Disclaimer

The information presented on this website about our retreat programs, grant opportunities, and veteran support services is intended to help you understand our mission and offerings. It is not a substitute for professional guidance in medical, mental health, or legal matters.

Always Consult Your Doctor

Before participating in any plant medicine ceremony or retreat program, you MUST consult with your personal physician or qualified healthcare provider.

• Discuss your medical history, current medications, and any health concerns
• Obtain medical clearance before participating in ceremonies involving ayahuasca or other plant medicines
• NEVER stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor
• Inform your healthcare provider about any supplements, herbs, or over-the-counter medications you are taking

Holistic Approach

We believe in a holistic approach to healing that may include:

• Licensed psychotherapy and counseling
• Psychiatric care and medication management (when appropriate)
• Plant medicine ceremonies (with medical clearance)
• Integration support and community
• Somatic practices, breathwork, and mindfulness
• Peer support groups and veteran communities

Each person's healing journey is unique. We encourage you to work with qualified professionals to develop a comprehensive approach that meets your individual needs.

If you are awarded a grant, you will be required to complete a comprehensive Medical Disclosure Form and submit it to the medical team at our partner sanctuary for review.

Important: The Medical Disclosure Form is reviewed by qualified medical professionals at our partner sanctuary, not by Vines & Valor staff. This ensures your health information is handled by licensed professionals who can properly assess medical eligibility and safety.

For detailed information about medical contraindications, medication interactions, and safety considerations, please review our comprehensive Safety & Eligibility page.

Key Safety Topics Covered:

• Age and general eligibility requirements (21-65 years)
• Medical contraindications (cardiovascular conditions, seizure disorders, severe psychiatric conditions)
• Drug and supplement interactions (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, stimulants, and more)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations
• Substance use sobriety requirements (6+ months)
• Mental health stability requirements

Our website features an AI-powered chatbot to provide general information about our programs:

Do not rely on the AI chatbot for medical guidance. For medical questions, consult with your healthcare provider or review our Safety & Eligibility page.

While many participants report profound healing and transformation from plant medicine experiences:

• We make no guarantees, warranties, or promises regarding specific outcomes or results
• Individual experiences vary widely based on personal circumstances, preparation, integration, and many other factors
• Participation in retreats or ceremonies does not guarantee healing, symptom relief, or improvement in any particular condition
• Some individuals may have challenging experiences that require additional support and integration work

We are committed to supporting veterans on their healing journey, but we cannot predict or guarantee individual outcomes. Healing is a personal process that requires commitment, integration, and often ongoing professional support.

Participation in plant medicine ceremonies involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Physical reactions (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate)
• Psychological reactions (anxiety, fear, difficult emotions, challenging visions)
• Potential interactions with medications or pre-existing health conditions (even with screening)
• Possibility of re-experiencing trauma or difficult memories during or after ceremonies

By applying for a grant and participating in retreat programs, you acknowledge and accept these risks. You agree to:

• Complete all required medical screening honestly and thoroughly
• Disclose all medications, supplements, and health conditions
• Follow all preparation guidelines (dieta, abstinence, etc.)
• Participate in integration support following ceremonies
• Seek professional help if you experience difficulties during or after the retreat

Vines & Valor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides grant funding to help veterans access healing retreats. We do not:

• Operate retreat centers or sanctuaries
• Conduct plant medicine ceremonies
• Employ or supervise ceremony facilitators or medical professionals
• Provide medical, psychological, or therapeutic services

Our role is strictly limited to:

• Fundraising for veteran retreat grants
• Administering grant applications through an impartial selection process
• Providing educational information about our programs
• Connecting grant recipients with partner retreat centers
• Supporting post-retreat integration through weekly community calls

All ceremonies, medical screening, and direct retreat services are provided by our partner sanctuary and their qualified staff. We are not liable for any outcomes, experiences, or issues that may arise during or after retreats.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Vines & Valor Foundation, its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from:

• Use of this website or reliance on any information provided
• Participation in retreat programs or ceremonies
• Actions or omissions of partner retreat centers or their staff
• Medical screening processes or outcomes
• Personal injury, property damage, or other losses

This website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties. We provide these links for your convenience, but we do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for:

• The content, accuracy, or availability of external websites
• Privacy practices or terms of use of third-party sites
• Products, services, or information offered by external sites

Use of external links is at your own risk. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies and terms of use of any third-party websites you visit.