Iboga FAQ

Transcend is a group of highly motivated practitioners with an unwavering enthusiasm for healing with plant medicines. We offer iboga and 5-MeO-DMT ceremonies rooted in the Bwiti tradition of Central Africa, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Our work is guided by a commitment to safety, authentic transmission, and genuine care for the people who come to us. We are not a retreat centre in the conventional sense — we work with small groups and individuals, with thorough screening and personalised attention throughout the process.

We offer iboga ceremony and 5-MeO-DMT ceremony, as well as integration coaching for those who have completed ceremony with us or elsewhere. Iboga ceremony is the primary offering — a full ceremonial experience rooted in the Bwiti tradition, typically lasting 12–24 hours, followed by a recovery period. 5-MeO-DMT ceremony is shorter (20–45 minutes active) and can be offered as a standalone experience or in combination with iboga work. Integration coaching supports the processing and embodiment of what arises during ceremony and is available one-on-one, in person in Vancouver or via video.

We are based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Ceremonies take place in and around Vancouver. Exact location details are provided after the screening and intake process is complete. Integration coaching sessions are available both in person in Vancouver and remotely via video call for participants who are not local.

Iboga is the sacred root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, a rainforest shrub native to Central Africa. It has been used ceremonially in the Bwiti tradition for centuries — not as a recreational substance, but as a tool for deep psychological and spiritual self-examination. Ibogaine is the primary active alkaloid within iboga. Pharmacologically, ibogaine interacts with the dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine systems simultaneously — which is what gives it the distinctive combination of effects: extended visionary states, autobiographical memory review, and pattern recognition. After the ceremony, ibogaine converts to noribogaine in the body, a metabolite that remains active for weeks to months, continuing the neurological reorganisation that begins during the ceremony itself.

Yes. Medical screening is required before any ceremony. This is not optional, and it is not bureaucracy — it is how we make sure that ceremony is safe for you specifically. The screening process includes a full medical history review, a cardiac screening (including EKG for iboga ceremony), blood panel, a review of all current medications, and a conversation about psychological readiness. Some conditions and medications are absolute contraindications for iboga. We take this seriously. If you are not an appropriate candidate, we will tell you — directly and without softening it. We would rather lose a potential participant than put someone at risk.

Iboga induces what is often described as a waking dream state — vivid visions, deeply detailed autobiographical memory review, and direct confrontation with the patterns and decisions that have shaped a person's life. People come to iboga ceremony for a wide range of reasons: addiction treatment (particularly opioid, alcohol, and stimulant dependency), treatment-resistant depression, PTSD and unresolved trauma, existential crisis and loss of direction, and what some call psycho-spiritual exploration and personal growth. The experience is not gentle, and it is not appropriate for everyone. But for those who are ready and appropriately screened, it is one of the most transformative experiences available.

Yes. A medical professional is on site for the duration of every ceremony. This is one of the non-negotiable aspects of how we operate. Iboga in particular requires continuous monitoring — heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are tracked throughout. The medical professional present has specific training in plant medicine ceremony and knows what to watch for. We do not offer ceremony without this oversight, and any provider who does so is, in our view, operating irresponsibly.

Preparation for iboga ceremony involves several layers. On the medical side: completing the required screening, addressing any contraindicated medications (including a supervised taper from SSRIs or SNRIs if applicable), abstaining from alcohol and recreational drugs for a minimum of two weeks before ceremony, and fasting — typically 6–8 hours before ceremony begins. Electrolyte loading in the 24 hours prior is also recommended. On the personal side: adequate rest in the days leading up to ceremony, setting a clear intention for what you are hoping to address, and informing the people close to you that you will be unavailable during and immediately after the ceremony. Full preparation guidance is provided after screening.

No. Participating in iboga or 5-MeO-DMT ceremony while taking SSRIs or SNRIs is strictly prohibited. The combination significantly increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. This is one of the absolute contraindications for this work. If you are currently taking SSRIs or SNRIs and are interested in ceremony, you will need to work with your prescribing physician on a supervised taper before any ceremony can be considered. The timeline for this varies by medication and dosage. We will discuss this in detail during the screening process. Do not attempt to stop these medications on your own.

Costs range from $600 to $5,000 CAD depending on what will be required. Iboga ceremony, which is the most resource-intensive offering (requiring on-site medical supervision, extended duration, and the cost of the medicine itself), falls at the higher end of the range. 5-MeO-DMT ceremony is at the lower end. Integration coaching is priced at $150–$300 CAD per session. We do not publish a fixed price list because the right approach — and therefore the appropriate cost — depends on the individual. We discuss pricing transparently during the intake process. We do not offer payment plans at this time.

All three are plant medicines used in ceremonial contexts, but they work differently and address different things. Psilocybin tends to produce an expansive, perceptually altered state that many describe as opening, warming, or mystical. Ayahuasca is known for its purgative qualities and often involves emotional processing and visionary content. Iboga is longer — considerably longer — and more confrontational. It is less likely to produce bliss and more likely to show you exactly what you have been avoiding. It is also pharmacologically unique in its interaction with multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously, and in the extended activity of its noribogaine metabolite. Many people who have worked with other plant medicines find iboga to be a different order of experience.

5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a naturally occurring tryptamine found in certain plants and in the secretions of the Bufo alvarius toad. It is chemically related to N,N-DMT (the compound in ayahuasca) but produces a markedly different experience. N,N-DMT is typically characterised by complex, vivid visionary content — geometric patterns, entities, narrative experience. 5-MeO-DMT tends to produce something closer to complete dissolution of the sense of self — what is sometimes described as ego death or non-dual awareness. There is often little or no visual content. Instead, there is the direct experience of being prior to the narrative of self. This can be profoundly liberating for some people, and deeply disorienting for those who are not prepared. The active experience lasts 20–45 minutes. Integration takes considerably longer.

Ibogaine is not approved for medical use in Canada. Transcend provides ceremony services rooted in the Bwiti tradition. The legal status of ibogaine in Canada is complex and different from countries where it is explicitly prohibited. We recommend that anyone considering this work do their own research on the current regulatory environment and consult with a legal professional if they have specific concerns. We are not able to provide legal advice. What we can say is that we operate with a commitment to transparency and safety, and that we do not hide what we do.

There are people who should not do this work, and we say this directly: iboga is not appropriate for everyone. Absolute contraindications include certain cardiac conditions (particularly QT prolongation, arrhythmia, or recent heart attack), severe liver or kidney disease, active psychosis or schizophrenia spectrum disorders, current use of SSRIs/SNRIs (without completing a supervised taper), certain other medications (including lithium and some opioid medications), pregnancy, and people who are not psychologically stable enough to hold what the experience produces. If you are in acute crisis, experiencing active suicidal ideation, or in a period of significant mental health instability, this is not the right moment for this work. We will be direct with you about this if it is relevant to your situation. If you are unsure whether your situation is appropriate, the candidate screening tool at transcend.center/screening walks through the same contraindications we check during intake.

The first step is to send an email to jake.nylund@gmail.com. Introduce yourself, describe what you are hoping to address through ceremony, and provide a brief overview of your relevant health history (medications, major health conditions, psychiatric history). We review every application personally. If your situation seems appropriate for a further conversation, we will be in contact to discuss the screening process. From there, the intake is thorough — we take the time to understand who you are and what you need before any ceremony is confirmed.

The active iboga ceremony typically lasts 12–24 hours. During this time, participants experience extended visionary states, autobiographical memory review, and a period of physical challenge that requires rest and monitoring. After the active phase, a recovery period of 2–3 days is standard — participants often feel tired, reflective, and sensitive during this time. The noribogaine metabolite continues to be active in the body for weeks to months after ceremony, which is part of why iboga tends to produce lasting change. The integration period — making sense of what arose and embodying the insights — continues well beyond the ceremony itself.

It depends on the specific history and current status. A history of depression, anxiety, or PTSD is not an automatic contraindication — in fact, addressing these is one of the primary reasons people come to iboga. However, active psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, certain personality disorders, and current significant instability are contraindications. Bipolar disorder requires careful evaluation — some people with bipolar have done this work successfully with appropriate preparation, and others are not appropriate candidates. We assess each person individually during the screening process, and we err on the side of caution. We do not screen people in to meet a quota.

The immediate post-ceremony period (first 1–3 days) involves physical rest and emotional sensitivity. Many people feel a deep tiredness, a quality of openness, and heightened emotion. Some experience a period of clarity and energy. Some feel confused or disoriented. All of these are normal. Over the following weeks, the insights and patterns revealed in ceremony tend to continue to surface and clarify. This is the integration period — and it is where the work of sustaining change actually happens. We strongly recommend scheduling integration support before the ceremony so that it is in place when you emerge from the ceremony itself.

Yes. Addiction — particularly opioid, alcohol, and stimulant dependency — is one of the conditions for which iboga has the most documented impact. The 2023 Stanford study on ibogaine with special operations veterans documented substantial reductions in addiction-related markers. Texas has committed $50 million to clinical ibogaine trials specifically for addiction treatment. Our own experience mirrors what the research is showing: iboga interrupts dependency at the neurological level in a way that other interventions do not. This does not mean it is a cure, or that it requires no follow-through — integration work after ceremony is essential for lasting recovery. But for many people with treatment-resistant addiction, it represents a genuinely different kind of option.

Ibogaine is not approved as a prescription drug in Canada, but iboga root bark used in a traditional ceremonial context is not explicitly scheduled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. We operate within the Bwiti spiritual tradition. Participants should do their own legal due diligence and consult a lawyer if they have specific concerns.

The active experience lasts 12–24 hours. Most participants describe an unsparing autobiographical review — memories, patterns, and formative experiences surfacing with unusual clarity. It is not euphoric. It is often described as the most difficult and most important thing a person has done. Most are grateful for it.

Iboga ceremony at Transcend costs $2,000–$5,000 CAD depending on your situation and protocol. Pricing is discussed transparently during intake. 5-MeO-DMT ceremony is $600–$1,500 CAD. We do not publish fixed pricing because the appropriate protocol varies per person.

All participants complete a written application, a detailed medical history intake, a cardiac assessment including EKG, a blood panel, and a psychological readiness evaluation. Iboga affects cardiac conduction — screening is not optional. Anyone with a QT-prolonged cardiac condition, active SSRI/SNRI use, pregnancy, or severe liver or kidney disease is not an appropriate candidate. The candidate screening at transcend.center/screening covers the same criteria if you want a quick read on your situation before applying.

SSRIs and SNRIs are the most common contraindication. Participants on these medications must complete a medically supervised taper before ceremony — we do not set a timeline without physician oversight. Other contraindications include certain cardiac medications, lithium, tramadol, and stimulants. Full medication review is part of the screening process.

Complete the application at transcend.center/apply. It takes about five minutes. We review every application personally and respond within 2–3 business days if your situation seems appropriate for ceremony.

No. Transcend is not a licensed drug rehabilitation facility. We offer traditional iboga and 5-MeO-DMT ceremonies rooted in the Bwiti tradition. Many participants come with addiction as part of their reason for seeking ceremony, but the work addresses root causes rather than providing clinical rehabilitation services.

The weeks following ceremony are often described as the most important part of the process. We offer integration coaching sessions ($150–$300 CAD) to support processing and behavioral change. Iboga converts to noribogaine in the body, which remains biologically active for weeks to months — part of why the changes tend to hold when supported properly.

Yes. Many participants do both. The iboga ceremony typically comes first, addressing the autobiographical and root-cause material. 5-MeO-DMT follows, often providing a direct experience of what remains when the personal narrative is dissolved. Pricing for the combined protocol is discussed at intake.

All ceremonies are either private or group with Jacob. An on-site medical professional is present throughout all iboga ceremonies.

Jacob has been facilitating iboga and 5-MeO-DMT ceremonies since 2016. Transcend is a family-owned practice based in Langley, BC, serving Metro Vancouver and participants who travel from across Canada and internationally.