Question 1

What's the difference between Iboga and Ibogaine?

Accepted Answer

Iboga and Ibogaine come from the same plant family, but they are not the same experience.

Iboga is the whole root bark; containing all of its natural alkaloids working together. It is traditionally used in Bwiti tradition and is known for its depth, clarity, and the presence of the spirit or wisdom of the plant.

It works on emotional, spiritual, and physical layers, guiding you through a deeply personal and introspective journey.

Ibogaine, on the other hand, is a single isolated alkaloid extracted from Iboga and often synthesized into a pharmaceutical form.  It is commonly used in clinical or medical detox environments, especially for opioid and pharmaceutical addiction interruption, and is administered by licensed medical professionals.

Because Ibogaine is a single-compound extract, it does not carry the full spectrum of alkaloids found in the whole plant, and therefore does not offer the same spiritual component or teachings that many people seek from Iboga.

In short:
Iboga = Whole plant, spiritual guidance, deep introspection, full spectrum experience.
Ibogaine = Isolated alkaloid, medical detox tool, often used clinically for addiction interruption.

Both have their place, it simply depends on the type of healing, transformation, or support someone is seeking.

Question 2

What is the difference between Ayahuasca and Iboga?

Accepted Answer

Iboga comes from the root bark of an African shrub. The roots are dried, ground, and taken orally in ceremony.  Iboga is known for being deeply grounding and guiding you inward, into clear awareness, truth, and self-reflection. The Bwiti describe Iboga as a plant teacher that carries both a masculine and feminine energy, creating a balanced and structured inner journey.

The effects of Iboga typically last much longer than most other plant medicines, often up to 24 hours while in ceremony, with insights that continue unfolding for weeks, months, and even years afterward.

Preparing for Iboga is simple once you qualify through the preliminary intake. While there is no strict dieta/diet, we do recommend avoiding alcohol, unnecessary medications, and supplements for at least 30days prior.

Most people intuitively know when, or if they are called to return for another ceremony. Iboga invites you into a long-term relationship with your inner work rather than frequent repeated use.

Ayahuasca, on the other hand, is a tea brewed from a vine and leaves originating from the Amazon in South America. It is often described as a feminine plant teacher with a strong visionary quality.

From my personal experience, Ayahuasca tends to expand your consciousness outward, often into symbolic, cosmic, or metaphorical realms that can feel cryptic or intensely psychedelic.  Because it is such a powerful detoxifier, this type of retreat requires a 30-day dieta beforehand: avoiding certain foods, substances, and stimulants to prepare the body and mind.

Ayahuasca ceremonies typically last 4–6 hours and are known for their emotional, physical, and energetic purging. Ayahuasca has become very mainstream, and because many people receive only partial integration or surface-level clearing, it’s common for participants to feel drawn back repeatedly for more ceremonies.  Both plants hold deep healing potential, they simply work in very different ways.

Question 3

Is iboga safe? What are the risks?

Accepted Answer

Iboga is a powerful plant medicine and must be approached with preparation, medical screening, and experienced guidance.

Risks may include physical strain, psychological intensity, and potential contraindications with certain medications or health conditions,  particularly cardiac concerns and psychiatric instability.

A full intake process, health history review, and appropriate screening are essential to determine suitability. Individuals with active psychosis, unmanaged psychiatric disorders, certain heart conditions, or contraindicated medications are not appropriate candidates.

Safety and structure are foundational to the retreat process.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous when you’re stepping into something unknown, especially something as powerful and deeply transformative as Iboga.

A gentle note:
While doing research on the medicine is important, we encourage you not to over-immerse yourself in other people's personal journey stories. Everyone’s experience is unique, and reading too many dramatic or emotional accounts can create expectations that may interfere with your own process. Trust that the medicine will meet you exactly where you are, in the way you need.

You are not doing this alone, you are supported every step of the way.

Question 4

How do I know Iboga is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Iboga is not for everyone. It is generally suited for individuals who feel internally called to deep introspective work and who are emotionally stable, medically screened, and prepared for a structured ceremonial process.

If you are unsure, the first step is a consultation call and intake review. This allows space to explore readiness, expectations, and appropriateness before moving forward.

The next step is simple:
Complete the preliminary intake form.  https://www.ibogawaken.com/full-intake-form

This helps determine whether you’re a safe medical and emotional candidate for an Iboga retreat. Once received, I will personally review your intake and reach out to answer any questions, discuss your unique path, and help you understand what preparation might look like.

Whether Iboga is right for you now or you may need some time and support first, you will be guided with honesty, compassion, and care.

Question 5

Who is a good candidate for an iboga retreat?

Accepted Answer

Who is a good candidate for Iboga?
A good candidate is someone who is emotionally stable, grounded, and ready for deep introspective work.
 Ideally you:
Have no history of psychosis or severe mental illness
Are not taking contraindicated medications
Have healthy heart and liver function based on current medical tests
Have a supportive environment for integration
Are willing to prepare and follow aftercare recommendations
Feel genuinely called to long-term inner healing

Iboga is most supportive for individuals who have already done some personal work and are ready to take an honest, committed step into deeper transformation.

Who is not a candidate for an Iboga flood dose?
For safety reasons, Iboga is not suitable for individuals with:
Any lifetime psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or delusional disorders
Bipolar I disorder (history of mania)
Unstable Borderline Personality Disorder
Recent suicidal ideation or psychiatric hospitalization
Current use or recent withdrawal from antipsychotics, SSRIs with long half-lives, benzodiazepines, lithium, or other contraindicated medications
Heart conditions, prolonged QTc, or abnormal ECG results
Significant liver or kidney impairment
Severe emotional instability or active crisis

These guidelines are based on safety, not judgment. Iboga is extremely powerful and can be destabilizing for certain health histories.

If I’m not a candidate now, does that mean never?
Not necessarily. Some individuals may become suitable candidates after a period of stability, therapeutic support, and nervous system strengthening.

Many people choose to begin with private practice sessions (talk therapy and energy trauma release) to build a strong foundation before considering Iboga.
Each person’s readiness is unique, and there is no pressure or fixed timeline.

Can you help me prepare for future Iboga work?
Yes. If Iboga isn’t appropriate for you at this time, I may be able to support you privately to help build the emotional and energetic stability required for safe psychedelic work.
This preparation process can take time and unfolds at a pace that honors your wellbeing.

Question 6

What steps should I take before registering for a retreat?

Accepted Answer

Before registering, it’s important to take a few simple but meaningful steps to make sure this path is right for you and that you’ll be well-supported throughout the process.

Preparation may take several weeks depending on medical documentation and screening requirements. Early inquiry is encouraged.

1. Listen to your inner “yes.”
Notice how your body responds when you think about an Iboga retreat; curiosity, a pull, butterflies, or even a nervous excitement. These are often signs you’re being called inward.

2. Read through the retreat information.
Take time to understand what the retreat involves, how the ceremonies are held, what the setting is like, and the level of support you’ll receive before, during, and after.

3. Complete the preliminary intake form. 
Complete here https://www.ibogawaken.com/full-intake-form.
This is essential.  Your intake gives us a full picture of your health, medications, past experiences, and emotional readiness. It helps determine whether Iboga is safe and appropriate for you. Once submitted, your intake will be reviewed personally and confidentially.

4. Schedule a meet and greet video call.
Some people appreciate a conversation before moving forward. This is an opportunity to ask questions, better understand the process, and explore what your goals are. There’s no pressure, it’s simply a space to feel into whether this is the right step for you.

5. Follow the preparation guidelines.
EKG/ECG and bloodwork are required.  Once medical clearance is approved, you’ll receive clear instructions on how to prepare. This may include reducing or pausing certain medications (in collaboration with your doctor), avoiding alcohol or supplements, and beginning basic grounding practices.

6. Trust your readiness.
This work is about alignment, not urgency. When everything feels settled; your intuition, your understanding of the process, and your safety approval, then you’re ready to register.  You will be supported every step of the way.  Your safety, clarity, and comfort are the priority from the moment you inquire to long after you return home.

Complete our Intake Form https://www.ibogawaken.com/full-intake-form

Question 7

What if I don’t feel anything during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

This is a very common question.  AND an honest one.

Iboga is not something done for you; it’s a partnership.

The first step is making sure you are truly ready to go inward, face yourself with courage, and commit to the work that follows. When your willingness meets the medicine, transformation becomes possible.

Every person’s journey is unique.
Some people experience major shifts during the retreat or in the days and weeks after. Others notice more subtle changes that unfold over time. I often hear from participants months later, or even a year down the road, who suddenly realize how much has shifted in their clarity, habits, emotional landscape, or life direction.  Healing doesn’t always happen in a dramatic moment.  Sometimes it’s a slow and steady recalibration that quietly changes everything.

At our retreats, you will not only work with the medicine, you will also learn practical tools to help you navigate life, emotions, and challenges long after you leave. Your journey continues at home, and you won’t be doing that part alone.

Every participant receives several hours of integration support as part of their program. This allows you to process, ground, and apply what you’ve learned so that the shifts have space to root and grow.

Iboga doesn’t “do the work for you,” but it opens the door, and with guidance, support, and your own commitment, profound transformation can happen.

Question 8

Which plant teacher is best for me?

Accepted Answer

This choice is deeply personal.

When you feel called to awaken, to heal, or to understand yourself on a deeper level, your intuition will often guide you toward the plant teacher that is right for you. That inner nudge, the quiet knowing, the curiosity, the pull in your chest is usually the clearest compass you have.

A gentle reminder:
Try not to base your decision on other people’s stories. Everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing experiences can create expectations that may interfere with your own process. What someone else sees, feels, or learns will not be the same as what the medicine has in store for you.

Instead, focus your research on the provider:
How they hold their retreats
The training and lineage they come from
Their level of experience
The safety protocols they follow
How they support you before, during, and after the ceremony

This is just as important if not more than the plant itself.

Ultimately, choose what feels right in your body.

Your soul knows when the time is right and which path will best support your healing.
You are your own greatest guide.

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

IF YOU CANCEL YOUR RETREAT:

Please read carefully before registering. Due to the nature of our retreats and the extensive preparation involved, all payments are final and non-refundable.

We do not offer refunds.
Deposits and retreat fees secure your space and allow us to reserve accommodation, staff, and ceremony resources in advance. Because spaces are extremely limited, your registration prevents another participant from joining.

Transfers Due to Health-Related Emergencies
The only exception to our no-refund policy is in the case of a verified health-related emergency.  If this occurs, we may be able to transfer your booking to a future retreat date.
All transfer approvals are evaluated individually, and documentation may be required to confirm eligibility.
Please note: if a transfer is not possible, any payments already made will be forfeited.

Why Payments Are Non-Refundable
Each retreat carries significant upfront costs, including travel, accommodations, venue bookings, staffing, and ceremonial preparation. When a participant cancels, these costs remain, and the space is often difficult to fill on short notice.  If you must cancel, please notify us as soon as possible so we can assess options and support you as best we can within our policies.

If We Must Cancel a Retreat
Although this is extremely rare (has not happened thus far), if we need to cancel due to low enrollment, your full retreat payment and deposit will be returned to you.  However, we cannot reimburse airfare or personal travel costs. Travel insurance is strongly  recommended for this reason.  In the unlikely event a retreat must be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, natural disaster, venue issues, or political events, refunds cannot be guaranteed, as we are also subject to the cancellation policies of the venues and partners we work with. Each situation will be reviewed individually.  To protect yourself, we highly encourage purchasing travel and trip-cancellation insurance.

Contact for Cancellations or Transfers
If you need support with a cancellation or transfer request, please contact Sherry at:
📧 healing@ibogawaken.com
 📞 236-302-3222
Please reach out as far in advance as possible so we can guide you through the next steps.

IBOGAwaken

Frequently Asked Questions About IBOGA Retreats in Canada

FAQ's