Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Legal?

• Cap and Vine Church operates as a non-profit religious organization dedicated to spiritual healing. While the federal government currently classifies Psilocybin (which contains DMT) as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, our ceremonies are conducted under the protections of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Established by Congress in 1993, the RFRA prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion unless it can demonstrate a compelling interest using the least restrictive means. Court cases involving religious non profits such as,  Singularism Spiritual Center (UT) and Psanctuary (NH), have affirmed that sincere religious practice involving plant medicines is a protected right in the United States. We maintain a strict focus on safety and sincerity to honor these religious freedoms.

Where are your ceremonies held?

• Our sacred gatherings take place on private residence or land in Arizona, often nestled in the serene Sonoran desert landscape to provide a protected space for spiritual connection.  We will reach out with the specific location prior to the gathering.

Will ceremonies be indoors or outdoors?

• Ceremonies typically take place in a comfortable outdoor setting.

Can you host a ceremony closer to me?

• We occasionally bring our ceremonies to other regions; please reach out directly if you would like to suggest or host a location.

How much does ceremony cost?

• Our ceremonies operate on a donation basis. Please refer to our Ceremony Schedule for specific details regarding current offerings.

******How do I register?

• Registration is completed through our website. After your donation is received, you will be asked to submit a Health Form and Questionnaire for review once we receive and review we will contact you.  If for some reason our team identifies any issues within your wellness form

How many people will be there?

• These ceremonies are designed for larger community connection, typically ranging from 20-40 participants supported by our experienced facilitators.

What are ceremonies like?

• Each experience is a unique blend of movement and mindfulness in our Micro-dosing Yoga Ceremonies. Each session includes a ceremonial offering of consecrated plant medicine (psilocybin mushrooms) and a journey orientation, leading into heart-centered breathwork and guided yoga. Accompanied by a curated soundscape to deepen your spiritual connection, the practice ends in savasana at times enhanced by a live sound bath. 

What is in the medicine?

• Our sacrament consists of a precisely measured micro-dose of consecrated psilocybin mushrooms, intended to facilitate subtle spiritual opening without a full visionary experience.

Can I bring a loved one who will not participate?

• To maintain the energetic integrity and safety of the container, only those participating in the ceremony and partaking in the sacrament may be present.

What if I feel nervous or emotional before ceremony?

• It is natural to feel a range of emotions; we encourage you to use the days leading up to the ceremony for quiet reflection, meditation, and nourishing self-care.

What about purging? 

• While less common with micro-dosing, purging can be a physical or emotional release. We provide a safe, respectful environment to support any form of cleansing that arises.

Is psilocybin mushrooms a spiritual practice?

• Yes. At Cap and Vine, we view these mushrooms as a holy sacrament,a tool for Divine transformation and reconnecting with Source.

Will psilocybin show up on a drug test?

• Standard workplace drug screens typically do not test for psilocybin, but as it clears the system quickly, participants must assume their own personal responsibility.

Do you offer refunds or rescheduling?

• We do not offer refunds, but we do provide a one-time reschedule credit valid for 6 months if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending.

How does the healing work?

• Through intentional movement and the medicine's grace, participants find a "still point" where they can hear their inner wisdom and experience Divine Love.  

Is it Legal?

• Cap and Vine Church operates as a non-profit religious organization dedicated to spiritual healing. While the federal government currently classifies Ayahuasca (which contains DMT) as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, our ceremonies are conducted under the protections of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Established by Congress in 1993, the RFRA prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion unless it can demonstrate a compelling interest using the least restrictive means. In the landmark 2006 case Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (UDV), the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the government could not ban a church's sacramental use of Ayahuasca tea.Since then, other organizations have successfully won legal protections and settlements from the DEA, affirming that sincere religious practice involving plant medicines is a protected right in the United States. We maintain a strict focus on safety and sincerity to honor these religious freedoms.

Where are your ceremonies held?

• Most of our sacred gatherings take place on private land in Arizona, though from time to time we also host ceremonies in other states. Our home base is nestled in the desert landscape, surrounded by mountains, open skies, and the unique beauty of the Sonoran environment. This natural setting provides a serene and protected space for spiritual healing and deep connection.

What should I bring with me?

• We recommend bringing a mat, sleeping bag, pillows, and blankets for your comfort. If you are traveling and cannot bring these items, we have a limited supply available. Ceremony will be held indoors and 2 rooms are available at additional cost to reset in private during the days after ceremony. Before each ceremony, we will send you a Packing List to help you prepare.

 Will ceremonies be indoors or outdoors? 

• Our primary space is held indoors in a residential home but we often include time outdoors beneath the stars at night and soaking up the Sun in the day. Many participants feel a powerful connection when communing with the earth, sky, and plant life. Whether inside or outside, the environment is prepared with intention to support your journey.

 Can you host a ceremony closer to me? 

• Yes, we occasionally bring ceremony to other regions. If you would like to suggest a location, please reach out to us directly.

How much does ceremony cost?

• Our ceremonies operate on a donation basis, which varies depending on the number of nights you attend and the type of retreat. Please check our current Ceremony Schedule online. If finances are a concern, contact us and we will do our best to work with you.

 How do I register? 

• Registration is completed through our website. Once your donation is received, you’ll be asked to submit a Health Form and a Ceremony Questionnaire. Your registration is confirmed after these are reviewed. Once confirmed, you may arrange travel and lodging without waiting for further communication.  Many people will rest at the home where the ceremony is held either on their mats or a privately reserved room (limited).

 How should I prepare for ceremony? 

• Preparation is key. At least a week before your ceremony, please review our Preparation Guidelines, which include dietary, mental, and spiritual practices. You’ll also receive detailed instructions and directions by email.

 Should I attend multiple nights? 

• Every person is unique. Some experience deep healing in a single evening, while others find that a second or third night allows them to go deeper. If possible, we encourage multiple nights—especially for first-time participants.

 How many people will be there? 

• Groups typically range from 6-7 participants, supported by a team of experienced facilitators. Though you may arrive as strangers, participants often form meaningful bonds as we journey together in Spirit.

 Will there be shamans? 

• At Cap and Vine, we honor indigenous traditions while also speaking to the culture of today. For this reason, we use the word facilitator rather than shaman. Our facilitators are experienced guides whose role is to hold space and step aside so that you may connect directly with Divine Love and Source.

 What are ceremonies like? 

• Our gatherings draw on South American traditions while honoring Spirit in ways that meet the needs of our community here. Along with Ayahuasca, we may incorporate sacred tools such as Hapé, Sananga, and traditional smudging herbs. Music, prayer, and periods of silence are woven throughout the night.

What time do ceremonies begin and end?

• Arrival is usually between 5:30pm–7:00am. Ceremonies last throughout the night, concluding around sunrise. We encourage all of our participants to stay at the retreat home until we conclude the ceremonies on the final day, this allows each person to connect with one another and offers support. Our ceremonies are usually 2 or 3 nights and include meals, plan to stay at the Ceremony home until the morning after the final ceremony, weekend ceremonies typically conclude around 10am on the final day.

 What is in the medicine? 

• Our sacrament is prepared with Ayahuasca vine and Chacruna leaf, sometimes complemented by other master plants such as Bobinsana. Multiple servings may be offered throughout the night, depending on individual needs.

 How should I arrange transportation and lodging? 

• We recommend renting a vehicle if you are flying in. Carpooling may also be arranged with other participants. Plan on staying on site for the duration of the ceremony weekend. Lodging suggestions will be provided upon request if preferred. 

 Can I bring a loved one who will not participate? 

• For the safety and focus of the group, only those drinking the sacrament may be present in the ceremony space. Your loved one is welcome to meet you afterward, but non-participants cannot attend the gathering itself.

 What if I feel nervous or emotional before ceremony? 

• It is natural to feel nervous—this shows respect for the medicine. Use the days leading up to ceremony to care for yourself through meditation, nourishing foods, gentle movement, and uplifting influences.

 What about purging? 

• Purging is considered part of the healing process and may include vomiting, sweating, crying, yawning, or other forms of release. Each person’s experience is different. We provide all supplies needed to support you through this process in a safe and respectful way.

 Is Ayahuasca a spiritual practice? 

• Yes. At Cap and Vine, Ayahuasca is never treated as a recreational substance. It is a sacrament—a doorway to Divine Spirit, healing, and transformation. Participants are expected to enter ceremony with sincere and purposeful intent.

 Will Ayahuasca show up on a drug test? 

• Standard work-related tests do not screen for DMT, and Ayahuasca generally clears the system quickly. However, we cannot make guarantees, so each participant must assume personal responsibility regarding testing.

 Do you offer refunds or rescheduling? 

• Because experiences vary, refunds are not offered. However, we do provide a one-time reschedule credit (valid within 6 months) if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending.

 How does the healing work? 

• Ceremony is a sacred temple space where Divine Love resides at the center. Through surrender, participants reconnect with Source and their own inner wisdom. Facilitators are present to gently guide you back to this place of stillness and healing whenever needed.

This guidance is offered to support safety, clarity, and respectful preparation. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

🚫 DO NOT’s — What to Avoid

• Do not combine ceremonial medicines with contraindicated medications or substances (see below).
• Do not attend while acutely ill, emotionally destabilized, or sleep-deprived.
• Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs before ceremony.
• Do not arrive dehydrated, fasted excessively, or nutritionally depleted.
• Do not suppress or exaggerate symptoms—accuracy protects everyone.
• Do not pressure yourself to participate if unsure; postponement is always acceptable.

⚠️ Medications & Substances to AVOID (High-Level)

Some medications and supplements can be dangerous when combined with ceremonial medicines, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome, seizures, cardiac events, psychological destabilization, or medical emergencies.

Potential harms: serotonin syndrome, seizures, cardiac events, psychological destabilization, agitation, fever, confusion, or medical emergencies.

• Antidepressants & Serotonergic Agents
• SSRIs / SNRIs / TCAs
• Tramadol
• Dextromethorphan (DXM)
• St. John’s Wort, 5-HTP, SAM-e
• MAO-Inhibiting Medications & Substances
• Prescription MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
• Certain antibiotics/dyes with MAOI activity
• Potential harms: hypertensive crisis, serotonin toxicity, death.
• Antipsychotics & Mood Stabilizers
• Antipsychotics (e.g., quetiapine, risperidone)
• Lithium (particularly high risk)
• Valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine
• Potential harms: seizures, severe psychological distress, neurotoxicity.
• Stimulants
• Prescription stimulants (e.g., amphetamine salts, methylphenidate)
• Illicit stimulants
• Potential harms: dangerous blood pressure spikes, heart attack, panic.
• Opioids & Sedatives
• Opioids (including methadone, buprenorphine)
• Benzodiazepines and sleep medications
• Potential harms: respiratory depression, blackout, unpredictable reactions.

⚠️ Important: This list is not exhaustive. Full disclosure of all medications and supplements is required.

🚫 Medications & Suggested Washout Periods

(before considering a ceremony involving DMT + MAOIs)

Antidepressants

• SSRIs (fluoxetine/Prozac, sertraline/Zoloft, escitalopram/Lexapro, paroxetine/Paxil)
  → 2–4 weeks
  ⚠️ Fluoxetine (Prozac): 5–6 weeks (very long half-life)
  
• SNRIs (venlafaxine/Effexor, duloxetine/Cymbalta, desvenlafaxine/Pristiq)
  → 2–4 weeks
  
• Tricyclics (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine)
  → 4 weeks
  
• Atypical antidepressants
  
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin) → 2 weeks
  • Trazodone → 2 weeks
  • Mirtazapine (Remeron) → 2–3 weeks
    
    

MAOIs (ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION)

• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  

→ Minimum 6–8 weeks

⚠️ Generally considered unsafe to combine at all

ADHD / Stimulant Medications

• Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine) → 2 weeks
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) → 1–2 weeks
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) → 2 weeks
  
  

Anxiety / Sedative Medications

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin)
  → 2–4 weeks
  ⚠️ Also risk of withdrawal—medical supervision strongly advised
  
• Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta)
  → 1–2 weeks
  
  

Antipsychotics / Mood Stabilizers

• Antipsychotics (Seroquel, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Abilify)
  → 4–6 weeks
  ⚠️ Often a disqualifier depending on diagnosis
  
• Lithium
  → 4–6 weeks
  ⚠️ High risk — generally contraindicated
  
  

Pain Medications

• Tramadol → 2–3 weeks
• Opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine)
  → 2 weeks minimum
  
  

Other Substances

• MDMA / Ecstasy → 4 weeks
• DXM (cough suppressants) → 2 weeks
• St. John’s Wort → 2 weeks

🧭 Final Reminder

Preparation is an act of care and consent. If you are uncertain about medications, health conditions, or readiness, pause and consult a qualified professional, and speak openly with facilitators. Choosing safety is always the right choice.

This guidance is offered to support safety, clarity, and respectful preparation. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

✅ DO’s — Recommended Preparation

• Be honest and thorough on your health intake, including all medications, mental health conditions and supplements.
• Rest well in the days leading up to ceremony; prioritize sleep and hydration.
• Eat simply and lightly, favoring whole, unprocessed foods (see Dieta below).
• Set a clear intention rooted in curiosity, humility, or healing—not expectation or outcome.
• Communicate openly with facilitators about concerns, boundaries, or uncertainties.
• Arrange aftercare and integration support (trusted friend, therapist, or quiet recovery time).
• Listen to your body—if something feels off, speak up.

🥗 Recommended Dieta (Pre-Ceremony)

The Dieta emphasizes simplicity, lightness, and respect for the body.

Aim for 3–7 days prior, unless otherwise advised by facilitators.

✔️ Emphasize

• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Simple grains (rice, oats, quinoa)
• Light proteins (beans, lentils; modest amounts if used)
• Soups, broths, steamed foods
• Plenty of water and herbal teas (non-stimulating)

🚫 Reduce or Avoid

• Alcohol and recreational substances
• Red meat and heavy/fatty foods
• Excess salt, sugar, and processed foods
• Aged, fermented, or cured foods
• Caffeine and strong stimulants
• Artificial sweeteners and additives

❗ Notes

• Do not extreme-fast unless specifically guided.
• Eat enough to remain grounded and nourished.
• If you have dietary or medical needs, adapt thoughtfully and inform facilitators.

🧭 Final Reminder

Preparation is an act of care and consent. If you are uncertain about medications, health conditions, or readiness, pause and consult a qualified professional, and speak openly with facilitators. Choosing safety is always the right choice.