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Ayahuasca Experiences for Sale on the Internet – Systematic Analysis of Health Information Provided to Travelers in Commercial Websites.


Pages: article 142, 11 pages

Abstract

Ayahuasca is a brew consumed in traditional ceremonies in the Amazon basin. It has hallucinogenic effects, and recreational consumption among travelers raises concerns about safety. This study describes the information provided on health risks and contraindications of ayahuasca consumption in websites selling ayahuasca experiences to travelers. Peru was the most common location for the ayahuasca ceremonies (77.3%, 58/75) (Table 1). These were commonly hosted in rural areas (81.3%, 61/75) and most often located in the rainforest (56.8%, 42/75). Half (50.7%, 38/75) of the providers or ‘shamans’ were portrayed as native to the jungle or highlands and were shown dressed in ethnic clothing. The ayahuasca experiences were offered as a package that included food and accommodations commonly in lodges (68%, 51/75) with minimal infrastructure. The median duration of the packages was 9 days [interquartile range (IQR) 5–12] and the median number of ayahuasca sessions per package was four (IQR 2–5). The mean cost per day was 163.3 USD (IQR 133.3–218).