A San Francisco “psychedelic church” that gained national attention for its adherence to the “spiritual power” of psilocybin mushrooms will be closing its doors by the end of the year. Zide Door will close its location in the city’s SOMA neighborhood with its pastor citing harassment from the San Francisco Planning Department.
The church, according to a press release, was the “victim of a city planning department bent on expelling the institution,” according to Pastor Dave Hodges.
Zide Door was opened by the Church of Ambrosia in April of 2023. The church will maintain its founding site in Oakland where it will continue to serve its 120,000 members, according to Pastor Hodges.
“The Oakland church showcases an impressive mural and other significant psychedelic art,” the news release said.
According to Hodges, SF Planning Department officials have targeted the church with “mandates for structural updates,” some of which were not required when the church opened. Hodges also cited a “political climate for psychedelics” he said has deteriorated since State Sen. Scott Wiener’s “magic mushroom bill” SB1012 stalled in committee.
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