GUIDELINES FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND RETREATS

1. Purpose

The purpose of these Guidelines is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of all products and retreats offered by Spinoza. By setting forth these criteria, we aim to maintain the highest standards of safety, integrity, and quality across all of Spinoza’s offerings.

2. Scope

These Guidelines apply to all individuals seeking to use any Spinoza products or participate in Spinoza retreats. They also pertain to staff, volunteers, and others involved in the design, administration, and operation of Spinoza’s offerings.

3. Eligibility Criteria

In order to maintain the safety and well-being of all participants, certain individuals may be excluded from participating in the Program. Participants will not be eligible to join the Program under the following circumstances:

For the safety, integrity, and quality of experiences associated with both our products and retreats, individuals are advised to carefully consider the following criteria:

a) You cannot use our products or participate in our retreats if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This restriction is due to the limited research available on the effects of our products and retreat experiences on pregnancy and lactation. It’s always best to prioritize the health and safety of both mother and child.

b) You cannot use our products or participate in our retreats if you are under 25 years of age. The primary reasons for this caution are twofold. First, the human brain continues to develop up until around this age. Second, while rare, psychedelics can exacerbate latent mental conditions, such as psychosis. Such conditions typically manifest before the age of 25. If these disorders are already dormant within an individual, using psychedelics can increase the risk of them surfacing. Due to these concerns, as well as the ongoing brain development, using our products or participating in our retreats before the age of 25 is discouraged.

c) You cannot use our products or participate in our retreats if you or a first-degree family member have a current or past history of a clinically diagnosed psychotic disorder. This is due to the potential risk of triggering or exacerbating these conditions with the use of our offerings.

d) If you have a current or past history of severe psychiatric disorders or suicide attempts, it’s essential to prioritize mental well-being. Such conditions might be influenced or triggered by the use of psychedelics, hence participation is discouraged.

e) If you are currently using, or have recently used, any of the following medications or supplements

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Lithium carbonate
• Amphetamines
• Antipsychotics
• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants or tranquilizers (e.g., Xanax, Ambien)
• Supplements such as 5-HTP or St. John’s Wort

These interactions can potentially affect your experience or wellbeing.

f) You cannot use our products or participate in our retreats if your resting blood pressure is equal to or greater than 140/90mmHg. Elevated blood pressure can be a significant health concern, especially when introduced to experiences or products that may influence heart rate or blood pressure.

g) You cannot use our products or participate in our retreats if you are currently undergoing treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. Introducing new substances or experiences might interfere with the recovery process, and we prioritize the well-being of all individuals.

h) If you are using our products, it’s essential to avoid combining them with other drugs, alcohol, or engaging in activities like driving. Combining substances can lead to unpredictable effects, which can jeopardize your safety and well-being. Moreover, operating vehicles or machinery while under the influence of our products poses significant risks not only to you but to others as well.

4. Participant Screening Process (Retreats Only)

All individuals interested in participating in our retreats must undergo a screening process to determine their suitability. This process may include, but is not limited to, the completion of a questionnaire, an interview, and/or a review of medical records. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 3 will not be permitted to join the retreat.

5. Confidentiality (Retreats Only)

All personal and medical information collected during the retreat screening process will be treated as confidential. This data will only be shared with relevant staff members and medical professionals on a need-to-know basis, in line with prevailing privacy laws and regulations.

6. Appeals and Accommodations (Retreats Only)

a) Appeals: Should an individual be deemed ineligible for the retreat, they may appeal the decision in writing to the retreat’s designated appeals officer within a specified timeframe, as set by the retreat guidelines. The appeals officer will assess the appeal and furnish a written response within a reasonable duration.

b) Accommodations: We are dedicated to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or other specific needs during our retreats, in line with relevant laws and regulations. If someone requires special accommodations to join the retreat, they should submit a detailed written request specifying their needs. The retreat team will review this request and decide whether the accommodations can be reasonably arranged without undermining the retreat’s safety and integrity.

7. Amendments

These guidelines may undergo amendments occasionally at the sole discretion of Spinoza products and retreats. All pertinent changes will be communicated to the concerned parties promptly, ensuring both product users and retreat attendees are always informed.