Ayahuasca Community Fellowship – Terms & Conditions for Ceremonies

Welcome to Ayahuasca Community Fellowship (ACF). We are a faith-based organization offering sacred Ayahuasca ceremonies to our members. Participation in our ceremonies is a religious act, and we ask that all participants read and agree to the following Terms & Conditions, which are designed to ensure safety, clarity, and legal protection for both you and ACF. By registering for or attending an ACF ceremony, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Religious Nature of Ceremonies

• Sacred Purpose: ACF’s Ayahuasca ceremonies are religious sacraments conducted in accordance with our sincerely held spiritual beliefs. They are not commercial retreats or recreational events, but sacred gatherings for healing and fellowship in a church context.
• RFRA Compliance: ACF operates under the protections of the U.S. Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and other applicable laws. This means the use of Ayahuasca (which contains the controlled substance DMT) is solely for bona fide religious purposes. By participating, you affirm your understanding that the ceremony is part of a religious practice and agree to respect its sacred intent.
• Church Status: ACF is organized as a church and not a commercial retreat operator. Any funds contributed for ceremonies are treated as donations to support the church’s mission and are not payments for a product or profit-making exchange. All activities and operations are grounded in our spiritual purpose.

2. Membership & Eligibility

• Membership Requirement: To partake in ACF ceremonies, you must be or become a member of ACF. Membership is open to individuals 21 years of age or older. (Minors are not permitted under any circumstances.) Membership is typically granted upon completing the necessary orientation and registration for a ceremony, and signifies your alignment with ACF’s mission and beliefs.
• Agreement with Beliefs and Policies: By joining, members agree to uphold ACF’s core principles, including our Statement of Belief, Code of Conduct, and Policies & Procedures. You agree to conduct yourself in accordance with our spiritual and ethical guidelines at all times during our events. Respect for facilitators, fellow participants, and the sacred nature of the ceremony is required.
• Screening & Orientation: All prospective participants must complete ACF’s intake process, which includes:
  • An honest and thorough medical and psychological questionnaire (disclosing any health conditions, medications, or substances used).
  • An orientation interview (typically by phone/video) with an ACF Minister or facilitator to discuss your readiness and answer any questions.
  • Reviewing preparation materials (dietary guidelines, what to expect, integration resources, etc.).
    Your truthful participation in this process is mandatory. ACF reserves the right to decline membership or ceremony participation to anyone at our discretion (for example, if we determine that Ayahuasca is not safe or appropriate for you, or if you do not align with our requirements or values). In such cases, any contributions you have made may be refunded or deferred at ACF’s discretion (see Cancellation & Refund Policy below).

3. Reservations and Donations for Ceremony Participation

• Registration Process: To reserve a spot in a ceremony, you must read and accept these Terms & Conditions and complete the steps above (membership eligibility and screening). Once approved, you will be invited to contribute a donation for the ceremony. This contribution helps cover the costs of facilitating the event (lodging, meals, sacrament preparation, facilitator support, etc.) and supports ACF’s ongoing mission.
• Payment of Donation: Donations for ceremonies are typically collected through our secure online system. We use trusted payment processors (e.g., WeTravel/Stripe) to ensure your transaction is safe. You may contribute using a credit/debit card, bank transfer, or other methods as indicated. ACF does not store your card information; our payment processor handles all sensitive data. Charges may appear on your statement under ACF’s name.
• Deposits: In some cases, ACF may accept a deposit to hold your reservation. If a deposit option is offered, the remaining balance of your ceremony donation is due no later than 2 weeks (14 days) before the ceremony start date. If you register for a ceremony within 14 days of its start, you will be asked to contribute the full donation upfront (no deposit option). Failure to pay any remaining balance by the due date could result in cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of any deposit, per our refund policy.
• Use of Funds: All donations are used at ACF’s discretion in alignment with our charitable and spiritual mission. This may include expenses directly related to ceremonies as well as general community or church needs. By contributing, you acknowledge that your donation is given to support ACF’s religious purpose.

4. Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change. The following policies explain what happens in the event of cancellations, whether by participants or by ACF, and how refunds or credits are handled. Our aim is to be fair and clear while protecting the sustainability of our church.

4.1 Participant Cancellations (Changing Plans)

If you need to cancel your participation in a ceremony, please notify ACF in writing (email) as soon as possible. Depending on when you cancel, you may be eligible for a partial refund or a transfer of your donation to a future event:

• Cancellation 30 or more days before the ceremony start date: You may request a 50% refund of your donation OR elect to apply 100% of your paid donation as a credit toward a future ACF ceremony (to be used within one year of your original ceremony date).
• Cancellation 15–29 days before the ceremony: You may request a 30% refund of your donation OR apply 50% of your donation as credit for a future ceremony (within one year).
• Cancellation 2–14 days before the ceremony: You may request a 25% refund of your donation. Alternatively, at ACF’s discretion, you may be allowed to transfer up to 50% as credit to a future ceremony (within one year).
• Cancellation under 48 hours before start, or no-show: No refund is available if you cancel within 48 hours of the ceremony or fail to show up. In cases of very late cancellation/no-show, ACF may allow you to transfer your full donation once to a future ceremony (to be used within one year), instead of losing the entire amount, provided you notify us promptly. This courtesy rescheduling is at ACF’s discretion. If you do not attend a rescheduled ceremony within one year, the credit will expire and be forfeited.

Important Notes on Participant Cancellations:

• Once you choose to transfer your donation to a future ceremony (in lieu of a refund), you waive any right to later request a refund for that donation. The funds will be held as credit for up to one year.
• If you transfer to a different type of ceremony or location that has a higher suggested donation, you are responsible for contributing the difference. If the future ceremony’s donation is lower, no cash difference will be refunded – any excess will be considered a general donation to ACF.
• If you leave a ceremony early or voluntarily withdraw during the event, no refund or credit will be given for the remaining time. Early departure is considered a last-minute cancellation of part of the service, and donated funds will be treated as fully earned and non-refundable.
• If your registration was made via a third-party booking platform (such as Retreat Guru, Aya Mundo, etc.), please be aware that those platforms charge non-refundable commission fees (typically 10–15% of the total). ACF cannot refund those third-party fees. Any refund we issue will be on the portion of the donation we actually received (excluding such commissions).
• For any refund that is issued (full or partial), ACF will deduct a small processing fee (approximately 4–5%) to cover transaction costs (credit card fees, administrative costs). This fee is currently 4.8% and will be applied to the amount being refunded.
• ACF is not responsible for outside travel expenses you may have booked, such as airfare, hotels, or other arrangements. We highly recommend you obtain travel insurance to cover any non-refundable travel costs in case you cannot attend or a ceremony is rescheduled. ACF cannot reimburse travel or personal expenses.

4.2 ACF Cancellations or Rescheduling

In rare cases, ACF may need to cancel or postpone a ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, low enrollment, venue issues, facilitator illness, natural disasters, legal changes, etc.). If ACF cancels a ceremony before it begins, registered participants will be entitled to the following:

• Transfer or Refund: You will have the choice to transfer 100% of your paid donation to a future ACF ceremony (with priority scheduling), or receive a refund of 85% of the donation you paid. We retain a portion (15%) of the donation to cover unrecoverable costs already incurred in preparation (such as venue deposits, supplies, transaction fees, etc.).
• If you booked through a third-party platform, any commission fees that ACF did not receive cannot be refunded (similar to the policy above). We will refund 85% of the net amount we received from that platform for your booking. Additionally, the standard processing fee (4.8%) will be deducted from any refund issued.
• Notice: We will endeavor to give you as much advance notice as possible of any cancellation or significant change. You will be contacted via the email and/or phone number provided during registration.
• Participant Travel Costs: If ACF must cancel a ceremony, we are not liable for your travel or accommodation costs outside of the ceremony donation. (Again, travel insurance is advisable.) We will, however, assist in providing documentation for insurance claims if needed (e.g., a cancellation letter).
• Rescheduled Dates: If ACF postpones (rather than fully cancels) an event – for example, due to a temporary emergency – your registration and donation can be applied to the rescheduled dates. If you are unable to attend on the new dates, you may request the refund or credit options as described above.

4.3 Special Circumstances (e.g. Pandemic or Health Crises)

ACF will follow all government regulations and health guidelines to ensure safety. In the event of pandemic-related disruptions (such as COVID-19 quarantines or travel bans):

• If ACF must cancel an event last-minute due to public health orders or quarantines, the ACF Cancellation policy above (85% refund or transfer) will apply.
• If you are personally unable to attend because of government travel restrictions, a positive test result, or mandated quarantine, please inform us immediately. We will allow you to transfer 100% of your donation to a future ceremony, or receive an 85% refund (consistent with the policy for ACF cancellation). Documentation (e.g., a test result or travel restriction notice) may be required.
• If you become ill during a ceremony or are asked to isolate due to symptoms, no additional refund is guaranteed for the portion of the ceremony missed. We will support you in obtaining medical care or isolation accommodations as needed, but participation in a ceremony during a pandemic inherently carries some risk which you accept.
• Choosing to register and travel for a ceremony during a pandemic implies acceptance of potential changes. If you decide to cancel out of personal caution (without an official advisory or illness), standard participant cancellation terms apply; however, we may offer a courtesy credit transfer in our discretion. We encourage purchasing “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance coverage if available, for peace of mind.

5. Participant Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

All participants (members) of ACF ceremonies agree to uphold the following responsibilities and standards of conduct. These ensure a safe, respectful, and sacred space for everyone:

• Honesty in Health Disclosures: You affirm that all information you have provided in your medical history and registration forms is truthful and complete. You agree to update ACF about any changes in your health or medications before the ceremony. (Certain medications, drugs, or supplements can be dangerous when combined with Ayahuasca. It is critical for your safety that we are aware of what you are taking.)
  • If you withhold or misrepresent health information, or if you arrive for a ceremony under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or contraindicated substances, ACF reserves the right to deny you entry or participation. In such case, your donation may be forfeited (or partially credited at ACF’s discretion), and you may be asked to leave for the safety of all. ACF is not liable for any harm that may result from undisclosed conditions or substances – you assume responsibility by not being forthcoming.
• Physical and Mental Fitness: By joining a ceremony, you confirm that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit for participation. If you have any condition (medical or psychiatric) that could be adversely affected by fasting, a rustic environment, group activities, or the intense introspection of Ayahuasca, you have consulted with a qualified healthcare professional and have clearance to participate. ACF may require a doctor’s note for certain conditions. If during orientation or on-site we determine a participant is not fit to proceed (due to health concerns, acute illness, etc.), we may decline to allow participation for their own safety. Depending on circumstances, we may offer to reschedule that person for a later ceremony when they are well, or provide a refund per our policies (case by case).
• Pre-Ceremony Preparation: Participants agree to follow the recommended pre-ceremony preparation guidelines (“dieta”) provided by ACF. This includes dietary restrictions (such as avoiding pork, alcohol, and high-tyramine or processed foods) and abstaining from recreational drugs or other contraindicated substances for at least two weeks prior to the ceremony. These guidelines reduce the risk of adverse reactions and help prepare you spiritually and physically. Failure to adhere to preparation requirements can be grounds for denial of participation without refund.
• During the Ceremony: You agree to abide by all instructions and guidelines given by ACF facilitators and staff during the event. This includes:
  • Staying within the designated ceremonial area for the duration of the ceremony (unless given explicit permission to leave, e.g., to use facilities). For your safety, wandering away is not permitted.
  • Respecting the sacred nature of the ritual – maintain quiet or silence when required, refrain from disruptive behavior, and do not interfere with another person’s process.
  • No use of personal electronic devices (phones, cameras, etc.) during ceremony, unless expressly allowed for emergency or by staff. This is to maintain privacy and focus. Recording or photographing during ceremonies is generally prohibited to protect everyone’s sacred experience.
  • Confidentiality: You agree to respect the privacy of all participants. Personal stories or experiences shared in ceremony or integration circles are confidential. You will not disclose identifying details of other members or their experiences outside the group. This creates a container of trust and safety for everyone.
• General Conduct: All participants must treat fellow members, facilitators, and any local hosts or community members with respect and compassion. Hateful, discriminatory, or harassing behavior is not tolerated. You must also adhere to any local laws and customs of the ceremony location (especially when we travel internationally). If any participant’s behavior is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or significantly disruptive to the group or the ceremony, ACF staff may remove that individual from the event. If you are asked to leave due to misconduct or rule violations, you will not receive a refund and will be responsible for any costs of returning home early. Such conduct may also result in revocation of ACF membership.
• Following Post-Ceremony Guidance: ACF encourages participants to engage in post-ceremony integration, such as sharing in group discussions or seeking counseling, to help process the experience. We ask that you continue to abstain from alcohol or drugs for at least two weeks after the ceremony and take care of your health as you re-integrate. While this is not strictly enforceable, it is strongly recommended for your well-being.
• No Commercial or Illicit Activity: You agree that you are attending for personal spiritual growth, and will not use the ceremony space for any unauthorized commercial purpose (such as soliciting business) or any illegal activities. Any form of buying, selling, or trading of illicit substances at ACF events is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate expulsion and possible reporting to authorities. (Note: ACF’s provision of Ayahuasca sacrament is a unique exception under religious freedom law; no other substance use is sanctioned.)

6. Sacrament Use and Protection of Sacred Medicine

• Sacred Ayahuasca: Ayahuasca (also known as Yagé) is the sacred sacrament used in our ceremonies. It is a powerful plant medicine and a gift from indigenous traditions that we treat with the utmost respect. ACF’s facilitators (or ministers) are solely responsible for the storage, handling, and administration of the Ayahuasca brew during ceremonies. Participants are not allowed to handle the sacrament except when it is served to them as part of the ceremony ritual.
• No Diversion or Misuse: You explicitly agree NOT to remove any amount of Ayahuasca or other sacred medicines from the ceremony premises. The sacrament is not to be shared or distributed to any person outside of the sanctioned ceremony. Any attempt to take possession of the sacrament outside the ceremony context or to use it in an unsanctioned manner is a serious violation of these terms, and of our Controlled Substance Protocol under RFRA. Such actions could jeopardize ACF’s legal protections and will result in immediate termination of your membership and possible legal action.
• No Re-Sale or Non-Religious Use: Because our ceremonies are religious in nature, any commercial resale or recreational use of Ayahuasca is strictly prohibited. Participants must understand that the sacrament is provided only for your personal spiritual use within the ACF ceremony. You may not assist or enable any non-member in obtaining Ayahuasca.
• Facilitator Authority: Our facilitators have the training and authority to determine how much sacrament each participant receives, and whether an individual should refrain from additional doses for safety reasons. You agree to honor the decisions of the facilitators in all matters regarding sacrament use. This includes if a facilitator decides to stop offering you more Ayahuasca during the ceremony (for example, if they believe you have had enough for your well-being).
• Compliance with Law: ACF maintains strict protocols to comply with all legal requirements for religious use of Ayahuasca. We document our sacrament sourcing and usage and restrict access to it. By participating, you agree to support ACF’s compliance efforts by adhering to these rules. If you become aware of any attempt at diversion or any unsafe behavior regarding the sacrament, you agree to inform ACF staff immediately.
• Age Restriction: As noted, no one under 21 years of age may partake of the Ayahuasca sacrament in our ceremonies. You affirm that you are 21 or older and understand that IDs may be checked to verify age. Providing Ayahuasca to a minor is both against our policy and against the law.

7. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability

Participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also carries inherent risks. These include physical, emotional, psychological, and logistical risks. By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you acknowledge and accept the following:

• Inherent Risks: Ayahuasca can cause intense emotional reactions, visions, and physical effects (such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness). Ceremonies may be held in rustic or natural settings where environmental hazards exist (uneven terrain, insects, etc.). Travel to ceremony locations (especially international) can involve additional risks like transportation accidents, weather events, or encountering unfamiliar conditions. You voluntarily assume all such risks as a condition of participation.
• Not Medical Advice: You understand that ACF’s program is spiritual, not medical or therapeutic in the Western medicine sense. While we take health precautions and have emergency plans, our facilitators are not providing professional medical treatment or psychological counseling during the ceremony. Any insights or guidance offered are spiritual in nature. You agree that you will not hold ACF or its staff liable for not diagnosing, treating, or preventing any medical or psychological condition. You have been advised to consult your own healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns about participating.
• Personal Responsibility for Outcomes: You are responsible for your own well-being and for any consequences arising from your choice to participate. This includes responsibility for managing your travel to and from the event, managing your integration afterwards, and seeking further help if needed. ACF will do its best to support you, but cannot guarantee specific outcomes or that the ceremony will meet particular expectations.
• Liability Release: By registering for and attending an ACF ceremony, you (the participant) release Ayahuasca Community Fellowship, its board members, officers, employees, facilitators, volunteers, agents, partners, and affiliated venues from ANY and ALL liability for any injury, loss, or damage you may sustain before, during, or after the ceremony. This release includes but is not limited to: personal injury, illness, emotional distress, death, property damage, or financial loss that you may experience, whether due to negligence on our part or any other cause, to the fullest extent allowed by law. You take full responsibility for any and all outcomes of your participation.
• Indemnification: You also agree to indemnify and hold harmless ACF and its associates from any claims, lawsuits, or expenses (including legal fees) that arise out of your own actions, negligence, or misconduct during your participation. In plain terms, this means you will not sue ACF or its staff for any reason stemming from your participation, and if any third party makes a claim because of something you did, you will protect ACF from those costs.
• No Warranty: ACF makes no guarantee or warranty, express or implied, about the suitability of the ceremony for you, or any expected results. Every individual’s experience is unique.
• Emergency Medical Care: In the event that you require medical attention during the event, you consent to ACF seeking emergency medical care on your behalf. ACF will attempt to contact your emergency contact if possible, but may proceed to get help (such as calling an ambulance or taking you to a clinic) if staff believe it is in your best interest. You are responsible for any medical costs incurred. ACF strongly recommends that you have valid health insurance (and travel insurance, if applicable) to cover any emergencies.
• Understanding of Risk: By accepting these terms, you confirm that you have read and understood the risks detailed here (and in any additional informed consent form provided). You certify that you are physically and mentally able to participate and have not been advised otherwise by a health professional. Ultimately, you voluntarily assume all risks of attending an ACF ceremony, including the risk of serious injury or death, and you acknowledge that ACF has made you aware of these risks.

8. Media and Photography Consent

• Photography/Video During Events: ACF may occasionally document portions of our ceremonies or related activities (before/after ceremony, integration gatherings, etc.) with photographs or video. This is done respectfully and with sensitivity to the sacred space. By participating, you understand that your image, voice, or likeness may appear in photos or videos of the event.
• Usage of Media: You grant ACF the right to use any such photograph, video, or audio recording taken during the event for church purposes, such as educational materials, sharing our mission (e.g., on our website or newsletters), or historical archives. Any use will be in a respectful manner consistent with ACF’s values. You waive any right to compensation for appearing in such media, and you waive any claim to inspect or approve the final media product.
• Privacy Requests: We understand that some individuals may have personal or professional reasons not to be photographed or recorded. If you do not wish to appear in any media, please inform us in advance and we will make efforts to honor your request (for example, by seating you out of camera view or avoiding capturing you in footage). ACF will not identify you by name or tag you without explicit permission.
• No Public Distribution: ACF will not sell or broadly distribute raw footage of ceremonies. Any public sharing will typically be limited to group photos, ceremonial moments (without focusing on anyone’s private experience), or testimonial interviews that you consent to.
• Duration: This media consent is considered perpetual and worldwide, meaning ACF can use the photos/videos indefinitely and in any location or medium. However, it only applies to media captured under ACF’s supervision and for the uses stated. We will not use your likeness for any unrelated commercial endorsement.

By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you acknowledge this media release. If you have concerns, again, please communicate with us.

9. Miscellaneous Provisions

• Confidentiality of Information: Any personal information collected by ACF (such as your medical history, contact information, or anything shared in confidence) will be kept confidential in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We use secure methods to store data and will only share information as required by law or with your consent. Your identity as a member of ACF will also be treated with care; we understand the sensitive nature of participating in an Ayahuasca church.
• Changes to Terms: ACF may update or revise these Terms & Conditions from time to time. We will notify members of significant changes (for example, via email or on our website). Continued participation in ceremonies after such updates constitutes acceptance of the new terms. We encourage you to review the Terms & Conditions periodically.
• Severability: If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable by law, the remainder of the Terms shall not be affected and will continue to be valid and binding. Any invalid clause will be adjusted by the parties (or interpreted by the appropriate authority) to achieve as closely as possible the original intent in a lawful manner.
• Governing Law: These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws applicable in the jurisdiction of ACF’s principal office (within the United States), insofar as those laws do not conflict with our rights under RFRA and other federal protections. By agreeing to these terms, you consent that any legal disputes be addressed in this jurisdiction. (Please note, as a religious organization, ACF may seek to resolve disputes through mediation or ecclesiastical processes before resorting to courts, and we encourage open communication to address any issues.)
• Entire Agreement: These Terms & Conditions (along with any signed waivers, the ACF Code of Conduct, and any other guidelines provided to you in writing) constitute the entire agreement between you and ACF regarding your participation in ceremonies. It supersedes any prior understandings or representations. No oral representations or statements shall modify this agreement unless confirmed in writing by an authorized representative of ACF.

10. Acknowledgment

By registering for an ACF Ayahuasca ceremony (and again before the ceremony begins, when you sign our attendance roster or digital form), you affirm that you have carefully read and understood this entire Terms & Conditions document. You acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to ask questions and consult legal counsel if desired. By your agreement, you willingly consent to all the above terms, and you join our community with the intention of mutual respect, safety, and spiritual growth.

We thank you for trusting Ayahuasca Community Fellowship. We are honored to have you as part of our sacred ceremonies. Welcome to the fellowship, and may our work together be guided by truth, love, and divine protection.