Code of Ethics

Section 1

Reverence for the Sacred Sacrament

Ayahuasca is a divine sacrament and must be treated with the utmost respect and reverence.
It is to be used solely within the context of Soul Tribe’s religious ceremonies and never for recreational or commercial purposes.
All facilitators, participants, and church members are expected to approach the sacrament with humility, sincerity, and a commitment to spiritual growth.

Section 2

Legal Compliance and Responsibility

Soul Tribe is dedicated to honoring the law while preserving the sacred integrity of our spiritual practices. Recognizing that Ayahuasca contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a substance classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), we are committed to ensuring that its religious use is conducted in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.

Religious Use and RFRA Protections

Soul Tribe utilizes Ayahuasca strictly as a religious sacrament, never for recreational or commercial purposes. Our spiritual doctrines and ceremonies are intentionally structured to align with the U.S. Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993 (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb-1). Furthermore, we uphold our First Amendment rights, which safeguard religious liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to gather in worship. Under these protections:

The ceremonial use of Ayahuasca is fundamental to our religious expression and spiritual growth.
We recognize and uphold the sacred history of Ayahuasca, affirming its role in our deeply held beliefs and practices.
Soul Tribe will take necessary steps to ensure that our religious rights remain protected under the law.

Recognition as a Church

Soul Tribe operates as a 508(c)(1)(a) Free Church, exercising full religious autonomy under U.S. law. As a faith-based entity, we are exempt from taxation and certain regulatory obligations required of 501(c)(3) organizations while maintaining ethical financial stewardship and transparency. Our governing documents outline our spiritual mission, ensuring our operations are strictly religious and separate from commercial enterprises. All financial resources are managed responsibly within the framework of nonprofit principles. Although we are not subject to the reporting requirements of 501(c)(3) entities, we voluntarily embrace financial accountability to reinforce the integrity of our mission and uphold the freedoms granted by the First Amendment and U.S. tax law.

Controlled Substance Protocol: Compliance with DEA Guidelines

To align with DEA regulations and legal best practices, Soul Tribe implements measures to prevent unauthorized use or distribution of our sacrament:

Ayahuasca is securely stored and administered only within official ceremonies by trained facilitators.
The sacrament is never distributed outside the religious setting, and participation is limited to individuals aged 21 and older.
All members must acknowledge and adhere to our participation guidelines, which include treating the sacrament with reverence and ensuring it remains within the designated ceremonial space.

Legal Petitions and Notifications

If legally required, Soul Tribe is prepared to petition for a religious exemption for Ayahuasca use or to engage with authorities to maintain transparency regarding our ceremonies. We acknowledge the 2009 DEA interim guidance on religious exemption petitions and actively support efforts to enhance this process. As regulatory policies evolve, we are committed to demonstrating our sincerity and adherence to legal frameworks.

Commitment to Legal Integrity

Aside from Ayahuasca, which we defend as a religious sacrament, Soul Tribe upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy for any other illegal substances or unlawful activities within our community:

Alcohol and non-sacramental intoxicants are prohibited in and around our ceremonies.
We comply with all applicable laws, including property usage permits, fire safety protocols, health regulations, and tax obligations.
Our commitment is to ensure that our spiritual work aligns with legal responsibilities, setting a positive example for how an entheogenic church operates with integrity and respect for the law.

Soul Tribe remains steadfast in its dedication to religious freedom, legal compliance, and ethical accountability, ensuring that our sacred traditions are respected and safeguarded within the boundaries of U.S. law.

Section 3

Safety and Participant Well-Being

At Soul Tribe, the health, safety, and dignity of all participants are our highest priority. We have established clear ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in our ceremonies. These standards focus on physical safety, mental and emotional stability, and appropriate conduct before, during, and after any Ayahuasca ceremony.

Informed Consent

Prior to attending a ceremony, all participants take part in a detailed phone orientation. This session provides a thorough explanation of Ayahuasca, the ceremonial process, and potential risks, including physical effects such as nausea and vomiting, as well as emotional and psychological challenges. Attendees receive a written document covering these key points and must sign a consent and membership agreement only after all their questions have been answered. Participation is entirely voluntary, and no one is ever pressured or coerced into joining.

Health Screening

As part of our commitment to participant safety, Soul Tribe requires all attendees to complete a medical questionnaire to identify any health conditions that may pose a risk. This includes heart problems, severe mental health disorders, and the use of contraindicated medications such as SSRIs or MAOIs. If a participant has a condition that may lead to complications, they will be asked to postpone their participation. We also provide comprehensive information on Ayahuasca contraindications and encourage adherence to the traditional Ayahuasca dieta, which involves abstaining from certain foods, substances, and medications before and after the ceremony to support a safe and effective experience.

Experienced Facilitators and Support Team

Our ceremonies are led by facilitators who have undergone extensive training and have a deep understanding of the Ayahuasca experience. Each lead facilitator is carefully vetted and approved by our spiritual council. In addition, a dedicated support team is always present to assist participants as needed. At least one member of the team is certified in CPR and first aid, and we have emergency protocols in place to ensure that medical assistance is available if necessary. Facilitators remain attentive throughout the ceremony, monitoring participants for any signs of distress and providing intervention when required.

Substance Use Policy

Soul Tribe upholds a sacred and sober ceremonial space. Participants must abstain from alcohol and recreational drugs on the day of the ceremony and, ideally, for several days before and after. Anyone arriving under the influence of non-sanctioned substances will not be allowed to participate. The only substances permitted during the ceremony are Ayahuasca and, where appropriate, traditional ceremonial tobacco (such as mapacho), helping to maintain a spiritually and physically safe environment.

Respect and Boundaries

To ensure a safe and supportive space, we enforce a strict code of conduct. All facilitators, staff, and participants are expected to treat one another with respect and integrity. Romantic or sexual advances during or immediately following the ceremony are strictly forbidden, particularly between facilitators and participants. We maintain clear boundaries to create an environment where all attendees feel secure and supported throughout their journey.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Soul Tribe values the privacy of its members. Any personal experiences shared during integration sessions or private discussions with facilitators remain confidential, except in cases where there is an ethical or legal obligation to report an imminent risk of harm. Participants are encouraged to respect the confidentiality of others, fostering a space of trust and mutual respect.

Emergency Preparedness

While rare, intense physical or psychological reactions can occur during the ceremony. Soul Tribe has clear protocols in place to address such situations. This may include moving a participant to a quiet area with dedicated support or, if necessary, seeking medical assistance. No participant will ever be left alone if they are in distress. After the ceremony, those who require additional supervision will remain under the care of a designated facilitator or guardian until they are fully stable. Transportation arrangements will be made as needed to ensure that no one drives while under the influence.

Post-Ceremony Integration and Support

Our responsibility to participants extends beyond the ceremony itself. We offer structured integration sessions, including group sharing circles, individual check-ins, and access to professional counseling resources. We recognize that deep emotional insights or challenges may arise after the ceremony, and we are committed to providing guidance and support throughout this process. If a participant experiences ongoing psychological difficulties, we will help them find appropriate care to ensure their continued well-being.

No Medical Guarantees

Soul Tribe acknowledges that while Ayahuasca is often described as a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth, it is not a guaranteed cure for any physical or mental health condition. We do not claim to offer medical or psychiatric treatment, nor do we encourage participants to abandon professional care. Instead, Ayahuasca should be approached as a complementary spiritual practice that works in conjunction with other forms of healing and self-discovery.

Commitment to Ongoing Improvement

Safety remains a continuous priority at Soul Tribe. We regularly review ceremony reports and assess any incidents or near-miss situations to improve our practices. By consulting with medical professionals and experienced facilitators, we ensure that we are implementing the most up-to-date and effective safety measures, providing the highest standard of care for all who attend our ceremonies.