What Is DMT?

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a powerful hallucinogenic compound known for inducing intense and short-lasting psychedelic experiences. Naturally occurring in many plants and animals, it has been used for centuries in traditional shamanic practices, particularly in South America. Recently, it has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications, as well as its recreational use.

DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic drug known for inducing intense and short-lasting psychedelic experiences. — Crystals of Dimethyltryptamine “DMT”

History

DMT has a long history of human use. Indigenous Amazonian tribes have used it for centuries as part of “ayahuasca”, a psychoactive brew prepared from plants containing DMT and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to prolong its effects¹. Western awareness of DMT began in the 1950s when Hungarian chemist Stephen Szára synthesized it². Since then, it has been studied for its hallucinogenic properties and potential therapeutic applications.

Is DMT Legal?

DMT’s legality varies globally:

United States: Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making possession, distribution, or synthesis illegal³.
United Kingdom: Classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act⁴.
Canada: Scheduled as a controlled substance, but exemptions exist for religious practices like Santo Daime ceremonies⁵.
Australia: DMT is a Schedule 9 prohibited substance, with some exceptions for scientific research⁶.
South America: Legal for use in traditional and religious contexts in countries like Brazil and Peru⁷.

What Does DMT Look And Smell Like?

DMT typically appears as a crystalline solid, ranging in color from white to yellow-orange, depending on its purity.

It has a distinct chemical odor often described as “plastic” or “mothball-like”⁸.

How To Make DMT

DMT is commonly extracted from plants containing naturally occurring tryptamines, such as Mimosa hostilis or Psychotria viridis. The extraction process involves acidic or basic solutions and nonpolar solvents to isolate the compound from plant material. It can also be synthesized in a lab using tryptamine precursors and chemical reagents⁹.

Pharmacokinetics

When consumed, DMT is rapidly metabolized by monoamine oxidase enzymes in the liver. This fast breakdown explains its short duration of effects when smoked or injected (5–15 minutes).

When taken orally with MAOIs (as in ayahuasca), the effects last longer (4–6 hours) due to inhibition of DMT’s metabolism¹⁰.

Pharmacodynamics

DMT primarily acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, leading to altered sensory perception and hallucinations. It also interacts with other serotonin receptor subtypes, which contribute to its psychedelic effects¹¹.

How Long Does DMT Last?

Smoking/Vaping: Produces rapid onset and intense effects lasting 5–15 minutes¹².
Injecting: Similar duration and intensity as smoking but less common.
Oral ingestion (ayahuasca): Effects last 4–6 hours due to MAOIs inhibiting DMT breakdown¹³.
Intranasal or rectal: Rarely used, with effects varying depending on bioavailability.

Effects Of DMT

DMT produces profound alterations in consciousness, often described as entering alternate dimensions. Common effects include:

Vivid visual and auditory hallucinations.
Dissolution of the ego or sense of self.
Altered perception of time and space.
Intense emotional shifts, ranging from euphoria to fear¹⁴.

Adverse effects may include anxiety, confusion, or unpleasant hallucinations, especially at higher doses.

Speed of Onset

Smoked/Vaped: Effects begin within 30 seconds and peak at 2–5 minutes¹⁵.
Injected: Similar onset and peak time as smoking.
Oral (ayahuasca): Takes 30–60 minutes to onset, with peak effects occurring after 1–2 hours¹⁶.

How Long Does DMT Stay In Your System?

DMT is not typically included in standard drug tests. Advanced methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are required for detection.

Window of Detection: Detectable in blood and urine for up to 24 hours after use.
Cutoff Levels: Vary depending on the testing method, but specific thresholds are not commonly established for DMT¹⁷.

Supply Chain Precursor/Sources/Locations

The primary sources of DMT are plants native to South America, such as Psychotria viridis and Mimosa hostilis. These plants are cultivated locally or exported internationally for extraction. In some cases, synthetic precursors like tryptamine are used for laboratory synthesis¹⁸.

Street Prices For DMT

Prices vary depending on purity and location:

Crystalline DMT: $100–$300 per gram in North America.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies: Range from $50 to $500 per session, depending on location and facilitator¹⁹.

How Much Is A Typical Dose?

Low Dose: 10–20 mg for mild effects.
Moderate Dose: 20–40 mg for a full psychedelic experience.
High Dose: 40–60 mg or more, often leading to a “breakthrough” experience²⁰.

User Demographics and Statistics

Age: Predominantly used by individuals aged 18–35.
Gender: Slightly more common among males.
Geography: Higher usage rates in urban areas and among college-educated individuals.
Motivations: Curiosity, spiritual exploration, and seeking therapeutic benefits²¹.

Feedback on User Satisfaction/Experiences

User experiences vary widely:

Positive Feedback: Reports of profound spiritual insights, interconnectedness, and therapeutic breakthroughs.
Negative Feedback: Some users report terrifying or unsettling experiences, often referred to as a “bad trip.”The intensity and unpredictability of DMT often lead to mixed reviews²².

DMT vs. LSD

DMT, in contrast, is known for its rapid onset and short duration, often described as an “explosive” experience. While LSD can gently guide users through a journey, DMT’s effects are so intense and fast-acting that users often report being overwhelmed or transported to entirely different “dimensions.” Additionally, LSD lacks the pronounced dissociative effects of DMT, which often involves a complete detachment from reality and self.

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a serotonin receptor agonist, primarily affecting 5-HT2A receptors. It induces long-lasting and vivid alterations in perception, mood, and cognition. While both DMT and LSD are hallucinogenic, their experiences differ significantly. LSD trips last approximately 8–12 hours, providing users with ample time for self-reflection, exploration of altered states, and creative insights.

DMT vs. Psilocybin

Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is another serotonin receptor agonist that produces profound but generally milder and more introspective effects compared to DMT. A psilocybin trip often unfolds over 4–6 hours, allowing users time to process their experiences.

DMT, in comparison, compresses its effects into a brief, often overwhelming event. While psilocybin experiences are typically described as spiritual, connected, and emotionally healing, DMT users frequently recount otherworldly encounters with entities, vibrant geometric visuals, and a complete dissolution of ego. Psilocybin’s slower progression and emotional accessibility make it preferable for therapeutic settings, whereas DMT’s intensity and unpredictability require a controlled and secure environment.

DMT vs. Salvia

Salvia, like DMT, is known for its brief but intense psychedelic effects. Salvinorin A, its active compound, is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, differing pharmacologically from the serotonin-targeting mechanisms of DMT. Both substances can cause profound dissociative states, but their qualitative effects are distinct.

Salvia often induces vivid, bizarre, and sometimes unsettling hallucinations, with users describing experiences such as merging with objects or visiting alternate dimensions. DMT, while equally intense, is more likely to involve intricate visuals, encounters with sentient entities, and a sense of cosmic unity. Both drugs share the characteristic of rapid onset, peaking within minutes, but DMT is generally considered to produce more consistent and aesthetically profound effects compared to Salvia’s often chaotic and unpredictable nature.

Conclusion

DMT is a unique psychedelic with a rich history and profound effects on human consciousness. Despite its illegal status in many countries, it remains an important substance in traditional medicine and modern research. While some users report life-changing experiences, the intensity and unpredictability of the drug make it unsuitable for everyone. Continued research is essential to fully understand its risks, benefits, and therapeutic potential.

References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “DMT: Uses and Effects.” Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov.
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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “DMT Legal Status.” Available at: https://www.unodc.org.
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. “DMT and Psychedelics.” Available at: https://www.emcdda.europa.eu.
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Australian Government Department of Health. “Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP).” Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au.
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