About Sugarleaf Church

 

Sugarleaf Church was founded in 2014 by Reverend Heidi Grossman-Lepp, continuing the legacy of her late husband, Reverend Eddy Lepp, a combat veteran and cannabis freedom fighter. Sugarleaf was born out of faith, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that sacred natural medicine is a God-given right for spiritual growth and healing.From the beginning, Sugarleaf has stood as a sanctuary for members seeking connection with the Creator through sacraments such as cannabis, psilocybin, peyote, and other sacred herbs. These sacraments are not commercial        products — they are blessed, tested, and offered only within ceremony and sacred intention.Our mission has always been to create safe, compassionate spaces where members can heal, pray, and walk their spiritual journey in freedom.

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Heidi’s Legacy

Reverend Heidi Grossman-Lepp is a nationally recognized spiritual leader and expert witness in the religious use of entheogenic medicine. She has dedicated her life to protecting the rights of spiritual communities and guiding members through ceremony, education, and legal defense.
Her ministry is deeply influenced by her late husband, Reverend Eddy Lepp, who served more than 8 years in federal prison for operating a 32,000-plant sacramental garden exclusively for religious use. Their courage and sacrifice helped shape the foundation for religious protection of natural medicine in the United States.
Reverend Heidi has since defended dozens of cases, served as an expert witness, and trained church leaders across the nation. Her legacy is one of faith, resilience, and unshakable belief in spiritual freedom.

Legal Protections

Sugarleaf Church — and every branch — operates under exclusive federal protections rooted in the Constitution and federal law. These safeguards ensure that members can practice their faith sincerely without fear of discrimination or persecution.
Your rights are protected by:

•  Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) – Protects sincere religious use of sacraments.

•  First Amendment – Guarantees freedom of religion.

•  Fifth Amendment (Double Jeopardy Clause) – Prevents re-prosecution for sacramental use.

•  Fourteenth Amendment – Ensures equal protection and due process.

• Landmark Cases:

  • Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita (2006) – Supreme Court upheld sacramental ayahuasca use.

  • People v. Woody (1964) – California recognized the religious use of peyote.

  • Church of the Holy Light v. Mukasey (2009) – Affirmed sacramental Daime use.

 These rulings, combined with decades of advocacy, mean Sugarleaf members stand on a firm foundation of legal and spiritual protection.

Victories & Resistance

Since its creation, Sugarleaf Church has endured more than 20 raids across multiple states — and prevailed in over 30 separate legal cases. In every instance, our sincerity, structure, and faith have carried us through.

• In 2017, Reverend Heidi faced 28 felony charges after a multi-agency raid in California. Every charge was dismissed or resulted in a hung jury, reaffirming the church’s legal protection.

• Sugarleaf has fought and won cases in California, Michigan, Florida, Utah, Texas, Nevada, Hawaii, and New Mexico.

• To this day, Sugarleaf Church has never lost a case involving sincere religious use of sacraments.

Our victories are not just for us — they are for every member, every branch, and every future generation. They prove that faith, structure, and courage can overcome fear and persecution.

How Waco Fits In

The Waco Branch was created to carry Sugarleaf’s mission into the heart of Texas. Our community faces unique challenges — from veterans struggling with PTSD, to families seeking alternatives for healing, to individuals searching for deeper spiritual connection.
In Waco, we seek to:

• Provide a sacred sanctuary for prayer, ceremony, and community support.

• Help local veterans and families heal from trauma, depression, and addiction through sacred medicine.

• Offer education and guidance about responsible spiritual use of sacraments.

• Stand as a beacon of freedom in Texas, ensuring that sincere spiritual practice is honored and protected.

 The Waco Branch is more than a church location — it is a commitment to healing, faith, and freedom for the people of Central Texas.