Many questions about DMT

We've been getting a lot more questions about DMT and how DMT works lately. In this blog we answer the most frequently asked questions, look at recent scientific studies and try to make a prediction if/when DMT therapy can become a regular treatment.

Ayahuasca compared to psilocybin, psiloflora and Psilohuasca

Are you looking for the comparison between ayahuasca, psilocybin, psiloflora and psilohuasca? Adding MAOi to psychedelics is necessary for some psychedelics and not for others. We wrote about it earlier in a blog. Also see:

Comparison of ayahuasca, psilocybin, psilohuasca and psiloflora

FAQ DMT

What does DMT entail?

DMT stands for N,N-dimethyltryptamine. It is a hallucinogenic substance that occurs naturally in certain plants and animals, and can also be produced synthetically. The molar mass of DMT is approximately 188.27 grams/mol.

DMT is similar to serotonin in that it has a structural similarity to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, sleep and other functions in the body. DMT can bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to hallucinogenic effects.

Which plants contain DMT?

DMT occurs naturally in various plants. Here are some plants and their approximate DMT content:

1. Psychotria viridis (Chacruna): About 0.1-1% DMT
2. Mimosa hostilis (Jurema): About 0.5-1.0% DMT
3. Acacia confusa (Formosa wattle): About 1.0-2.0% DMT
4. Phalaris grasses: About 0.1-1.0% DMT (depending on the species)

DMT levels can vary depending on seasonality, growing conditions and harvest methods.

Can you eat DMT?

DMT cannot be effectively absorbed by the body when eaten without an MAOi, because DMT is quickly broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase in the stomach and liver. Even if you eat plants with DMT, DMT does not work orally.

What happens when you use DMT?

DMT is a very strong hallucinogenic psychedelic substance that is effective when you inhale it. If you wanted to take DMT as a drink, an MAO inhibitor is needed to maintain its effect. The DMT in combination with such an MAOi becomes ayahuasca named. The duration of the trip is very different between inhaling and drinking ayahuasca.

What happens when you smoke DMT on vape?

Smoking DMT on a vaporizer can lead to intense psychedelic effects. The exact duration and experience may vary depending on factors such as dose, purity and individual sensitivity. In general, the effects of DMT are felt quickly, with a rapid onset within seconds to a minute after inhalation. The peak of the experience can usually be reached within 5 to 10 minutes after inhalation. The coming down phase can vary, but in general the effects of DMT last about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Is DMT strongly hallucinogenic?

Yes, DMT is considered a very strong hallucinogen. It is known for its powerful and intense hallucinogenic effects, including visual distortions, changes in consciousness and spiritual experiences. Many people consider DMT to be one of the most powerful psychedelics due to the intensity of the experiences it can produce.

What is the active amount of DMT when vaping?

When smoking or vaping, 10 mg is considered a low dose, 30 mg is medium and 60 mg is very strong. Anything above is too strong an experience, especially for beginners.

How is DMT smoked?

DMT can be smoked in a variety of ways, including using a vape pen or a bong. Here are the steps that are commonly used:

Vape Pen:
1. Make sure you have a vape pen that is suitable for vaporizing DMT.
2. Fill the vape pen with a small amount of DMT.
3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to turn on the vape pen and set the correct temperature.
4. Slowly and gently take a puff from the vape pen, hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds and then exhale.

Bong:
1. Fill a bong with water and make sure the mouthpiece is dry.
2. Place a small amount of DMT on a gauze pad or use a special DMT pipe.
3. Heat the DMT with a lighter or torch while gently inhaling.
4. Hold the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds and then exhale.

In all cases, supervision is highly advisable as some people may go 'out' and accidentally set things on fire, choke on their own food or otherwise harm themselves.

Is DMT and ayahuasca the same?

No, DMT and ayahuasca are not the same. DMT is a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in various plants and animals. It can also be synthesized chemically. Ayahuasca, on the other hand, is a brew traditionally used in shamanic rituals in South America. It contains DMT as one of the main active ingredients, but is combined with other plants to enhance the effects and extend the duration of the trip.

What does DMT do in the form of ayahuasca?

DMT is a psychedelic compound found in ayahuasca brews. When ayahuasca is consumed, it usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes for the effects to begin to occur. The peak of the experience can last between 1-3 hours depending on the dose and individual sensitivity. The “coming down” phase may last several hours, with the effects gradually diminishing. So the full effect may vary, but in general the experience with ayahuasca lasts 5-8 hours.

Is DMT banned in the Netherlands?

Yes, DMT is prohibited in the Netherlands according to the Opium Act. On October 13, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that DMT falls under the Opium Act and is therefore punishable.

Can DMT be used as therapy?

DMT is currently being investigated as a possible therapeutic treatment, mainly for conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Where can you buy DMT?

Buying, selling and possessing DMT is illegal and punishable in the Netherlands. Of course, there are providers who sell DMT, but they act contrary to the law. The plants that contain DMT are not illegal and can be purchased at online smart shops.

What is a finding of recent scientific research on DMT?

A recent study conducted at Johns Hopkins University showed that DMT caused study participants to experience positive changes in their well-being and psychological resilience.

When will DMT be recognized as a medicine?

It is possible that in the future, based on positive results from scientific studies, DMT could be recognized as a medicine. Given the early stage of DMT research, medical recognition is expected to be at least 3 years in the future.

Has anyone ever died from DMT?

Yes, there have been reported cases of people dying after using DMT. However, DMT overdose is rare and usually results from abuse, accidental overdose, or the use of DMT in combination with other drugs or medications.

When can you not use DMT?

DMT should not be used in the following situations:
– If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
– If you have a history of mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
– If you have heart problems, high blood pressure or any other serious physical condition.
– If you have recently had a heart attack, stroke or epileptic seizure.
– If you are taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or other psychoactive medications.

What is a good alternative to DMT?

An alternative to DMT is difficult to find. Psilocybin can cause the same kind of psychedelic experiences in higher doses, but lasts 6 hours. Some say that 5-Methoxy-DMT (5-MeO-DMT) is an alternative, but this drug hardly causes visual hallucinations.