Conditions that categorically prevent participation
If any of the following apply, you cannot participate in a Ceremonia retreat. These are not judgment calls, they are clinical safety requirements.
Active or untreated psychosis
Psychedelics can trigger or worsen psychotic episodes. This is a standard absolute contraindication in every FDA-phase psychedelic trial.
Uncontrolled bipolar I disorder (active mania or rapid cycling)
Mania risk is too high. Psilocybin and ayahuasca can destabilize mood in ways that are dangerous and difficult to contain in a retreat setting.
Severe uncontrolled hypertension (>160/100)
Both psilocybin and ayahuasca transiently raise blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension creates serious cardiovascular risk during a ceremony.
Recent myocardial infarction (<6 months) or severe cardiac arrhythmia
Cardiac stress during a ceremony is well-documented. Recent MI or unstable arrhythmia makes this risk unacceptable.
Acute liver failure or active cirrhosis
Psilocybin and ayahuasca are hepatically metabolized. Active liver disease significantly alters drug clearance and increases toxicity risk.
Uncontrolled seizure disorder or recent seizure (<6 months)
Psychedelics lower seizure threshold in some individuals. Uncontrolled seizure disorder is a disqualifying condition.
Pregnancy or active breastfeeding
Teratogenic risk is unknown; ethical barriers are absolute. Pregnancy disqualifies participation at any stage.
Acute suicidality with active plan
Active suicidality with a specific plan requires crisis intervention, not a psychedelic retreat. This is a safety-first referral situation.
Active uncontrolled substance abuse
Uncontrolled addiction suggests difficulty with impulse regulation and increases risk of adverse reactions. Addiction in stable recovery is assessed individually.
Pharmaceutical MAOI use (not including ayahuasca-containing plants)
Pharmaceutical MAOIs combined with the serotonergic load of psilocybin or the MAOI in ayahuasca create serious hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome risk.
Conditions requiring specialist review or individual assessment
Tier 2 conditions do not automatically disqualify you. They require deeper screening, and in some cases, clearance from a psychiatrist, cardiologist, or pharmacist before we can accept your application.
Controlled bipolar II disorder
Possible with careful screening, psychiatrist involvement, and retreat-type matching. Individual assessment required; active cycling disqualifies.
History of psychosis (in remission 2+ years, stable medication)
Long-term stability on medication and psychiatric clearance are required. We assess relapse risk, medication interaction, and current insight.
Hypertension controlled on medication
Requires pharmacist review of the specific antihypertensive and its interaction profile with psilocybin. Many are compatible with close monitoring.
Stable cardiovascular disease with cardiologist clearance
A history of cardiac events does not automatically disqualify if the condition is stable and a cardiologist has reviewed participation.
Controlled seizure disorder (2+ years seizure-free on medication)
Long-term seizure freedom on a stable medication regimen may allow participation. Anticonvulsant-psilocybin interaction review required.
Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
Blood glucose management during a ceremony requires a specific protocol. Medication interactions are reviewed individually.
SSRI/SNRI use (retreat-type dependent)
For psilocybin retreats, SSRIs and SNRIs are Tier 2, requiring pharmacist-reviewed tapering. For ayahuasca, they are Tier 1 (serotonin syndrome risk). See medication interactions.
Medication contraindications
Many psychiatric medications interact with psilocybin and ayahuasca. Medication contraindications are handled separately, with pharmacist review, because the risk profile depends on the specific drug, dose, retreat type, and individual health status. See medication interactions and medication tapering.
If you have a Tier 1 contraindication
A Tier 1 condition does not close the door permanently. It means now is not the right time. Options include: integration coaching to work on the underlying condition, referral to a trauma-specialized therapist who can help stabilize you for future consideration, or returning when your condition is in remission.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, start with a connection call. We will tell you honestly.