5-MeO-DMT is often referred to as the strongest psychedelic known to man. Said to be 15 to 20 times stronger than normal DMT. 5-MeO-DMT–nicknamed the “God Molecule” due to the strong mystical states it induces–is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various plants and toad venoms (ie. Bufo alvarius or Colorado River toad). It is known for its short but extremely enormous intensity lasting 20 to 40 minutes. Inducing complete ego dissolution and evaporation of material reality, all the while have little to no visuals. So we can now take a look into the details of what exactly this compound is, where it comes from, its history, its effects, and much more in today’s blog post.
What exactly is 5-MeO-DMT?
5-MeO-DMT(its full name being: 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a naturally occurring psychedelic in the tryptamine category. The same category as magic mushrooms or regular DMT but with more unique receptor activity. It is normally consumed via smoking or vaporizing the compound, sometimes it may be insufflated which isn’t nearly as common. It’s found in a variety of plants that have been used for centuries as well as the more recent discovery in the 1980s of its presence in some toad venom leading to more widespread use. It’s renowned and revered by shamanic cultures for its spiritual properties in accessing alter states of consciousness.
Traditional and Historical Use
5-MeO-DMT has been used and praised by indigenous cultures for centuries in South America. Making snuffs out of the various 5-MeO-DMT containing plants that populated these areas were common practice and inhaled through hollow bird-bone tubes during ceremonial settings. These snuffs, unlike DMT-containing ayahuasca, were almost always inhaled. Archaeological evidence suggests its use traces back over 2000 years in some regions of South America. These ceremonial uses of 5-MeO-DMT are deeply rooted in healing, divine communication, and connection to the spirit world. The use of toad venom from toads like Bufo alvarius has only been used during modern times from the 20th century and lacks any evidence of any ancient use. Ancient use of 5-MeO-DMT is only tied to the various plants that populate South America. (Ermakova et al., 2021)
The Experience and Effects (Ermakova et al., 2021)
When 5-MeO-DMT is smoked or vaporized the onset of its effects are immediate and peak very quickly. The duration can last anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. The effects of 5-MeO-DMT include the following:
- Ego Dissolution: One of the hallmark effects of this compound is its intense and fast ego dissolution. Inducing a complete separation of personal identity and merging into a larger sense of unity.
- Emotional Intensity: The experience is often described as transcendent and deeply spiritual, bringing users to states of complete love and “oneness.”
- Visuals: Unlike normal DMT, 5-MeO-DMT has no colourful visuals and user reports state a more white or bright light that envelopes the user.
- After Glow Effects: Users report lasting effects after the experience such as reduced anxiety and stress, lasting changes in mood, and more life satisfaction.
Potential Benefits (Emerging Research & Reports)
In recent studies, 5-MeO-DMT has been found to have a variety of good potential benefits. A study conducted in 2022 found the following results. (Reckweg et al., 2022)
- Rapid relief for depression, anxiety, and stress: Even after a single inhalation, users reported a fast improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Potential for treatment resistant depression: Early trials of 5-MeO-DMT in TRD patients showed promising antidepressant effects.
- Improved life satisfaction: People reported a great capacity for mindfulness, presence, and an overall enhancement of life satisfaction.
- Short duration and potency: Due to its short duration and potency, it offers therapeutic intervention with a much less needed commitment that other more lengthy psychedelics offer.
- Immunoregularity and anti-inflammation: Some additional findings suggest 5-MeO-DMT can stimulate immune regulation and reduce inflammation, which might tie into mental health improvements.
Safety, Risks, and Caution
5-MeO-DMT is an incredibly powerful substance. Its intensity is virtually unmatched, and can be a challenge for even the most experienced psychonaut. This substance requires the utmost respect like any other psychedelic. Due to its potency, it comes on incredibly strong and very quickly, especially when vaporized. This means the user should be in the best possible set and setting for the experience, ideally with a trusted trip sitter watching over you. No one can be fully certain how this compound will interact with them.
The experience from 5-MeO-DMT can be destabilizing and scary with improper preparations. It is also crucial to note that this substance can never be mixed with any MAOIs, SSRIs, or any serotonergic meds (due to risks of serotonin syndrome). It is also possible to overdose on 5-MeO-DMT. Misuse of a freebase form of the compound can easily risk overdose, vape cartridges provide a safer more consistent dosing. Hallucinogenics prioritizes safety by offering a 5-MeO-DMT vape cartridge, you can pick up one here.
Comparison: 5-MeO-DMT vs DMT
5-MeO-DMT and N, N-DMT are quite different in their effects and very different from each other. Core differences being the lack of visuals compared to DMT as well as being described as 10 to 20 times stronger than normal DMT. Duration also differs with 5-MeO-DMT being slightly longer at around 20 to 40 minutes. When it comes to the experience 5-MeO-DMT is described as dissolving into oneness. Where DMT has more absurd visuals and encounters with different entities. These substances are vastly different but both need to be approached with the same level of respect and caution.
Conclusion
5-MeO-DMT is one of the most intense psychedelics out there. It has a long and interesting history with newer widespread use within the last few decades. Emerging research has shown the incredible benefits and interesting effects. When this substance is approached with respect and caution it can be a powerful tool for individual growth, mental health, and overall well being. If any of this has interested you and you are thinking about seeing what 5-MeO-DMT has to offer, you can take a look here and give it a try.
Sources
Ermakova, A. O., Martinelli, B. M., & Nichols, D. E. (2021). 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: An update on pharmacology, chemistry, and biological effects. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(4), 390–406. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881120981386
Reckweg, J. T., et al. (2022). The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). Journal of Psychopharmacology.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9314805
