Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT) Safety and Risks

Bufo Alvarius refers to the secretion from the Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius), which contains 5-MeO-DMT, a potent psychedelic compound. Unlike many other retreat modalities, 5-MeO-DMT produces extremely intense, short-duration experiences that can be overwhelming and physically demanding.

Why it is higher-risk:

• Extremely rapid onset and intensity can be overwhelming even for experienced participants
• Physical effects can include rapid heart rate, blood pressure changes, and respiratory effects
• Short duration means less time for facilitators to respond to adverse reactions
• Limited research on safety profiles compared to substances like psilocybin or ayahuasca
• Risk of psychological distress or trauma if not properly prepared or supported

Cardiac conditions: Bufo can cause rapid heart rate and blood pressure changes. Contraindicated for individuals with:

• Heart disease, arrhythmias, or history of heart attack
• High blood pressure (uncontrolled)
• Cardiovascular conditions requiring medication

Medications: Many medications can interact dangerously with 5-MeO-DMT, including:

• SSRIs, MAOIs, and other antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications
• Cardiac medications
• Certain psychiatric medications

Always disclose all medications to retreat facilitators and consult with your prescribing physician before considering a bufo retreat.

Mental health history: Higher risk for individuals with:

• History of psychosis or psychotic disorders
• Severe anxiety or panic disorders
• Bipolar disorder (especially during manic episodes)
• Active suicidal ideation or recent suicide attempts
• Severe PTSD without adequate preparation and support

Medical screening is not optional for bufo retreats—it is essential for safety. A responsible bufo retreat should:

• Require comprehensive medical and psychological screening before acceptance
• Ask about cardiac history, medications, and mental health conditions
• Have medical staff on-site or readily available
• Have emergency protocols and medical equipment available
• Screen out individuals with contraindications

Red flag: Any bufo retreat that does not require thorough medical screening or accepts participants without reviewing medical history is not following basic safety protocols.

Watch for these warning signs when evaluating bufo retreats:

• No mention of medical screening: If a retreat doesn't clearly state screening requirements, this is a major concern
• Claims of guaranteed healing or breakthroughs: No substance can guarantee outcomes
• Minimizing risks: Responsible providers acknowledge the intensity and risks
• No contraindications listed: All bufo retreats should clearly state who should NOT attend
• Pressure to book quickly: Ethical providers allow time for proper screening
• No emergency protocols mentioned: Medical support must be available
• Group sizes too large: Bufo requires intensive individual attention

For more on red flags, see our guide: Mental Health Red Flags in Retreat Marketing

On this directory, bufo retreats are held to stricter verification standards because:

• Higher risk profile requires more transparency about safety protocols
• Medical screening information must be publicly documented
• Emergency protocols and medical support must be verifiable
• Contraindications and safety information must be clearly stated

A verified bufo retreat listing means we have confirmed that safety information, screening requirements, and contraindications are publicly documented and independently verifiable. Learn more about our verification process →

You should NOT attend a bufo retreat if:

• You have cardiac conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• You are taking medications that interact with 5-MeO-DMT (especially SSRIs, MAOIs, or cardiac medications)
• You have a history of psychosis or psychotic disorders
• You are experiencing active suicidal ideation or severe mental health crisis
• You have not received proper medical clearance from a qualified healthcare provider
• The retreat does not require or conduct thorough medical screening
• You feel pressured or rushed to make a decision
• You have not adequately prepared or set intentions

For more guidance on when retreats may not be appropriate, see: When Not to Attend a Healing Retreat

• Browse All Bufo Retreats
• Best Bufo Retreats (by documentation)
• Retreats with Published Safety Screening
• How We Verify Listings
• How to Choose a Bufo Retreat
• Bufo Retreat Safety Screening Guide