Law enforcement officials in Spain dismantle a purported spiritual sanctuary where participants were administered psychotropic substances.
Spanish Police Dismantle Spiritual Retreat Accused of Drug Trafficking
Spanish police have dismantled a group accused of running a spiritual retreat that offered hallucinogenic drugs, including ayahuasca, San Pedro cactus, and Kambo. Five other people were placed under investigation for acting as spiritual guides, while three individuals were arrested: two men and a woman suspected of leading the group.
The retreats, held at a villa in the southeastern town of Pedreguer, attracted clients from around the world and charged over €1,000 euros for multi-day stays. The majority of clients were drawn by promises of a "mystical" experience and health benefits. The group had six employees who attended to participants during the 'astral journeys'.
The group faces charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association. The retreats were held without the means to respond to intoxications, and the seized substances were likely intended for use in future retreats. The police investigation is ongoing.
Participating in spiritual retreats involving hallucinogenic substances can carry significant legal and health risks. The legal status of these substances varies widely by country. Ayahuasca, for example, is not explicitly listed as a controlled substance under national law in Spain, but its use could be criminalized due to containing DMT, a controlled substance. San Pedro cactus contains mescaline, a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, and possession, cultivation, or use for spiritual retreats often fall under drug laws forbidding psychotropic substances. Kambo, derived from the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog, is generally not globally scheduled but can be regulated under various health and safety laws.
Using substances like ayahuasca and San Pedro in unsupervised or unregulated retreat settings carries risks of adverse psychological effects, physical health complications, or interactions with medications. Risk of contamination or adulteration of hallucinogenic substances when obtained outside controlled or clinical contexts is also a concern. Psychological risks include potential exacerbation of mental health disorders or triggering psychosis, underscoring the importance of mental health screening before participation.
The Guardia Civil police force released a photo of a large room with several mattresses, water bottles, tissue boxes, and a guitar, suggesting the retreats were held in groups of up to twenty participants, mainly attracting clients from Europe.
The seized substances included 11 litres of ayahuasca, 117 San Pedro cactus plants, and several bottles of Kambo. The legal frameworks for these substances are complex and constantly evolving, so participants should thoroughly research local laws of the retreat location and consider potential criminal legal consequences. Additionally, health risks necessitate proper screening, experienced facilitation, and medical oversight where possible to minimize harm.
[1] Legal Status of Psychedelics in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide [2] Ayahuasca and the Law: A Global Overview [3] The Legal Landscape of Psychedelics in the United States [4] Health and Safety Risks of Ayahuasca and San Pedro Cactus Use in Spiritual Retreats
\n\nNote: The total number of people involved in the group, including employees and those under investigation, is not specified.
\n\nImportant: This article provides information about the legal and health risks associated with participating in spiritual retreats involving hallucinogenic substances. It is essential to research local laws and regulations before attending any such retreat. Always prioritize your health and safety, and seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns.
[1] While the Spanish police dismantled a group accused of running a spiritual retreat, it's crucial to consider the implications of health-and-wellness practices involving hallucinogenic substances like science shows they can carry significant legal and health risks.
[2] For instance, the legal status of substances such as ayahuasca, San Pedro cactus, and Kambo varies from country to country, especially their use in spiritual retreats, making it essential to understand the specific laws of the location before engaging in such practices.
[3] Moreover, unsupervised or unregulated use of these substances can pose mental-health risks, including exacerbation of mental health disorders or triggering psychosis, emphasizing the importance of proper screening and medical oversight where possible.
