DMT, or Dimethyltryptamine, is an active hallucinogenic compound in ayahuasca, a natural chemical found in both animals and plants. It is a tea brewed from the shrub Psychotria viridis, used for ritual purposes by the indigenous people in the Amazon.

​

It is also ingested in crystal form, often smoked in a bong or pipe. This way, it produces a strong and powerful but short-lasting hallucinogenic state which is often considered amongst the most intense psychedelic experiences to live.

It can also retain its psychoactive properties in other forms, including psilocybin (4-PO-DMT, found in psilocybin mushrooms).

​

DMT is primarily a serotonin (5-HT) receptor, like other hallucinogens, its psychedelic effects can be attributed to its effects on the 5-HT2A receptor subtype.

​

EFFECTS

Psychological effects

When smoked, it’s a very fast-acting experience with a peak momentum occurring about 2 minutes after its ingestion, and completely fading away within 15-20 minutes. Pupil diameter, heart rate, blood pressure and all peaked within 2 min as did subjective experiences.

No evidence of tolerance (needing to take more for the same effect) for DMT was found.

Psychological effects

Low doses (0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg) of DMT initially affect emotional states with few to no perceptual hallucinations. Stronger doses bring rapidly moving displays (“techno-colored” kaleidoscopic) of intense and abstract representational images. Alternating sensations of heat and cold are sometimes reported.

Transitory states of anxiety may be experienced, so are euphoric states and, somewhat, they can be felt at the same time.

Dissociation of awareness from the physical body and out-of-body experiences, is very common when using DMT at higher doses to the extent that many consider it the summit of the experience.

​

THERAPEUTIC USE

The therapeutic value of DMT has not been explored yet to the extent that some other entheogens have, researchers have considered its therapeutic effects, coming from its ability to induce greater mindfulness in users. Alike, an ayahuasca experience, it is experienced a decrease in self-judgment. A sense of self-acceptance is fostered by emotional reactivity to inner experiences helping in to healing mood and addictive disorders.

DMT is a powerful experience by which sense of belonging to something greater than oneself and interconnectedness can be felt and therefore integrated into your everyday life.

​

FAQ

-Can it give me a bad trip?

Like most psychedelics, DMT is a powerful entheogen, with the potential to be very unpleasant if not handled with respect. Follow the 2S’s of psychedelic use (Set, Setting) to minimize the risks of a bad experience. Start with a low dose if it’s your first time.

-Will I always breakthrough?

Not necessarily, especially if taken as a brew. However, DMT is a powerful psychedelic; when smoked, it is likely to produce out of body experiences and extreme changes in perception.

-Is DMT produced naturally in the body?

This is an area of some controversy, but there is evidence to suggest that DMT is present in animal physiology.

-Can it be detected in a drug test?

DMT is not included in a typical drug screen, nor is it included in any known extensive drug screens. It is also not chemically similar to substances that are typically tested for, so the likelihood of triggering a false positive for other drugs is near zero.

-Can I become tolerant to it?

DMT tolerance is considerably less than the other classic psychedelics. Wait an hour or two between doses for tolerance to return to normal. Similarly, ayahuasca does not produce tolerance.