Frequently Asked.
Questions
The questions that come up most often — about the medicine, the setting, safety, screening, and what to expect.
Section 1 — About the medicine
What is the difference between Bufo Alvarius and 5-MeO-DMT?
Bufo Alvarius is the Sonoran Desert toad. Its parotid gland secretion contains the compound 5-MeO-DMT among others. "Bufo" colloquially refers to ceremonies using the dried toad secretion. "5-MeO-DMT" generally refers to ceremonies using the synthesized pure compound. The subjective experience of both is essentially identical. I serve either, depending on your preference and our conversation.
Is this the same as ayahuasca, psilocybin, or LSD?
No. While all are tryptamine-based psychedelics, the experience of 5-MeO-DMT is qualitatively distinct. It lasts approximately 15 minutes at peak, typically has no visions, no narrative, and no teacher figure. It is a direct experience of the dissolution of the separate self.
How long does the experience last?
Acute effects begin within 15–30 seconds, peak between 5 and 15 minutes, and resolve within 30–45 minutes.
Is the medicine legal?
The legal and regulatory landscape surrounding 5-MeO-DMT remains nuanced and continues to evolve within Canada and internationally. Our approach is grounded in responsibility, safety, and ongoing attention to the current Canadian legal framework.
For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
Section 2 — Setting & safety
Where do the ceremonies actually happen?
All ceremonies are held outdoors, in a private, prepared clearing in the forest on southern Vancouver Island. There is no clinic, no temple, no lodge — by design. Detailed travel guidance is provided once your date is booked. Travel to other locations can be arranged.
Is being outdoors safe?
Yes. The site is carefully chosen and prepared. There is shade, shelter, soft bedding, clean water, simple bathroom facilities, full first-aid readiness, and a clear plan for hospital transport in the unlikely event it is needed. Two-person attendance during every dose is non-negotiable.
We hold ceremonies when the forest is at its most welcoming. The clearing has full weather shelter. In the rare case of severe weather, we reschedule.
What about weather?
Who should not work with this medicine?
5-MeO-DMT is contraindicated for individuals with: personal or first-degree family history of schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or other psychotic disorders; significant cardiovascular disease; current use of SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, lithium, or other serotonergic medications; pregnancy or breastfeeding; certain other medications and conditions identified during screening.
What is the screening process like?
After your discovery call, you complete a detailed medical and psychological intake form. I review every form personally
Will I be alone during the ceremony?
Never. Every dose is held by me and one trained co-facilitator who is with me at every ceremony. We are trained in wilderness first aid, CPR, and the specific protocols for supporting a 5-MeO-DMT journey.
What if something goes wrong?
Adverse physical reactions to 5-MeO-DMT are rare in properly screened individuals. We have clear emergency procedures, on-site first-aid equipment, and a documented plan for hospital transport.
Section 3 — Practical questions
What is the investment?
A private one-to-one ceremony is $770 CAD, fully inclusive of preparation, the ceremony itself, and the full three-month integration arc. Payment plans are available — please ask on your discovery call. Retreat investment is shared on the call, where we can also talk through which format is right for you.
Do you offer refunds?
Deposits are non-refundable, as they secure your date and begin the preparation process. Final payments are refundable up to 14 days before your ceremony. If we determine during screening that you are not a fit, all payments are returned in full.
Where are ceremonies held?
On southern Vancouver Island. Travel to serve this medicine is available elsewhere by arrangement.
How far in advance should I book?
2 weeks minimum.
Can my partner or friend join me?
Yes — both as a co-participant in a small group ceremony arranged on request, and as a non-participating support person during a private ceremony. We will discuss what is right for you on your discovery call.
Can my partner or friend join me?
Yes — both as a co-participant in a small group ceremony arranged on request, and as a non-participating support person during a private ceremony. We will discuss what is right for you on your discovery call.
Section 4 — The experience
What does it feel like?
Words tend to fail this question. Most participants describe a complete and temporary dissolution of the sense of being a separate self, often accompanied by feelings of profound peace, awe, oneness, or homecoming. The peak lasts approximately ten minutes.
There is no such thing as a wrong experience with this medicine — only experiences we are prepared to meet. If something painful arises, we hold it with you. We do not abandon you to it.
What if I have a difficult experience?
Will I remember the experience?
Yes, almost always — though the memory is not stored the way ordinary memories are.
How quickly will I feel "normal" again?
Most participants are physically and cognitively functional within 30–60 minutes. We strongly recommend that you do not travel home, drive, or return to work for at least 24 hours, and ideally not for 2–3 days.
Section 5 — Preparation & integration
Why only one week of preparation?
Because depth lives in attention, not duration. A focused, fully supported week of preparation — paired with thorough screening and a three-month integration arc — produces clearer, more grounded arrivals than the long, low-grade anticipation that multi-month protocols often create.
What does integration look like?
Because depth lives in attention, not duration. A focused, fully supported week of preparation — paired with thorough screening and a three-month integration arc — produces clearer, more grounded arrivals than the long, low-grade anticipation that multi-month protocols often create.
What does integration look like?
Because depth lives in attention, not duration. A focused, fully supported week of preparation — paired with thorough screening and a three-month integration arc — produces clearer, more grounded arrivals than the long, low-grade anticipation that multi-month protocols often create.
How often can I sit with this medicine?
How often someone chooses to sit with the medicine is deeply personal and depends on the individual, their intentions, and the level of integration taking place in daily life. Many people choose to allow at least one to two months between ceremonies to fully process, reflect, and integrate the experience before returning to the work.
Do you work with therapists, doctors, and other professionals?
Yes, frequently. Many participants are themselves therapists, physicians, coaches, and clergy.