5-MeO-DMT
5-MeO-DMT is one of the most potent psychedelic entheogens known to man. It is found in a wide variety of plant species and has been used by South American shamans for over 1200 years.
Chemistry
5-MeO-DMT was first synthesized in 1936, and in 1959 it was isolated as one of the psychoactive ingredients of Anadenanthera peregrina seeds used in cohoba snuff.
History
Traditionally 5-MeO-DMT was used as a psychedelic snuff or as a constituent of preparations of Ayahuasca. It is also the major ingredient of the venom of Bufo alvarius, the Colorado River Toad, although there is no direct evidence this was used as an entheogen until recent times.
Use
When used as a drug in its purified form, 5-MeO-DMT is smoked, snorted, or injected and is active at a dose of as little as 2mg. The onset of effects occurs in seconds after smoking/injecting, or minutes after insufflating, and the experience is often described as similar to a Near Death Experience. It can also become orally active with the use of an monoamine oxidase inhibitor to inhibit its quick metabolism.
5-MeO-DMT users who have access to the bufo alvarius toad will commonly milk the venom from the toad's venom glands. A common misconception is that one licks the toad to experience the alkaloids' effects. The milking procedure does not harm the toad — it consists of stroking it under its chin to initiate the defensive venom response. Once the liquid venom has been collected and dried, it can be used for its psychedelic effects.
The toad takes about a month to refill its venom glands following the milking procedure, during which time the toad will not produce venom. Some vendors sell dried toad skins, which is needless as the venom can be collected without harming the toad.
