfere with ongoing state criminal prosecutions. The court held that Jensen did not prove the state's case was filed in bad faith or would cause irreparable harm, criteria vital to justify federal court intervention.
Judge Robert Bacharach noted the legal tension: “This appeal involves the intersection between the exercise of religion and a state's authority to criminalize drug use.” He added that the distinction does not violate free exercise rights. Jensen's attorney, Tanner Bean, pointed out that the underlying Religious Freedom Restoration Act claim remains unresolved and was sent back to the district court for further consideration.
This decision underscores ongoing conflicts between state drug laws and claims of religious freedom, especially as states vary in their enforcement approaches. It clarifies the limitations of federal courts in blocking state prosecutions absent clear evidence of bad faith.
Legal professionals monitoring developments in religious rights, drug policy enforcement, and federalism will find this ruling significant as it shapes the interplay among these areas.
By the numbers:
- 450 grams — psilocybin mushrooms seized by Utah police in 2024
- 2025 — year federal injunction was issued to halt prosecution
- October 5, 2026 — date of 10th Circuit appellate ruling allowing prosecution
Yes, but: The appellate court did not resolve Jensen's claim under Utah's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, leaving significant legal questions on religious use of controlled substances open.
What's next: The case will now proceed in Utah state court, where Jensen's religious freedom claim under the state law will be reconsidered by the lower court.