Enfold Institute: A Sacred, Safe & Elevated 5-MeO-DMT Intensive in Canada (Full Review)
Within 90 minutes of landing at Vancouver Airport, you arrive at Enfold's relatively remote property. Ocean views, mountains, and towering evergreens "enfold" the property, placing you inside a Pacific Northwest dreamscape.
But the beauty of the natural environment is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what awaits inside the Enfold Intensive: A truly elevated experience in every way.
The following information is based on my November 2023 visit to Enfold, where I took part in their Awakening to Life 5-MeO-DMT group intensive. All opinions expressed are my own.
Highlights:
World class 5-MeO-DMT facilitation and space holding.
No toads harmed! Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT is used for ethical and safety reasons.
Laser-sharp intake, preparation and integration programs and processes.
Stunning property nested amongst nature and inspired interior design.
Phone-free, screen-free & stimulant-free environment allows you to fully lean into the experience. A vow of silence is taken on ceremony day.
Family-oriented retreat that invites you into a family home during your stay.
A feast for all the senses. The smells, tastes, views, and experiences are to be cherished as an experience of a lifetime.
Overview:
Group Size: 4-6 maximum (option for private experiences)
Location: Near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Providers: Steve Rio and Austin Austin
Founders: Steve Rio and Austin Austin
Operating since: 2019
Website here
Includes:
Private 5-MeO-DMT ceremony with Steve and Austin
Starting in September 2024: 3 Medicine ceremonies including two group ceremonies (5-MEO-DMT & 3MMC), and one private 5-MeO-DMT ceremony
Breathwork sessions and sauna ceremony (contrast therapy)
Group integration + private integration meeting
Extensive preparation and Integration support
Private preparation call, group orientation call & post-integration session
Personalized intake and safety screening
Two weeks of on-call support from Steve and Austin, as needed
Access to The Fold: Enfold’s private community offering with preparation and integration resources to support you every step of the way
Lifetime access to monthly community integration calls
Curated list of integration coaches for extra support
3 nights accommodation with everything you need (5 nights starting in September 2024)
Fresh, healthy and intentional home-cooked food, catering to all diets
Private whatsapp group chat with facilitators & retreat attendees
Nothing but smiles after journeying with 5-MeO-DMT. Steve & Austin, the facilitators, are ready to hold their guests in Love.
“Over the past five years, we have developed our proprietary process which includes somatic modalities like breathwork and contrast therapy, coaching, spiritual guidance, and powerful, legal psychedelic medicines that will open the door to lasting impact in your life.”
What is 5-MeO-DMT? (AKA Buf0, The God Molecule, Jaguar)
5-MeO-DMT can produce intense consciousness-altering effects when consumed. Users often report profound mystical experiences, ego dissolution, and a sense of interconnectedness with the universe. The effects typically come on rapidly and can be overwhelming, often described as more intense than those of N,N-DMT.
5-MeO-DMT is an entheogenic psychedelic. An entheogen is a psychoactive substance that induces a mystical, spiritual, or "God experience." Some people, such as James Oroc (who was an avid smoker of 5-MeO-DMT), claim that 5-MeO-DMT is the only “true entheogen” known to man. This is because at high doses, it is common for 5-MeO-DMT to blast one out of the mind and body, through the spirit realm, and straight into what many describe as a place of Oneness.
Who knows where one actually goes while under the influence of this medicine, but journeyers report again and again similar qualities of this space: Oneness, God, the Universe, All That Is, Infinity, the White Light, Infinite Love. Regardless of invoking this non-dual experience, this medicine is incredibly strong and powerful. However, the “white light” is not guaranteed and some journeyers experience darkness, challenges, or strong ego resistance.
Unlike most psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT is not particularly visionary or filled with “content”. While there might be some fractals, sacred geometry, and the infamous "white light," the 5-MeO-DMT experience tends to be somatic and offers a unique opportunity for "resetting" one's energetic field and nervous system. Steve and Austin believe that this somatic release allows one to release emotions and traumas deeply stored in the psyche and body.
The medicine is most commonly consumed by vaporization but can also be administered intramuscularly. At Enfold, I consumed the medicine via vaporization. Once inhaled, it's a matter of seconds before the effects come on strongly.
Chemically, 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) belongs to the tryptamine class of compounds. It is chemically similar to DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), another potent psychedelic, but with an additional methoxy group attached to the 5th position on its molecular structure.
This compound occurs naturally in various plants and animals, including certain species of toads, such as the Colorado River toad (Bufo alvarius). It can also be synthesized in a laboratory setting, resulting in the 5-MeO-DMT molecule.
“Although 5-MeO-DMT is one of the shortest acting psychedelics, it is the furthest journey one can take. It is often described as ineffable and profound.”
Ocean views, mountains and towering evergreens “enfold” the properly, putting you inside a Pacific Northwest dreamscape.
Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT versus Bufo:
Bufo Alvarius venom and 5-MeO-DMT are related but have notable differences. The Bufo Alvarius is a species of toad commonly known as the Sonoran Desert toad. It is native to the southwestern United States and parts of northern Mexico. The Bufo Alvarius secretes a potent venom containing various psychoactive compounds, including 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenin, and other tryptamines. The secretion is found in the toad's glands and skin, and it is harvested for its psychoactive properties by some indigenous cultures and individuals interested in psychedelic experiences.
5-MeO-DMT is a specific chemical compound that is found not only in Bufo Alvarius toad, but also in various plants. It can also be synthesized in a laboratory. It is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the psychedelic effects of the toad's venom. 5-MeO-DMT can be isolated from the secretion of Bufo alvarius and used directly for its psychoactive effects.
In summary, Bufo Alvarius is a species of toad that produces a venom containing 5-MeO-DMT, among other compounds, while 5-MeO-DMT is the specific chemical compound responsible for the psychedelic effects associated with the toad's secretion.
There are a few reasons to choose synthetic 5-MeO-DMT over the Bufo venom:
Ethical Considerations: Some individuals may have ethical concerns about harvesting venom from Bufo Alvarius toads, particularly if it involves harming or exploiting the animals. Using synthetic 5-MeO-DMT eliminates these ethical dilemmas and allows for a psychedelic experience that doesn’t involve harming or endangering the toad. Though not currently listed as endangered, the toads are increasingly threatened by poachers.
Dosing Efficacy: 5-MeO-DMT is one of the most potent psychedelics known to man, and minuscule difference in doses can have profound effects. Using synthetic ensures a more predictable and consistent experience compared to the variability of 5-MeO-DMT concentrations in Bufo alvarius toads.
Accessibility: Not everyone has access to Bufo Alvarius toads or is comfortable with the process of extracting venom from them. Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT may be more readily available through research chemical suppliers and laboratories.
Research and Development: Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT provides researchers with a tool for studying the compound in controlled settings, allowing for a better understanding of its pharmacology, effects, and potential therapeutic applications. This is particularly useful for Enfold, who are doing research in collaboration with UHN for Psychedelic Research to produce observational research looking at 5-MeO-DMT in a retreat-based setting.
Reduced Risk of Toxin Exposure: Handling Bufo Alvarius toad venom carries a risk of accidental exposure to toxins or allergens present in the secretion. Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT eliminates this risk, as it does not require direct contact with the toads or their venomous glands.
The group integration session the day after ceremony is a beautiful way to start making sense of the ineffable.
As an Enfold guest, you are invited into Steve and Austin’s home. Guests are held in love and treated like family, which in and of itself is very healing.
What can 5-MeO-DMT be useful for?
5-MeO-DMT has gained attention in recent years as a subject of scientific research and is being investigated for its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Research on 5-MeO-DMT is relatively limited compared to other psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD. However, there is growing interest in studying its effects on the brain and its potential therapeutic applications.
This is a very novel psychedelic (about 70 years old) and we are still learning applications might be most effective. Here are a few reasons why people choose to work with 5-MeO-DMT at Enfold:
Mid-life transitions, rediscovering purpose, finding your “why”
Enhancing intimacy, relationships, and connection
Healing deeply held traumas that therapy can’t access
Connecting with “god” or a sense of deep universal consciousness
Discovering or deepening embodiment
Finding love for yourself
The ceremony space has been curated as a beautiful neutral environment to experience 5-MeO-DMT.
“5-MEO-DMT is the strongest entheogenic medicine on the planet. It’s unique from any other psychedelics in that at high doses the experience dissolves the mind entirely and allows you to let go of trauma and patterns on a deep somatic (in the body) level. This can feel like a true death and a rebirth experience. At full strength, you leave your body, time and space. Where you go is impossible to describe though people give it many names: the infinite oneness, god space, the quantum field, pure consciousness, etc.”
Steve Rio and Austin Austin are the husband and wife team behind Enfold. After taking ownership of their property, they were inspired to open a psychedelic retreat centre. Choosing to work with 5-MeO-DMT came naturally, since it had a profound impact on both their lives.
Why I Choose to do 5-MeO-DMT at Enfold in Canada:
Intentions for Healing & Transformation:
I was drawn to 5-MeO-DMT due to what it might offer for bringing my nervous system into balance, as none of the other medicines I’ve worked with have been able to help me at the somatic/nervous system level.
As a baby and young child, I experienced living in a war zone. As a result, I have always been deeply sensitive and dysregulated by loud sounds and bright lights. While this seems like a minor discomfort, I live life constantly trying to control my environment, and when I can’t, the impact on my nervous system is severe enough to throw me into a panic. I was hoping 5-MeO-DMT might be able to help.
I also had spiritual and personal transformation intentions for this experience. One year prior to sitting with 5-MeO-DMT, I sat with the master plant teacher Iboga. After Iboga, I felt truly psychologically and spiritually healed. My curiosity around 5-MeO-DMT began because I learned that it can be a very natural and complementary progression from Iboga, which is very Earth-based. While I spent a lot of time processing the “contents” of my life during my healing chapter, I was missing a sense of spiritual connection that was visceral, real, and felt. I was contemplating the Great Mystery, and just reading about it in books wasn’t fulfilling: I wanted to experience it. What am I reaching for in life? What is the point of all this?
Legality:
5-MeO-DMT is currently unregulated and unscheduled in Canada, meaning that no laws were infringed upon by participating in this experience at Enfold.
Reverence and Framing:
5-MeO-DMT is a synthetic molecule with no known lineage, yet it is held as sacred at Enfold. The ceremony itself is treated as sacred, and journeyers are met with the utmost presence and care to explore truths beyond the ego self. For many who embark on this journey, it may be (one of) the single most significant spiritual experience of their life, and Enfold treats it as such.
They take a Buddhist framing to approach this work, yet the philosophy does not feel intrusive nor prescriptive. Rather, it feels like a natural vessel to ground this ethereal medicine into human life. This is felt through Enfold's focus on mindfulness, meditation, somatics and movement, positive lifestyle change and integration, and consciousness exploration.
Contribution:
5-MeO-DMT is a medicine that lacks a known lineage and cultural underpinning, therefore there is no known culture or group of people to contribute to in reciprocity. Enfold has still found a way to give back through research that will benefit the field and humanity.
From their website: “Enfold has partnered with UHN and the Nikean Center for Psychedelic Research to produce observational research looking at 5-MeO-DMT in a retreat-based setting. The research will include both a qualitative and quantitative components. This research will be the first time a solid set of data is collected with before and after measures along with precise dosing and set & setting parameters collected.” (enfold.org)
Location & setting:
I live in Canada, so it was a little flight from Toronto to Vancouver. I even lived in Vancouver for a period of time and look for any reason to visit again. The crisp mountain air and views create a perfect setting for serious medicine work. The fact that this medicine is unregulated in Canada also put me at peace.
Safety & Intake:
This is serious medicine, and Enfold’s intake process is serious to match. I had to fill out quite a long intake form that asked questions about medications, medical and physiological history, drug use, childhood and upbringing, and my intentions for partaking in Enfold’s intensive. I also had a couple calls with Steve plus a group orientation call with the other guests before I even stepped foot on the property.
My Integration Process & Transformation
I snapped this photo in the ceremony room right before our sendoff.
Since I was pretty far down the medicine path when I came to Enfold, I was seeking transformation and expansion more than healing. Yet, 5-MeO-DMT offered me something that none of the other medicines were able to: healing for my nervous system.
While the medicine is dysregulating by nature, it actually brought my body back to a regulated state (which is dysregulating when I was already dysregulated!). Immediately after the intensive, I quit caffeine and nicotine (a bad habit I developed four months before the Enfold Intensive). Three months in without going back to either, this is allowing me to be in tune with my true state of being. I am also noticing that while I am still sensitive to light and noise, it is much less dysregulating and my reactions are more calm and less explosive.
For about a week after the experience, I experienced “reactivations” which are flashbacks to the peak of the 5-MeO-DMT experience. It was only after the reactivations came to a peak that I was able to start making (some) sense out of the experience.
Beyond the nervous system healing, this beautiful experience has opened me up to a new depth with life itself. The intensive is called “Awakening to Life” rightfully so. As I write this, two months after my visit to Enfold, I can sense that a sacred process is unfolding and opening me up to experience life more deeply, with more purpose. It’s ecstatic and beautiful.
It’s also triggering, because I am now able to notice with clarity everything that isn’t love, and all the ways I show up that aren’t in love. Of course I still do it, because 1. my human hasn’t caught up to the energetic shift yet, and 2. there is no magic pill, I still have to do the work.
Overall, I’m really excited about this medicine and the process it has initiated; I’m deeply grateful to have had this opportunity and I am truly excited about the integration process as it unfolds.
I feel more on my path, on purpose and in clarity than every before. I will share more details about my integration and transformation at the six month mark.
To hear detailed sharing about my 5-MeO-DMT experience and Enfold, listen to the below podcast episodes:
Accommodation & Food
Although the 5-MeO-DMT experience might be a mystery, one thing is for sure: You will eat like royalty during your stay at Enfold. Steve and Austin gained my trust the moment I took a bite of the first meal! The love, care and intention is so apparent in the food. The way we eat and prepare food says so much about a person, so for me, this love, care and intention translated to their character.
The food is fresh, delicious, and gorgeous to boot. The meals strike the balance of grounding nourishment while maintaining a lightness and freshness. Everything is gluten free and vegan with the option to add meat or dairy to a most meals.
The rooms and beds are very comfortable and beautiful, with everything you might need to completely surrender to the medicine experience. Outside of your guest suite, you are invited into Steve and Austin’s home, where you are treated like beloved family.
The property is on an island close to Vancouver, and there is an opportunity to walk down to the ocean, hike amongst the forests, and take in the fresh air. I appreciated how peaceful and quiet the location is. Everything about Enfold is elevated, detail-oriented, and fresh.
Are you ready for 5-MeO-DMT?
This is a serious medicine; In my opinion and experience, it is the most serious of all psychedelics.
One must be ready for 5-MeO-DMT, which means being prepared for a major paradigm shift in how one perceives life and their place in the world. One must also be ready to integrate and make space for this life changing experience.
The integration process after 5-MeO-DMT can be very long and filled with challenges; an undertaking to consider. On the flipside, this experience can be profoundly impactful with the right support and guidance.
If you are ready to Awaken to Life, get in touch with Enfold to see if this medicine is right for you.
