Anyone who talks openly about the benefits of psilocybin ceremonies must also be equally clear about the risks, contraindications and situations where participation is inadvisable. This article provides an honest overview.
Psychiatric contraindications
Psilocybin is not suitable for everyone. The main contraindications are:
- Personal or family history of psychosis — psilocybin can trigger or worsen psychotic episodes
- Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Bipolar disorder — especially bipolar I with manic episodes
- Severe personality disorder (e.g. borderline)
- Active suicidality
These are hard limits. Safety always takes priority over participation.
Medication interactions
Certain medications interact with psilocybin. The most important ones:
- SSRIs and SNRIs (antidepressants) — can significantly reduce the effect of psilocybin
- MAO inhibitors — serious and potentially dangerous interaction
- Lithium — increased risk of seizures
- Certain antipsychotics
Are you using medication? Always discuss this during the intake. We help you assess together with your doctor whether participation is wise.
Physical health
Psilocybin temporarily raises blood pressure and heart rate. For people with serious heart problems this can be a reason to not participate. Truffles are also not recommended during pregnancy.
Mental and emotional readiness
A ceremony is an intense experience. People who are in acute grief, in the middle of a major life crisis or in a highly unstable emotional state may benefit more from therapy or professional help first.
This is not a judgment — it is care. A ceremony can be powerful, but it needs a foundation to land on. Integration is easier when there is already some stability.
Possible risks during a ceremony
Even under the best conditions, difficult experiences can occur:
- Anxiety, panic or paranoia
- Nausea
- Intense emotional confrontation
- Temporarily impaired grip on reality
These experiences are usually temporary and manageable with good support. They are precisely why professional guidance is so important.
Conclusion
Honesty about risks is part of responsible ceremony work. Not to discourage, but to protect. A thorough intake ensures that participation is safe — for you and for the group.
Consider an intake conversation.
A psilocybin truffle ceremony is not for everyone. But if you've made it here, it may be worth exploring.