Minimum Safety Standards

Sample template for demonstration — not an official document.

These Minimum Safety Standards define the baseline every member must meet before, during, and after a plant-medicine session. They are a floor, not a ceiling: associations and facilitators may add stricter measures, never weaker ones.

1. Purpose

To reduce foreseeable harm by setting clear, checkable requirements for screening, preparation, supervision, and aftercare.

2. Screening and intake

Before accepting a participant, the facilitator collects and reviews:

• Medical history — heart conditions, blood pressure, epilepsy, liver problems, pregnancy.
• Psychological history — psychosis, bipolar disorder, recent severe trauma or suicidal ideation.
• Current medication — especially antidepressants (SSRIs/MAOIs), and any drug with a known interaction.

If anything is unclear, the facilitator seeks professional advice before proceeding.

3. Contraindications

• Absolute (do not proceed): personal or first-degree-family history of psychosis or schizophrenia; uncontrolled cardiovascular disease; current use of contraindicated medication that cannot be safely paused under medical guidance.
• Relative (proceed only with extra precautions and, where needed, medical sign-off): pregnancy, significant physical illness, recent acute crisis.

4. Preparation

Participants receive clear guidance on diet, medication tapering (only under medical supervision), abstinence windows, and what to expect. They confirm understanding and consent in writing.

5. Set and setting

The session takes place in a safe, private, comfortable space with controlled access, clear exits, water, rest areas, and no foreseeable hazards.

6. During the session

• A trained facilitator remains present and sober throughout.
• An adequate facilitator-to-participant ratio is maintained for the group size and the substance.
• Vital signs are monitored where the substance or a participant's profile requires it.
• Participants are never left alone while under the effects.

7. Emergency protocol

Every session has a written emergency plan: emergency numbers to hand, the route to the nearest hospital, a charged phone, a basic first-aid kit, and a named person responsible for calling for help. Facilitators are trained to recognise and respond to medical and psychological emergencies.

8. Integration and aftercare

Participants are offered integration support and given contacts for follow-up. Nobody leaves until they are safe to do so; transport home is arranged where needed.

9. Record-keeping

Screening records, consent forms, and any incidents are documented and stored securely, in line with the Code of Conduct's confidentiality and data rules.