Working Safely With Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is generally considered a safe plant medicine when used in a supportive environment with proper preparation and guidance. At the Hummingbird Center, your safety is our top priority. Since opening in 2010, we’ve guided thousands of people through this healing process—without a single medical emergency related to ayahuasca.
Each person’s body responds differently, and it’s impossible to predict exactly how someone will react. That’s why we take a conservative and responsible approach when introducing people to ayahuasca. In your first ceremony, we begin with a moderate dose—one that typically produces clear but manageable effects for most participants. If your experience is milder than expected, there is an opportunity to drink more during the ceremony, under close supervision.
This approach allows us to gently assess sensitivity and identify any unusual physical responses before offering a full-strength dose. While ayahuasca is safe for most people, there are certain medical and psychological conditions—and some medications—that can make its use potentially dangerous. It’s essential to honestly disclose your health history so we can ensure your experience is both healing and safe.
Who Should Not Drink Ayahuasca?
While ayahuasca is safe for most people when used responsibly, there are specific medical and psychological conditions that make its use potentially dangerous. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not participate in an ayahuasca retreat:
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Kidney disorders
- History of psychosis or psychotic breaks
In rare but serious cases, mixing ayahuasca with these conditions could lead to a psychotic episode or, in extreme circumstances, death. Please take these warnings seriously. Full transparency about your medical and psychological history is essential for your safety and the integrity of the retreat process.
Asthmatics should note that inhalers cannot be used for at least 24 hours after drinking ayahuasca. If you are unable to manage an asthma episode without an inhaler during this period, it is not safe for you to drink ayahuasca.
For those with hypothyroidism, we recommend bringing your medication but stopping it two days before your first ayahuasca ceremony. If your energy drops significantly, you can safely resume the medication. That said, many of our past guests have reported no longer needing their thyroid medication in the months following their retreat.
Understanding the Psychological Risks of Ayahuasca
While ayahuasca is a powerful healing medicine for many, it’s important to understand that it can carry psychological risks. Since the rise of psychedelic use in the 1960s, it has been observed that hallucinogens—including ayahuasca—can sometimes trigger latent mental health conditions.
In rare cases, individuals with no prior history of mental illness have experienced symptoms such as anxiety, depression, bipolar episodes, psychosis, or schizophrenia after taking psychoactive substances. The exact biological mechanisms are not well understood, but people with a personal or family history of mental health issues—especially schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders—are at increased risk.
This risk is not unique to ayahuasca and can occur with any psychoactive substance, including marijuana.
One potential concern is drug-induced psychosis, which may involve delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, or catatonia. Though rare, these symptoms can persist for hours, days, or longer, and may require professional intervention. Many substances—including marijuana and certain prescription medications—are known to have induced psychosis in isolated cases.
At the Hummingbird Center, we take a cautious and responsible approach to reduce this risk. All guests begin with a moderate introductory dose to observe how their mind and body respond. Dosage is gradually adjusted in alignment with the guest’s wishes and the guidance of our experienced healer.
Your safety and wellbeing are always our highest priorities. If you have concerns about mental health history, we encourage you to speak with us before applying.
Why Are Medications Not Permitted at the Center?
Ayahuasca, particularly the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, contains natural monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the form of harmine and harmaline. These compounds can interact dangerously with a wide range of prescription medications, especially those that affect serotonin levels in the brain.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)—the most common classes of antidepressants—can cause a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome when combined with MAOIs like those in ayahuasca. For this reason, these medications must be discontinued 2 to 6 weeks prior to drinking ayahuasca, depending on their half-life. This is not optional; it is a critical safety requirement.
In addition to known contraindications, we’ve seen individuals experience unexpected and highly unpleasant reactions while on medications that had no previously documented interactions with ayahuasca. Because of this, we do not permit the use of any medications during your stay at our retreat. All medications must be stopped at least two weeks prior to arrival unless explicitly cleared with us in advance.
We require full disclosure of any medications taken in the past year on our intake form. This helps us assess safety risks and ensure a safe and effective retreat experience.
There are a few exceptions to this policy, including thyroid medication, insulin, and HIV treatments. However, if you are currently taking any medication, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed pharmacist to check for potential interactions with MAOIs or ayahuasca specifically before applying for a retreat.
Cannabis and Ayahuasca
If you’re a regular cannabis (marijuana) user, it’s helpful to know this can sometimes make your first ayahuasca ceremonies feel less intense. Many guests still have deep, healing experiences, but some find the medicine works more gradually after long-term cannabis use. Taking a break before retreat may help you feel more open and connected.
CBD (Cannabidiol) and Ayahuasca
Some guests ask whether using CBD oil or other non-psychoactive hemp products affects ayahuasca. In our experience, CBD doesn’t seem to interfere with the medicine or reduce its effects the way long-term cannabis (THC) use sometimes can. Still, because CBD can be mildly calming, we suggest stopping it at least a few days before your retreat. This allows your body and mind to be fully present and responsive to the experience. If you use CBD for a medical reason, talk with your healthcare provider before making changes.
Which Drugs and Supplements Interact with Ayahuasca?
Certain medications and supplements can cause serious or even dangerous interactions when combined with ayahuasca, a powerful monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). If you are currently taking any prescription drugs or supplements, consult with a licensed pharmacist about possible interactions and how long before a retreat you should stop use. Some medications may require 4–6 weeks or more to fully clear from your system.
Medications to avoid before drinking ayahuasca include:
- SSRIs and SNRIs (antidepressants)
- Anti-hypertensives (blood pressure medication)
- Anti-psychotics
- Asthma medications (e.g., salbutamol)
- Opiates and opioids
- Barbiturates
- Amphetamines and stimulants (e.g., cocaine, Adderall)
- Cough medicines (especially those with DXM)
- Decongestants
- Antibiotics (certain types)
Supplements and herbal products to avoid include:
- St. John’s Wort
- Ginseng
- Kava
- Yohimbe
- Kanna
- Scotch broom
- Kratom
- Ephedra
- Boswellia
- Nutmeg (in large doses)
When in doubt, always check with your pharmacist or medical professional. Never attempt to self-taper off prescription medications without medical supervision.
Working with ayahuasca can be a powerful and life-changing experience—but it must be approached with respect, responsibility, and proper preparation. Your safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to supporting your healing journey with care and expertise. If you have any medical concerns or questions about how to prepare, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Taking the time to ensure your body and mind are ready creates the best foundation for deep, meaningful healing with this sacred medicine.