Towards Better Ayahuasca Practices

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TOWARDS BETTER AYAHUASCA PRACTICES A GUIDE FOR ORGANIZERS AND PARTICIPANTS Year of edition: 2019 Authors of the guide: ICEERS Foundation Authors of the text: David Londoño, Jerónimo Mazarrasa, Marc B. Aixalà Proofreading and editing: Òscar Parés, José Carlos Bouso Graphic Design: Alba Teixidor Cover photography: © Carlos Suárez Álvarez Photograph page 9: © Temple of the Way of Light / Matthew Watherston Photograph page 23: © Temple of the Way of Light / Claude Rigaud Photograph page 37: © Temple of the Way of Light / David Vasiljec Other photos: Benjamin De Loenen

This document is in constant evolution and is open to contributions. Write to [email protected] to suggest improvements or to be kept up to date of future versions. TOWARDS BETTER AYAHUASCA PRACTICES A GUIDE FOR ORGANIZERS AND PARTICIPANTS

INDEX

For Participants / 09 INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

For Organizers / 23 COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

For All / 33 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

Annexes / 37 RESOURCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY

This document is a compilation of better practices for the use of ayahuasca in non- Amazonian contexts. It covers individual, collective and legal responsibilities.

Ayahuasca is a decoction of different plants with a long history of use in the Amazon, where very old records of its use by native peoples exist. In the last few decades the use of this preparation has been expanding beyond its original context, now reaching many countries outside of the Amazon. One of the consequenc- es of this expansion has been the appearance of new forms of use, which in turn have brought new therapeutic potentials as well as new risks. It is evident that native communities of the Amazon and other peoples with a long history of ayahuasca use do not need a guide like this. Ayahuasca is part of their cultural and spiritual systems, which include safe ways of working with the effects of the preparation, as well as methods for integrating them into the everyday life of the community. On the contrary, this document is aimed at people who organize or participate in ayahuasca sessions outside of Amazonian contexts. The objective of this guide is to present a series of minimum safety standards to support ayahuasca sessions in non-Ama- zonian contexts, as well as to inform potential participants of ayhausca sessions, so that they can better assess the safety and responsibility of the sessions in which they are going to participate, and thus make informed choices. This document is in constant evolution and is open to contributions. Write to [email protected] to suggest improvements or to be kept up to date of future versions.

PARAFOR PARTICIPANTS QUIEN PARTICIPA ResponsabilidadIndividual individualResponsibility 10 10 / FOR / PARA PARTICIPANTS QUIEN PARTICIPA ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● It’s alittlemorecomplicated, seebelow). probably nottake ayahuascaLongversion: you fromridingarollercoaster, youshould (Short version:ifyourhealthwouldprevent in “safetyandexclusioncriteria”) certain seriousmental problems(seebelow give youayahuasca. of desireto take it. contraindications withayahuascaisthelack pressuring youto doit.Oneof themain effects andcontraindications. NOT RECOMMENDED IF... TAKING AYAHUASCA IS You are notapersoningood physicalhealth You are pregnantoryou thinkyoumightbe. You have apersonalorfamily history of You are taking antidepressants. You do nottrusttheperson whoisgoingto You do itbecauseother people are You do notknowwhatayahuasca is,its

11 / INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 12 / FOR PARTICIPANTS decisions sessions, sothatyoucan makemore informed well asbasic safetyinformationforayahuasca potential risksandbenefits ofayahuasca, as Here youwillfind informationaboutthe 1 Visitthislink iceers.org/ayasafe10 1 . who accompanies and assists the participants. theayahuascaand for thesessionwhoserves say, there is always a person who is responsible there isapersonguidingthesessions.Thatto what they all have in common is the fact that Although thereisalotof varietybetween them, gions, to neo-shamanic and therapeutic circles. zonian vegetalistas andBrazilianayahuascareli many forms,from indigenous shamans,Ama for morethantwo decades. This presence has countries therehasbeenayahuasca presence spiritual or therapeutic development. In many countries that approach it as a tool for personal, ing, globalizingandreaching people inother gious rituals. In recent years its use is expand of theirtraditionalmedicine,aswellinreli ples oftheAmazonhaveusedthisdrinkaspart Amazonian origin.For centuries,variouspeo Ayahuasca is a decoction of different plants of About Ayahuasca forfurtherinfo.

- - - - - good parts ofone’slife. conflicts, fears and difficult emotions, but also the beautiful and kind of mirror of one’s interior, where one can see the internal emotional intensity than normal. Many consider ayahuasca as a scious or unconscious, which are experienced with greater from the past and other psychological materials, either con Effects include frequent emergence of memories and images Psychological Level other medications.(seesectionofcontraindicationsbelow). with pathologies should be extra careful, especially if they take ayahuasca is physiologically very safe for healthy people, those conditions might be more affected. For this reason, although fect everyone in the same way, for example people with previous Keep in mind that these physiological modifications do not af in blood pressure (without reaching pathological parameters.) hormones, modulation of the immune system, and an increase that manifest as transient modifications, the release of certain Ayahuasca, acting on the brain, produces biological effects Biological Level Levels oftheexperience emotional andenergeticcleansing. vomiting and diarrhea, which is often interpreted as aform of thinking and perceiving reality. Physically, the intake can cause where it is common to have visions and changes in the way of hours. Ayahuasca induces a modified state of consciousness 15 and 60 minutes after ingestion, and last between 2 and 5 In the short term, the effects of ayahuasca usually start between Effects

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13 / INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 14 / FOR PARTICIPANTS group to group and person to person, but it can be affirmed that on the life of each individual is unpredictable and varies from ality. In the medium and long term the effect that ayahuasca has person to have changes in their conception of themself and re The combination of the afore-mentioned effects can lead the Ontological commonly feelsorexperiences. logical, religious or spiritual dimensions, surpasssing what one beyond one’s ordinary experience, and are ascribed to mytho clude experiences of access or contact with realities that go Spiritual or transpersonal level: The effects can sometimes in Spiritual ortranspersonallevel endeavor is necessary before and after theayahuasca. apeutic benefit that is sustained over time, a broader therapeutic it isnot enough seems established is that,althoughayahuasca can help, in general relationship problems, etc. The spectrum is broad, however, what more common issues, such as life purpose, professional problems emotional pain,childhood trauma andacceptance ofdeath, to from depression, of therapeutic results for people with a range of problems ranging and thesocialcontext, theeffects mayvary, buttherearereports pending on the situation of each person, their previous history benefits, bothpersonalandintheirimmediate environment.De extended process with ayahuasca claim to have received clear entific studies, there are many accounts of people who after an and their surroundings. Although there is still a lack of broad sci ing people find a more comfortable relationship with themselves Some scholars believe that ayahuasca acts as an Benefits huasca shouldkeepinmind. viduals; this is something that people interested in taking aya it can sometimes prompt very deep changes in the life of indi

justto take ayahuasca burn-out , grief, compulsiveuseofdrugs, guilt, . In orderto produceather adaptogen , help ------people withnoknownhistory oftheseproblems. history of psychological problems, but in other cases they were cases there was a preexisting psychiatric condition, or a family medication or even continued treatment. In some of these cases where people have had psychotic breaks, which required hours. There also have been very rare longer than the usual 4-6 quently. It is possible that after taking ayahuasca the effects last There are also some additional situations that occur very infre security measurestaken bytheorganizers vomit, etc. The key here is the pose* added risks, such as falls, bruises, or choking on one’s own prevented or resolved, but without proper attention they im in rare cases, fainting. With proper care, these episodes can be to well. For example, in higher doses, it can cause dizziness and, certain dangers, especially if the person is not being attended During the session, the acute effects of ayahuasca may involve Risks

to theuseofayahuascaare: In general,thekeysto reducetherisksrelated ●Adequate integration of theexperience ●Acontrolledcontext ofthe intake ● ● Adequate previouspsychological A rigorouspre-evaluation bythe preparation oftheparticipants pathologies the appearanceofaforementioned organizers, to assessthepossibilityof quality of the attention . and the - -

15 / INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 16 / FOR PARTICIPANTS that can serve as a starting point. that canserve professionals in this field, ICEERS offers a free support service this type of process. Although there are not many specialized pretation along with people who have experience assisting with prudence, not to jump to conclusions, and explore the inter fore decidingwhattheyreallymean,itisconvenientto actwith expressions of theunconscious dimension of theperson.Be shamans. Sometimes thesemessagesarenotliteral truths,but that they have suffered abuse, or that they are or should be that ayahuasca “told them” to leave their job or their partner, has emerged during the session. For example, people may feel have to dowithdangerousinterpretations of thematerial that appear after the session, perhaps long after the session, that Additionally, thereareaseriesof moresubtlerisks,whichcan 2 at luminate parts of people’slivesthatareunclearorunconscious. It ismoreuseful to understand itasaflashlight, whichhelpsto il nor ashortcut intheoften difficult processof personalgrowth. Ayahuasca is notapanaceaor amagiccure. It isnotinfallible, iceers.org/ayasafe11 - - - 2 cal supervision. work with ayahuasca is accompanied by adequate psychologi depression, suicide attempts or self-harm, it is essential that the nia, borderline personality, etc. If a person has a history of severe tacks, serious psychiatric disorders such as bipolar, schizophre Ayahuasca is not indicated for people suffering from panic at Psychological contraindications Ayahuasca is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. should alsoavoidingestingayahuasca. tritis, digestive hemorrhage.Those who have difficulty vomiting pancreas diseases, certain cases of gastroduodenal ulcer or gas accidents. Also, those with serious liver, gallbladder, kidney or diseases; tuberculosis; epilepsy,;convulsions; cerebrovascular vere hypertension; fractures; recent surgeries; acute infectious cardiovascular parameters); glaucoma; retinal detachment; se ple with severe cardiovascular problems (as it slightly increases Ayahuasca is not recommended in the following cases: peo Physical contraindications Security andexclusioncriteria When notto take ayahuasca: their traditional cultural context. mon andimportant forpeoplewhoutilizeayahuascawithin terested in taking ayahuasca should know that they are com these perspectives are infrequent in the global north, those in part ofthetrainingpeopleguidingsession.Although ations inaneffective wayisconsideredto beaveryimportant that can be positive or negative. How to deal with these situ when taking ayahuasca participants are exposed to energies of other cultures to understand. According to these traditions, zonian cultures and traditions that may be difficult for people Finally, thereareanumberofriskswidelyrecognized byAma

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17 / INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 18 / FOR PARTICIPANTS such as or 5-MeO-DMT (present in other substances of natural origin Likewise, the combination of ayahuasca with bufotenin and/ recommended, as the effects can result in hypertensive crises. interact negatively with ayahuasca, so their combination is not Substances such as cocaine, amphetamines or MDMA may Incompatible psychoactivesubstances traindicated withmanyantidepressants and psychotropic drugs. tion with an effect on the serotonin system. Ayahuasca is also con inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAOI), and any drug or medica The use of ayahuasca is contraindicated with drugs or substances Pharmacological contraindications ate use,itcan worsencertain problems orgenerate newones. priately, generating greater awareness. In the case of inappropri may actasacatalyst fortherapeuticprocesseswhenusedappro sometimes presented as a panacea. However, it is only a tool that medical history, mental healthandgeneralmood.Ayahuasca is effects, risks,benefits andcontraindicationsinrelationto one’s The decisionmustbebasedonaclearknowledgeof potential dependently; theinfluence ofothers shouldneverbeafactor. The decisionto participate inasessionmustalwaysbemade If youareinterested intaking Ayahuasca this beforehand to the person guidingtheayahuascaexperience. or use daily medication (including herbal medicine) and report Finally, youshouldconsultaspecialistifhaveanytypeof illness chotherapy ormedicalcare. Ayahuasca is not and should not be used as a substitute for psy Bufo alvarius , vilcaoryopo)isalsocontraindicated.

------3 ● Some thingsto avoid: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Some signs to look for: responsible personinadvance. bothbyresearchingonlineandinterviewing the performed, It isimportant to findouthowthework/ceremony/session willbe How to chooseacenter orguide ● ● ● ● Integration andfollow-up care areofferedafter thesession. The organizers adhereto acode ofethics At the endof the session, participants areallowedto stay The guide workswithsmall groups orwithenoughassistants The origin andcomponents of theayahuascabeingserved You feel thattheguideistrustworthy. The guide hasmanyyearsof experience. People meetingthecenter’s exclusioncriteria arenot Participants gothroughapreliminary interview andfilla Detailed andobjectiveinformation onayahuascaisoffered. obtained. Noonethat promisesanyresults beforehandis solutions, orgiveguarantees abouttheresults thatwillbe at thelocationandrest/sleepuntilnextday. to attend allparticipants. ( are clearlycommunicated. Ifananalogueofayahuasca allowed to drink. health questionnaire. being honest. Guides that promise panaceas, miraclecures,quick Guides that present themselves asgurusorsaviors. iceers.org/ayasafe13 For example,thatof thePlatformfordefenseofAyahuasca, anahuasca ) isbeingusedthisclearlystated.

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19 / INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 20 / FOR PARTICIPANTS tate amorefluidandperhapssaferayahuascaexperience. healthy meals and maintaining solid physical condition to facili pare for the session a couple of days beforehand by eating light, Once a suitable guide has been chosen, participants can pre Before ayahuasca-preparation ● ● ● notifying theguide. Participants should not leave the space of the session without to realizethe potency oftheeffects. think it is not doing anything,trying to stand up is often enough plant;useitwithrespect.EvenifyouAyahuasca isapowerful become familiar with the effects of ayahuasca. First timers should start with a low dose, so that they gradually During ayahuasca-basicrecommendations definite intention (what you would like to get out of the session). sion (unrealistic expectations are frequent) while establishing a It is also very important to reduce expectations about the ses drugs intheweeksbeforeayahuasca. Avoid the consumption of alcohol, stimulants, opiates and other and arrivewellrested to thesession. 6 hours before ingesting ayahuasca. Keep your body hydrated It is usually advised that the last meal should take place about

personal reasonsforwantingto participate. Guides that engage inapproaches withsexualconnotations. Guides that show insensitivity to ordisinterest inyour Operations where thepursuit ofprofitisanobviouspriority.

- - - much morefruitfulwithaproperlytrainedperson. not be taken literally and require a process of decoding, which is you during this phase. Often the revelations of ayahuasca can do so with the support of a therapist or a person trained to help changes or start working on serious personal issues, it is best to If working with ayahuasca is leading you to consider major life in thisarena. It can also help to talk about it with a person who has experience your experience in order to internalize and anchor the contents. minimize this, for example writing down what emerged during insights can disappear in a short time. Some activities can help Without proper follow-up and integration, these revelations and just behaviors, inject new energy into certain relationships, etc. new perspectives on their life and a desire to change things, ad Often, after a session of ayahuasca, the person goes home with Integration andFollow-up the outside world. for afewhoursandto restproperlybefore drivingorreentering At theend of thesessionitisadvisableto remaininthespace huasca and theguide(s). centrate on the music, let go, and trust in the process, the aya slowly anddeeplyfromthediaphragm(vagusbreathing),con Some tips for working through difficult moments; breathe and trainingto be there to assistyou. need it.Thatiswhatguidesaretherefor, it’spartoftheirjob Do nothesitate to asktheguidefor helpwhenyoufeel

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21 / INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 22 / FOR PARTICIPANTS country may makeayahuasca illegal within its jurisdiction, as has is subject to international control. Nevertheless, each individual nor any other preparation made with plants that contain DMT certain local cases have already established, neither ayahuasca itoring compliance with international drug treaties) along with ever, as the INCB (the United Nations agency in charge of mon controlled substance both internationally and nationally. How prises ayahuasca contains DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine) a entail legal risks for the organizers. One of the plants that com ca sessions does not involve any legal risk for participants, it can In Spain, while in principle the mere fact of attending ayahuas Legal Status occurred inFrance.

- - - - PARAFOR ORGANIZERS QUIEN ORGANIZA ResponsabilidadCollective colectivaResponsibility 24 / FOR ORGANIZERS responsibility for their welfare. responsibility fortheir welfare. exchange of money, one assumes acertain substance to athirdparty, withor without Whenever one offers apsychoactive a basic premise ofayahuasca circles: The following guidelines arebasedon 5 See 4 See ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● vated anadequate theoreticalandpracticalbasethatincludes: The person or team in charge of the session should have culti Before offeringayahuascato thirdparties ● Being clearabout the purpose of theactionandethical

Extensive personal experience with the processes Protocols inplace forpreventionand reaction to dynamics Knowledge andrespect of theboundaries associated with A team of collaborators who have been trainedto give Proper preparationsincaseof adverse effects and Knowledge of non-ordinary states of consciousnessand Knowledge of first aid techniques. Knowledge of the risks andcontraindicationsof Knowledge of the pharmacology of ayahuasca ingeneral Knowledge of the legal implications related to ayahuasca. the therapist-patientrelationship. support during the session. emergency situations. different therapeuticapproaches. ayahuasca as wellabouttheayahuascawhich will be served. ayahuasca generates in people. objective. reflection onwhatmethodswillbeusedto best achieve this associated with sexual violence. iceers.org/ayasafe10 iceers.org/ayasafe14 5 .

25 / COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY 26 / FOR ORGANIZERS ● ● ● ● should includeinformationon: are duly informed and can prepare adequately. The user guide a document with information about ayahuasca so that they User Guide: Well in advance of the session send all participants Selection andpreparationofparticipants 7 Seeexampleon 6 Seeexamplein 3. 2. 1. criteria, whichincludes: Create a profile for each participant based on established safety ● ● An overview oftheprocess in its entirety.An overview The procedure andthefunctioning ofthesession. The responsibilities ofthestaff andtheparticipants. The restrictions beforeand after thesession. The implications oftaking ayahuasca. The properties ofayahuasca, its composition,its effects and potential risks. For returningparticipants: Consult theirgeneralstate and For firsttimers:Assess their personal history, currentstatus, explain its function Present theinformedconsentdocumentandclearly significant changessincethelastsession. and motivationforusingayahuasca. An individualinterview witheachoftheparticipants: A GeneralHealthQuestionnaire iceers.org/ayasafe15 iceers.org/ayasafe16 7 . 6 .

8 See ●● ●● Other suggestionsforthepreviousphase: ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ticipant. Thefollowingshouldalsobeconsidered: view, decide whether it is appropriate or not to accept each par Based on the information collected from the forms and inter

Do not acceptapersonifthere isanydoubtabouttheir If you cannotacceptaparticipant, explainthereasonswhy Only acceptpeoplewhose personal processwillnotrequire In some casesadditionaltherapeutic workmay be necessary Only acceptthosepeoplewhose healthquestionnairesdo Only acceptpeoplewhounderstand thepersonalprocess offering thesessionandparticipant. on supportandtrustisestablished betweentheperson Connection sufficient guidelines participant to prepareadequately forthesessionandoffer Intentionality suitability to participate inthesession. alternative possibilitiesforthem. the personwasexcludedfromsessionandtryto offer more resourcesthancanbeguaranteed) ayahuasca isnotspecificallycontraindicated maystillrequire disorders, severedepressionorotherailments withwhich format ofthesessionallows.(People withcertain personality more assistance (temporary orresource-wise)thanthe appropriate professional. before thesession.Ifso,personshouldbereferredto an not presentcontraindications. that theirparticipationimplies. iceers.org/ayasafe10 : Itisrecommended thatapersonal bondbased : Theprovider shouldencourage the 8 . - -

27 / COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY 28 / FOR ORGANIZERS 3. 2. 1. The personorteam inchargeofthesessionshouldbesureto: Before theSession 5. 4. is known by all membersof theteam. Have a protocol of actioninplace case of emergency that buckets, etc.) comfortable, providing mattresses, blankets, tissues, removing dangerousobjects, making the place cozy/ preparing the environment to suit theirneeds (for example, Ensure the safety andphysicalwellbeingof participants, adequate lodging and necessaryamenities. spacious. Ensuretheavailability of potable water, toilets, interference butaccessible, welcoming andsufficiently Choose asafe environment, isolated from external not be managed bya solo guide. people who participate. For safety reasons, groups should Have enough assistants/collaborators to attend to allthe by the guides should neverbe administered to others. preparation that has not been analyzedortested in advance Know theingredients and potency of the ayahuasca. A

8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. The person or team in charge of the session should make sure to: During theSession individually to ensurethattheyarein anadequate state. Before closingthesession, check eachparticipant it hasconcluded. No participantshouldleavethespaceofsessionbefore the groupaswellinteractions theyhave. Protect theintegrity, privacyandsecurityofthepeople in without supervision. Never, underanycircumstances, leaveparticipants aloneor an ethicalandprofessionalmanner. define therelationshipsbetweenguidesandparticipants in Ensure theemotionalsafetyofparticipants andclearly protocols inplaceto preventandactonthesesituations. with participants before,duringorafter thesession.Have Refrain fromanysexualcontact orseductivebehavior ensuring thewelfareofparticipants. interactions withotherpeople(staff andparticipants) and support,,ensuring therearenoharmfuldisturbancesand This includesprovidingallnecessaryemotional Guarantee the unsafe way, fromdrivingvehicles,etc.) participant, preventpeoplefromwanderingaroundinan integrity oftheparticipants (makeenoughspaceforeach includes adaptingtheenvironmentto ensurethephysical Guarantee the It isbetter to too serve littlethangiveanexcessivedose. sex, experience,healthstatus andneedsoftheparticipants. Adjust thedoseofpreparationaccordingto theage, physicalsafety emotional security

ofparticipants. This of theparticipants.

29 / COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY 30 / FOR ORGANIZERS ● Other suggestionsto maximizebenefits duringthesession: 10. 9. ●

is thecase. and nolongerrequiressupport,youarecertain that until theparticipantindicates thattheyareinastable state breathing, activelistening, presence,etc.). Maintain support pharmacological techniques to providesupport(focused experiences difficulties,proceedwithsimplenon- In case of problems: than theback. position, itisrecommendedthattheylieononesiderather suffocation fromvomiting.Iftheycannotsustain asitting This ensuresthatincaseoffainting,thereisnodanger a sittingpositioninstead oflyingdownduringthesession. Physical position own legalproblems. help to anyparticipant,evenattheriskofincurringyour The safetyoftheparticipants mustcomefirst.Neverdeny emergency ordifficultyinhandlingasituation. Know howto delegate orrequesthelpincaseof : Encourage theparticipants to remainin Inthe event thataparticipant 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. The personorteam inchargeofthesessionshould: After theSession option ofusingotherqualified professionals. required fortheintegration process,offerparticipants the If onedoesnothaveavailabilityto offerthelevelofsupport email address,andofferto maintain communication. session. Provideyourcontact information,telephone or Offer thepossibilityofadditionalsupportbeyond state ofallparticipants beforetheyleave. afinalcheckon thephysicalandpsychological Perform training. judgments orpsychologicalinterpretations withoutproper to stay withinthelimits oftheirknowledgeandnotbring an attitudeofactivelistening. Guidesareencouraged Be awareofintervening duringsharing.Ithelpsto have with someonefromtheresponsibleteam. doubts orconcernswiththerestofgroup,privately Offer participants thepossibilityto sharetheirexperience, process ofintegrating theexperience. (paper, paints, coloredpencilsto draw, etc.) to beginthe individually orcollectivelycanusedifferentmaterials Provide an available to providesupportto anyonewhomayneedit. Ensure thatinthehoursafter thesessionthereissomeone next day. to theirbedsorremainintheceremonialspaceuntil space to doso.Itisrecommendedthatparticipants return before leavingthepremisesandmakesuretheyhave Give theparticipants integration space

enough timeto rest , whereparticipants andrecover

31 / COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY 32 / FOR ORGANIZERS ● Other suggestionsforintegration /follow-up: ● with amoreexperiencedindividual. work itself shouldbecarriedoutthroughregularsupervision of theteam inchargeofthesessions,anevaluation discoveries andconnections.For thecorrectdevelopment the process,andisresponsiblefortheirownevolution, knowing thatitistheparticipantwhoactuallyleads or spiritualguidance.Itisessentialto givesupportwhile give oneindividualthecreditfortheirdeepexperiences assistant andnotgetcarriedawayifparticipants wantto Self-care: week andtwomonthslater. the integration process.A questionnairecanbesentoncea the lifeofparticipants inthelongerterm andto monitor questionnaires to measuretheimpactofexperienceon Generate Knowledge: Itisimportant to be awareofthe roleofan Data canbecollected withvalidated FORPARA ALL TODOS LegalResponsabilidad Responsibilitylegal 34 / FOR ALL detection system. that ayahuasca has become a part of the Customs Department’s though this label does not imply criminalization, it demonstrates 2011, describing it as a ‘substance of abuse of plant origin’. Al cluded ayahuasca in its report on Emerging Drugs published in The Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs in therapeutic orshamanic. or regulated for anypurpose, be itreligious, specifically prohibited, nor is it authorized Spain isnotwelldefined.Ayahuasca isnot contrary, thelegal status ofayahuasca in Despite thewidespread beliefto the Spain: Undefinedlegalstatus firmed bytheInternational NarcoticsControlBoard(INCB). itself is not under international control, which has been con medical and scientific uses. However, the ayahuasca decoction and sale are prohibited internationally, except for very limited such, DMT is considered a substance whose use, manufacture ed Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971. As (DMT), is a controlled substance listed as Schedule I on the Unit The psychoactive alkaloid in ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine International legalstatus

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35 / LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY 36 / FOR ALL Epicenter oflegalincidents worldwide DMT content. ayahuasca is considered a controlled substance because of its or offer ayahuasca to third parties may incur criminal liability if However, those who import, receive, advertise, distribute and/ huasca, the participants would not be committing any crime. is. This means that, in the event of the ceremonial use of aya inal offense in itself, but selling controlled substances to others In Spain, personal use of any controlled substance is not a crim What doesitmeanformywork? lengthy judicialproceedings. tus of ayahuasca in Spain that these interventions can end up in nomical. It is precisely because of the ambiguity of the legal sta did not involve costs for the defendants, both personal and eco tals or have been archived. This does not mean that the process trial. Most of these trials (more than 90%) have ended in acquit cidents have led to arrests, and more than twenty have gone to cidents related to ayahuasca in recent years. Many of these in Spain is the country with the largest concentration of legal in

------ANEXOSANNEXES RecursosResources y & BibliografíaBibliography 38 / ANNEXES OTHER RESOURCES interior. realidad. Sususosenpsicoterapia yenelcultivodelmundo Fericgla J.M.(2018). Psychopharmacol. 30(12):1230-1247. neuropsychological functioning,andneuroimaging review ofhumanstudiesassessingpsychiatricsymptoms, The currentstate ofresearchonayahuasca:Asystematic Dos Santos R.G.,BalthazarF.M., BousoJ.C.,HallakJ.E.(2016). indígenas Investigaciones sobreelchamanismoylasmedicinas Almendro M.(2018). BIBLIOGRAPHY Barcelona: Loslibrosdelaliebre demarzo. Labate B.yBousoJ.C.(Eds.)(2013). Ayahuasca Technical Report: ICEERS Foundation: Aware project: Chacruna’s Ayahuasca Community GuidefortheAwareness of SexualAbuse: Barcelona:Kairós. . Barcelona:Kairós. awareproject.org iceers.org/ayasafe18 Ayahuasca. Larealidaddetrásdela El Laberinto delaAyahuasca.

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iceers.org/ayasafe14 Ayahuasca ysalud . J .

39 / RESOURCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY 40 / ANNEXES J.C. (2019). Dos Santos R.G.,HallakJ.E.C.,Alcázar-CórcolesM.Á.,Bouso Ona G.,Kohek M., MassaguerT., GomarizA.,JiménezD.F., Valencia: Tirant lo Blanch. comportamientos relacionadosconsu consumo y posesión legal de la ayahuasca en España. La relevancia delos Martín Pardo A. y Muñoz Sánchez J. (2019). novo/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/guiado-por-la-luna.pdf de laayahuascaenelculto delSanto Daime MacRae E.(1998) Madrid: ConsejoSuperiordeInvestigacionesCientíficas. López-Pavillard S.(2018). la-amazonia-a-la-aldea-global Institute): con laglobalizacióndelusodeayahuasca Amazonía a la aldea global. Un análisis de los desafíos asociados Sánchez Avilés C.yBousoSaizJ.C.(2015). doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1567961. Large SampleofRitualAyahuasca Users Psychosocial Well-Being, Lifestyle,andCopingStrategies ina https://www.tni.org/es/publicacion/ayahuasca-de- Ayahuasca and PublicHealth:HealthStatus, Guiado porlaluna.Shamanismoyusoritual Chamanes, ayahuascaysanación . JPsychoactive Drugs. Ayahuasca: dela . . TNI(Transnational http://neip.info/ El estado . .