About Sugarleaf

I am Reverend Heidi Grossman, I founded Sugarleaf Church in 2014 in Yuba and Yolo County, CA., and I have dedicated my life to providing a spiritually safe, educational, and supportive environment for our Members to exercise their religious and spiritual freedoms. We use Entheogenic Sacraments, such as Cannabis and Psilocybin Mushrooms, to facilitate spiritual healing and a deeper connection with the Divine Creator.

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By 2017 we had 365 cultivation sites and 160 Church sites and over 30,000 members across the U.S.  After over 20+ unlawful raids and winning 27 RFRA criminal cases, and the passage of Proposition 64, we faced significant challenges; spiritually, legally and politically.  As the largest Cannabis network in the state of California, I refused to comply with the theft of our medicines the government called Prop. 64. 

 

I continued to exercise my religious rights and defend my Members. I sued, in pro per, several government agencies, law enforcement officers, code officers, DA’s, and Judges costing them several millions of dollars in legal and administrative fees.

 

On 7-10-2017 I filed a federal suit against several individuals in Yuba, Yolo, Calaveras, Sacramento, Trinity Counties and the FBI. Those very individuals that raided us stole all our evidence against them.

 

I was arrested on October 3, 2017. I faced 28 felony counts, PC182/HS11358(c)- F -Conspiracy to Cultivate Marijuana  & PC182/HS11359(b)- F -Conspiracy to Sell Marijuana. Over 30,000 pounds of Sacraments were seized in Yuba and Sacramento counties, leading to a high-profile case against me and the Church. The media's narrative and misinformation was one of the biggest challenges we faced and unfortunately, we had to shut down.  

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Despite the enormous pressures, including a substantial 2-billion-dollar lien, I successfully defended our religious use of Sacraments under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and other applicable laws. This landmark case The State of California v. Heidi (2017) solidified our standing and highlighted our unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedoms.

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I continue to operate and advocate for the religious and spiritual rights of individuals and communities, combating religious prejudice and unjust governmental interference.

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Today, Sugarleaf Church is rebuilding its physical, delivery, cultivation locations, and welcoming new Members after its survival. We are a part of the Great Awakening, a non-denominational enlightened community focused on the safe and responsible use of Sacraments in Sacred Ceremonies. We respect and integrate various religious traditions, believing that Sacraments are Sacred gifts from the Creator and Mother Earth, used to foster personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and community healing.

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I offer consulting on RFRA 1983 criminal cases and how to use the best practices for Entheogenic Churches to stay compliant. I am a qualified expert witness (I do not charge a fee for victims of the drug war). I can also help you open a branch of the Church.

   

For further insights into Sugarleaf Church's legal victories and spiritual practices, explore the following resources:

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• CBS News Coverage of Initial Case Crossing State Lines With Sacrament at the Stockton Airport

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• Davis Vanguard Interview with Attorney Joseph Tully   

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• Cross Examination Document of Arresting Officer Brandon Speanrs Stating, He raided me because I called my operations a "Church"

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• Supreme Court Case Reference UDV Decision

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We currently have a case pending in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we request your prayers for Pastor Tony Rigato, who served as the leader of ONA Sugarleaf Church Nevada in 2017. Pastor Rigato, whom I mentioned in the CBS News interview above, was arrested again in Nevada in 2019 for his activities related to the Church.

 

Despite facing over 30 years in prison, Pastor Rigato has bravely stood his ground, rejecting a plea deal of mere probation, and insisting on his right to a trial. This unjust case has dragged on for five years, showcasing the systemic corruption and religious discrimination at play. We are determined to expose these injustices to the highest levels. As soon as the District Attorney sets the trial date (I doubt they will), we will keep you informed. Pastor Rigato's fight is not just his own; it is a stand against the corruption and lies that threaten our religious freedoms. 

 

My dedication and leadership continue to inspire and guide the members of Sugarleaf Church towards a future of spiritual growth and religious freedom. I will continue this fight to uphold our right to use of sacraments, consistent with constitutional and legal protections. God Bless! Rev. Heidi