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In June 2019 the city of Oakland in northern California unanimously passed a new resolution to decriminalize the possession and use of psychedelic substances such as Ayahuasca ,Mushrooms, Iboga,  Peyote, San Pedro, and DMT. We are so happy to see the states moving in a positive direction and starting to recognize and embrace the therapeutic value of psychedelic medicines.

 

While this law is being implemented citywide, the city and the state of California have not yet legalized these medicines. Oakland law specifies that the substances must be for personal use and can not be sold or commercially distributed. Under the resolution, psychedelic medicines are considered the lowest priority of the law but it is still technically illegal for retreats to operate. 

 

The Oakland resolution cautioned that these entheogens are not for everyone and warns that they should only be used in a 'safe and therapeutic environment'. Ayahuasca is an extremely powerful teacher spirit and should always be used in a ceremonial setting. If you are considering participating in an ayahuasca ceremony in California there are few important things to ask the facilitators to ensure you have a  safe and therapeutic experience with the medicine :

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• Who is facilitating the ceremony?

• How much experience do they have?

• Where will the ceremony be held? 

• How many people typically attend? 

• Are there 'sitters' or 'helpers' beside the ayahauscquero/shaman to assist if someone needs help and if yes, how many are available and if there at least 1 female present (if you are a woman)

• Where does the brew come from and what does it contain? 

• Do you need to provide any medical information before participating (you should, as ayahuasca has medical contraindications with other drugs, see our safety page)

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New Life Ayahuasca has been providing ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica since 2014. 

 

We strongly encourage anyone looking to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony in California to find a qualified and reputable center or facilitator to work with. We understand that not everyone can afford to travel and take off work to attend a retreat, but there is immense therapeutic value in getting away from your environment, being in the jungle and giving yourself the time to commit and reflect on your experiences. If you are interested in a longer retreat, please contact us.