I've been reading a lot recently about the increase in "Ayahuasca Tourism" in the Amazon. I think it is important that we realize the power teacher plants have and the importance of respecting the spirit of the plants. During my most recent trip to Iquitos, I got to see first-hand the effect that Ayahuasca can have on someone who enters into a ceremony with a cavalier attitude.
As we sat down in the maloca for ceremony, I could feel the energy of the people around me. There were two participants, a couple, that were new to the medicine and had not had any previous experience with psychedelics. I could feel the sadness that she had in her and knew that her journey would be one of great healing. However, he had a very cocky and arrogant attitude. After he drank the medicine, he laughed and made an off0hand comment that "it didn't taste so bad." About an hour into the ceremony, he began to scream, I remember him shouting over and over again, "Make it stop, make it stop, there is a demon in me."
The next day, as we all met to discuss our experiences he was no where to be found. We learned later that early that morning he had packed up his things and left to go back home.
We all are seeking to expand our consciousness and learn what we can form the universe, but I would caution those who just want to "go trip in the jungle" that the lessons Ayahuasca teaches you can be unpleasant and she can can be a harsh teacher at times, she will give us what we need whether we like it or not.