The Seeker’s Guide to DMT

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, the Spirit Molecule, spice, deems, changa

Dimethyltryptamine is a unique and powerful psychedelic drug. Unlike magic mushrooms, LSD, and other commonly consumed recreational substances, the effects of DMT are not limited to sensory changes and visions. Rather, if done properly, the ‘spirit molecule’ can catapult the soul of the user to entirely alternate planes of existence and give them a peek at otherworldly landscapes, hyperdimensional objects and structures, and intelligent entities.

This all may sound far-fetched, but anyone who has broken through with DMT can attest to the notion that the experience can not be something their minds created under the influence of a psychedelic substance, but is much more akin to the feeling of being a guest in a world or worlds which exist parallel to our default reality.

Another intriguing thing about DMT is that it exists in organisms throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. How this incredible entheogen is created in these organisms and, maybe more importantly, what the biological purpose of its presence is - we don’t know.

DMT is mostly consumed by smoking or vaporizing the pure crystal form of the molecule, infusing it into an herbal blend called changa, or drinking it along with a Banisteriopsis caapi brew in ayahuasca, or with one of the numerous analogous compounds as part of a mixture referred to as anahuasca or pharmahuasca.

Each method of consumption has its own unique effects, which we will discuss later on in this guide. But first, let’s take a look at the long role DMT has played in human social rituals and outreach to the divine.

As a compound which exists in hundreds, if not thousands of plant species around the world (and particularly in South America and Australia), it was only a matter of time before humans discovered its effects. Apparently, this happened many millennia ago.

The earliest concrete evidence of the human use of DMT comes from today’s Argentina and is dated back to over 4,000 years ago.  ^[1] Archaeologists excavated two mummified bodies, which were buried along with snuffing paraphernalia—specifically, hollowed out bones of a puma.

These snuffs were used to inhale powder made from the leguminous fruits of Anadenanthera colubrina, one of the numerous psychoactive plants widely used in South America since ancient times.

Aside from Anadenanthera colubrina and its close relative Anadenanthera peregrina, snuffs have also commonly been prepared from plants from the Virola genus. Depending on the location of use, Anadenanthera snuffs go by the names of yopo, cohoba, or vilca / huilca. Virola snuffs are known as epená.

The use of these preparations transcends the boundaries of the South American landmass; the Taíno indigenous groups of the Caribbean islands also used them. Insufflation devices with traces of DMT found in this area are estimated to come from the period between the years 1,000 and 1,500 AD. ^[2]

Yopo and epená were traditionally used for the purposes of spiritual and visionary journeying and healing. The ceremonies and rituals would usually involve a person forcefully blowing the snuff into the receiver’s nostrils through a long tube, but sometimes the individual would sniff it on their own using small, hollow bones.

It’s worth to note that while epená snuffs contain a significant amount of DMT, ^[3] the yopo snuffs’ psychoactivity actually comes mostly from its primary alkaloid, bufotenin (with DMT being present in only trace quantities). ^[4] This compound is also found in the venom of the Colorado River Toad, Bufo alvarius.

Yopo was not commonly ingested orally. Aside from having insignificant visionary effects due to rapid metabolization of the alkaloids by the gut enzymes, many indigenous groups also believed the oral way of intake to be dangerous. The beans from the yopo plant would be used as an ingredient in a purgative brew called bilca tauri, which would be consumed on a monthly basis in a ritualistic context. ^[5]

Indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin are also known for their use of the ritualistic brew ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is a concoction made by brewing two base plants (and, depending on the recipe, other potential admixtures) together. One of these plants—Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana (depending on local availability)—contains DMT, while the other one—Banisteriopsis caapi—contains compounds which protect DMT from being broken down in the stomach when consumed orally.

The unique synergy of these two plants allows for both the healing and visionary aspects to manifest, taking the drinker on a psychonautical journey which lasts much longer than when freebase DMT is smoked and, often, offering deeper insights into the nature of their personality, including dissecting self-destructive patterns of thought and behavior.

While carbon dating DMT traces in snuffs is relatively straightforward, ascertaining the time period of DMT use within ayahuasca brews is not that simple. Cauldrons, pots, and other drinking vessels which have been retrieved from ancient times are more difficult to test for chemicals for numerous reasons, shrouding the roots of ayahuasca use in mystery.

That said, a particularly interesting ceremonial-looking stone bowl, ^[6] richly adorned with carvings of mythological zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures, was uncovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon and was dated to somewhere between the years 500 BC and 500 AD. ^[7] According to archaeological and anthropological speculation, this vessel may have been used as a vaso de brujo (sorcerer’s cup), serving for communal drinking of ayahuasca.

Brewing the two plants seems to have either inspired the use of psychoactive snuffs with the addition of B. caapi (which some South American indigenous cultures were recorded doing ^[8]) or, maybe, drawn inspiration from it. Which came first, we can’t know for sure.

The global North was aware of the use of psychoactive snuffs and ayahuasca since the arrival of the missionaries to South America in the 15th century. However, the true Western ‘discovery’ of DMT happened in the first half of the 20th century.

The first chemical synthesis of DMT took place in 1931, ^[9] and it was performed by the German chemist Richard Helmuth Fredrick Manske. Still, it took 25 years to uncover the psychedelic effects of the ‘spirit molecule.’ The brave pioneer who researched and described the effects of DMT was Hungarian chemist and psychiatrist Stephen Szára. ^[10]

By the 1960s, science had already learned that DMT exists endogenously in the human body, with research suggesting it may be created in the lungs and the pineal gland. Throughout this decade, the molecule received much scientific interest; its prevalence in nature, biochemical properties, clinical potential, and possible connection to psychopathology ^[11] were examined.

In the 1970s, after the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, DMT, along with most other known psychedelics, was placed into a restrictive legal category, and research was halted.

In the 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in DMT with the research of psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist Rick Strassman and his colleague Clifford Qualls. Strassman was the first person to obtain federal permission and funding for studies which included administering psychedelics to human subjects in almost 20 years. He has ever since been widely regarded as the pioneer of the “psychedelic renaissance.”

From 1990 to 1995, Strassman and Qualls administered approximately 400 doses of DMT to almost 60 human volunteers. ^[12] Their research aimed to analyze the biological and subjective effects of DMT, the latter being described through a novel rating scale for hallucinogenic experiences, ^[13] which they created.

Strassman’s study findings also reported that tolerance to DMT is not formed, even if ingestion is repeated in closely spaced doses, distinguishing it from other psychedelics in this regard. He documented his research in detail in his book DMT: The Spirit Molecule, ^[14] which brought DMT, as well as Strassman himself, worldwide acclaim.

Aside from Strassman, DMT had a few more highly influential early proponents—one of them was the late psychedelic researcher, writer, and bard Terence McKenna. In the 1980s and 1990s, he toured the world talking about the mysterious nature and effects of psychedelics, with a special fondness and unforgettable, vivid descriptions of DMT trips.

Another strong DMT advocate was, of course, Timothy Leary, a once-Harvard psychologist-turned-psychedelic evangelist who never failed to give brilliant and elucidating lectures on the nature of the psychedelic experience.

Strassman’s book and McKenna’s and Leary’s famous monologues brought the ‘spirit molecule’ massive popularity; suddenly it was in high demand due to its famously proclaimed ability to transport users to realms far beyond this ordinary one. The DMT curiosity also spilled over to interest in ayahuasca; this period is when ayahuasca tourism in South America, especially Peru, started developing.

DMT use grew slowly but steadily until 2005, when a novel format of ingesting the Molecule emerged. Australian ayahuasca ceremony facilitator Julian Palmer came up with a smoking synergy of DMT, B. caapi and various other healing herbs, which became known by the name of changa. ^[15]

Changa introduced a less overwhelming DMT trip which keeps the user more present in reality and is additionally enhanced by the benefits and aromatic values of the admixture herbs. The European psytrance community embraced it wholeheartedly—it was an instant hit and kickstarted an exponential expansion of interest in DMT as a recreational drug.

Nowadays, although still very much illegal, DMT is being studied extensively for its potential therapeutic benefits and used globally for its psychoactive properties. Australia, which is home to numerous plants with high DMT concentrations, is also at the forefront of recreational DMT use.

A 2010 survey of Australian DMT users found that changa is the preferred method of use among them, with 98.3% of respondents confirming they had smoked DMT this way. Some 30.6% reported having tried DMT as part of ayahuasca. ^[16]

The Global Drug Survey conducted in 2019 reported that 8.2% of the respondents had tried DMT, with 4.2% having done it in the last 12 months. Over half of the survey respondents (56.8%) were under 25 years of age. ^[17]

Dimethyltryptamine exists in abundance throughout nature. Some of the best-known sources include:

• Psychotria viridis – also known as chacruna (meaning “mix” in the indigenous Quechua languages), this plant is the most frequent addition to ayahuasca brews in Peru.
  
  
• Diplopterys cabrerana – also known as chaliponga, ocoyagé, chagropanga, and huambisa, this plant is commonly used as an ayahuasca (or yagé) admixture in Ecuador and Colombia.
  
  
• Psychotria carthagenensis – also known as sameruca, this close relative of P. viridis contains comparatively lower levels of DMT, but is easier to grow in a variety of conditions due to its resilience. For this reason, it’s popular with ayahuasca brewers outside of South America.
  
  
• Anadenanthera peregrina and Anadenanthera colubrina – these perennial leguminous plants are used for the preparation of the yopo powder, which was ritually snuffed by indigenous peoples throughout Argentina, Chile and Colombia, and perhaps Southern Brazil. DMT is a minor alkaloid in these plants; bufotenin is the primary psychoactive compound.
  
  
• Virola theiodora, Virola rufula, Virola calophylla, and a few other Virola species ^[18] – these plants have been used in preparation of ritualistic snuffs by indigenous peoples of the Venezuelan Orinoco Basin.
  
  
• Mimosa tenuiflora or Mimosa hostilis – this plant was used for generations throughout northern Brazil in preparation of the local sacramental drink, vinho da jurema. As it’s not psychoactive on its own, it’s thought that an MAOI admixture such as B. caapi may have traditionally been added to these brews.
  
  
• Acacia confusa, Acacia maidenii, Acacia obtusifolia, Acacia simplicifolia, and dozens of other Acacia species ^[19] – plants popularly used for DMT extraction by Australian psychonauts, as they grow in abundance in the Land Down Under.
  Citrus plants – you read that right, oranges and lemons contain small amounts of DMT. ^[20]

Like other classical psychedelics such as magic mushrooms, LSD, and mescaline, DMT has an affinity for the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. ^[27] Serotonin is a neurotransmitter present in all parts of the body and responsible for regulating mood, wakefulness, digestion, bone health, and many other vital functions. Because many psychedelics potently activate the 5-HT2A receptors, scientists assume that much of these substances’ effects are the result of this interaction. ^[28]

It’s been shown that DMT also has a strong affinity for the Sigma-1 receptors, ^[29] which have important immunomodulatory effects and have been connected by research with numerous diseases and illnesses. This activation is often used in discussions about the therapeutic potential of DMT and ayahuasca. ^[30]

Serotonergic hallucinogens such as DMT also activate the frontocortical glutamate receptors, ^[31] important for neural communication, memory formation, learning, and regulation, and DMT additionally activates a variety of other 5-HT serotonin receptors ^[32] and another, completely unique class of trace amine-associated receptors. ^[33]

Aside from these interactions, which science is familiar with, there is also a chain of complex biochemical events which are not yet understood and which take place in the brain after the ingestion of any psychedelic compound; the same goes for DMT.

For example, Dr Steven Barker, a veteran researcher of the ‘spirit molecule,’ ^[34] describes a study he conducted with the late Dr Robert Harrison, which was unfortunately never published. In this study, they recorded a tenfold increase in the concentration of 5-MeO-DMT and a fourfold increase in the concentration of N,N-DMT in rodents which were administered a completely different psychedelic compound—LSD. An increase in N,N-DMT was also recorded when the rodents were given amphetamines. ^[35]

If their findings are correct, they could indicate that the spike in DMT levels may be a biochemical response to stress, or somehow related to the mechanisms activated during moments of self-preservation. In the same fashion, ingesting DMT may cause a host of other neurochemical processes that we may not as of yet be looking at, but that could offer a better explanation for the mystical effects of a DMT experience.

An interesting chemical factoid worth mentioning here is that the active compound in psilocybin mushrooms is actually a modified version of the DMT molecule. Psilocin, the molecule to which psilocybin is converted into after ingestion, is actually 4-hydroxy-DMT. The four HO radicals protect the DMT from being broken down by MAOs, allowing it to reach the brain and achieve its psychedelic effect.

Due to its mysterious nature, the existence and production of DMT is a breeding ground for speculation. One of the most popular misconceptions about the ‘spirit molecule’ concerns its alleged origin in the pineal gland, a small endocrine organ in the center of the human brain.

The truth is, DMT does naturally occur in all human bodies (and in some, or many, animals, plants, and fungi) and it has been found in the pineal gland of the brain of rodents in very small quantities. But recent research has shown that DMT is not produced in the pineal gland in anywhere near the amounts needed to induce naturally occurring mystical states.

After the pineal gland theory went from speculation to an accepted-yet-unsubstantiated fact, Strassman underwent criticism by the scientific community. He eventually reeled back, taking on a more explicitly measured approach, stating:

Latest research, conducted by Dr Jimo Borjigin and colleagues, suggests that DMT may be produced in the cortical neurons. In fact, the researchers discovered "a significant increase of DMT levels in the rat visual cortex was observed following induction of experimental cardiac arrest." ^[22] In other words, DMT does seem to be released in the brain at the time of death. Dr Borjigin further argues that the molecule is produced even in the absence of a pineal gland, which, although it has the necessary ‘machinery,’ may not contribute much to overall DMT production in the brain.

From quite straightforward to extremely complex, numerous methods of DMT extraction are available even to enthusiasts without any experience in chemistry. Firstly though, it’s necessary to obtain the plants which have high enough levels of DMT for the extraction to make sense.

The options will depend on your local flora availability or the ability to have these plants shipped. Most commonly, the selection comes down to purchasing Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana leaves, or Mimosa hostilis root bark, which can be found in online ethnobotanical shops, or harvesting the root bark from one of the DMT-rich Acacia species—if they grow in your area. ^[19]

These plants are ostensibly legal in some Western countries; you can check the Legality section of this guide for more information. However, if you are concerned about ordering plants well-known to contain DMT, there are also numerous obscure DMT-containing plant species which often don’t undergo the regulations that the most popular ones do. ^[38]

Some of them are available to purchase online, and you are encouraged to research and find your preferred suppliers, but we strongly advise that you get fully acquainted with your local laws and always act in accordance with them. Additionally, if you have a green thumb, you may also consider obtaining seeds (which usually are not regulated as they don’t contain any DMT themselves) and growing your own DMT plants for continued, sustainable use.

Once you have your plant matter ready for extraction, you can determine which method will work best for you. Many different methods (teks) are available on DMT-related forums online. ^[39] They involve handling chemicals, which are mostly easy to procure, but which may be caustic, so require careful handling. The simplest methods revolve around dissolving the plant matter and scooping up the released DMT molecules from the solution. The more precise methods, which yield better results, usually require a higher degree of knowledge of chemistry.

DMT is predominantly smoked or vaporized rather than taken orally. Here is why:

Our bodies are quite good at breaking the ‘spirit molecule’ down. If taken orally, DMT will quickly get metabolized by enzymes called monoamine oxidase enzymes (MAOs). They exist both in the mouth and in the stomach lining. Thus, the only way to orally consume DMT effectively would be by introducing a chemical which will protect the molecule from oxidation.

These chemicals are called MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), ^[40] and they are present in numerous plant species as well as in some pharmaceuticals. The β-carboline alkaloids found in B. caapi, the primary plant used to brew ayahuasca, are the most notable example of MAOIs often combined with DMT to achieve astonishing and prolonged visionary effects.

Aside from B. caapi, a few other substitutes commonly used include Syrian rue (Peganum harmala), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), individual or combined extracted alkaloids from B. caapi such as harmaline and harmine, and the antidepressant drug Moclobemide. The result of combining these analog substances with DMT is referred to as anahuasca (when using naturally occurring sources) or pharmahuasca (when using extracted substances or pharmaceuticals).

It’s highly important to combine only reversible MAOIs—also known as RIMAs—with DMT. Taking irreversible MAOIs would block cells from making new enzymes for a period of two weeks, which can be dangerous.

With all this in mind, smoking and insufflation as the two available effective and direct ways of consuming DMT, because they bypass the metabolism processes in the mouth and stomach. Insufflating DMT, however, is not recommended because the absorption rate is lower and the nasal damage can be considerable.

Smoking brings the molecule directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. It is metabolized in about 15min this way, but it’s also possible to consume some MAOIs about 20min before smoking DMT and prolong the experience significantly that way (also see changa, below).

If smoking freebase DMT (pure crystal), you should prepare for its aggressive effect on the lungs. Even smelling the plastic-burning-like aroma of the smoke is enough to understand that DMT is not a smooth, mild herb like cannabis.

Performing short breathing exercises before smoking can help get your lungs ready to take the smoke. They are done by massaging your chest and thymus area while breathing in and out as much as possible for a few minutes.

A quick digression here on the topic of breathing—many processes which include intense breathwork have been reported to occasion mystical experiences without the need for any psychedelic stimulation. The discovery of DMT in the lungs of rabbits ^[23] (which implicates that it may exist in human lungs as well) may be connected with the research showing that DMT can protect human cells from death in low-oxygen environments. ^[41] These findings may be, in turn, linked to the reports of breathwork inducing DMT-like states of consciousness.

Aside from the harsh nature of the smoke itself, the inhalation is additionally complicated by two things:

• The crystal requires immense heat in order to melt effectively, and
  
• You need to inhale a lot of the smoke to achieve the full-on effects.
  

Both of these can be mitigated by using an advanced vaporizer suitable for the purpose. However, in absence of such a device, a glass crack pipe is the most commonly used tool.

Because the burning temperature needs to be exquisitely high, a torch lighter is advised as opposed to regular fire. The flame should not touch the crystal because it can overcook and thus waste it.

It may take you a few tries to refine your smoking technique. A good rule of thumb is to not inhale all the smoke at once, because this can cause a coughing fit. Rather, try to gradually sip in the smoke. Once you inhale it, try to hold it in your lungs for a few seconds. Then, if you’ve gotten enough of it in, prepare for liftoff.

Smoking changa is also a viable alternative, as the herbal admixtures make the smoke smoother and allow for more spaced out dosing and a less overwhelming trip. Its creator, Julian Palmer, describes changa trips as more integrated, connected and relevant to the human experience than freebase DMT trips.

Changa also usually contains B. caapi and sometimes another MAOI such as passionflower. Just like when MAOIs are taken in liquid form, these admixtures protect the DMT molecules from being rapidly broken down, so changa can basically be regarded as smokable ayahuasca.

Aside from MAOIs, other healing and aromatic plants are added to changa to modulate its effects and taste. A classic recipe for the herbal blend of changa contains: 30% ayahuasca vine and/or leaf, 20% mullein, 20% passionflower, 20% peppermint, 5% calendula, 5% blue lotus.

The herbal side of the changa blend should consist of at least 25% of B. caapi. Both the leaf and the bark of the vine are okay to use – it’s best if the mix contains both, if possible. Varying the other herbal ingredients can bring different aspects of the trip to the foreground, or draw upon the respective herbs’ healing effects.

Changa is easily made by dissolving the DMT crystal in alcohol, adding all the herbal ingredients to the solution, and then drying the mix.

A standard DMT ratio for a gentle changa blend is around 25% of content by weight. So, in four grams of changa, there would be one gram of DMT. This equates to 30 light experiences, 20 moderate experiences, 10 strong experiences, or 5 extreme experiences. A 30% DMT blend is stronger, and the 40-50% DMT blends are very strong and equate to, or can even exceed, the strength of smoking freebase DMT by itself, due to the combined effect of the herbs.

The gentler changa blends allow people to access the DMT space in a comfortable and beneficial way, which won’t require days or years to process and integrate. Strong blends, on the other hand, due to their ease of smoking, enable users to break through with less lung stress and less likelihood of coughing or gagging. Changa can also be vaporized with a proper vaporizer, just like pure crystal.

For smoking or vaporizing pure DMT crystal, the doses are as follows:

• Low dose: <25mg
• Moderate dose: 25-40mg
• Full-power dose: 40-50mg
  

It’s always best to start with lower doses (10-15mg) and gauge how DMT works on you as you increase them. You will achieve the best results if you manage to smoke the entire dose of DMT in one hit, but 2-3 hits will also work, provided you can stay conscious for long enough.

For making ayahuasca, anahuasca, and pharmahuasca mixes, 50mg is the recommended dose.

Remember to always have a sober sitter present with you when smoking DMT. The experience can be intensely disorienting or knock you out completely, making the presence of a stable, responsible individual a must.

Smoking DMT is quite unlike any other psychedelic experience. The onset is immediate, the peak rapid and intense, and the comedown almost instantaneous yet gentle. As Terence McKenna famously stated, “What happens with DMT is you leap over all the barriers in the first few seconds. Unlike mushrooms, where over hours and hours on a high dose you might navigate yourself to the center of the mandala, DMT is like being struck by metaphysical lightning.”

Those who manage to smoke the full recommended dose can count on being completely swept away from this existence and plunged into a succession of hyperdimensional, eternal realms brimming with complex, intricate, objects, unfathomable transformations of the environment, and intelligent entities which gladly interact with visitors.

The whole experience can be said to be short (up to 15-20min, without having taken MAOIs prior to blasting off), but anyone who has visited the DMT realms will confirm that earthly time is entirely irrelevant as a measurement of the duration of the spiritual journey.

DMT trips vary substantially depending on the amount successfully consumed. The milder trips typically occasion a blissful, light-headed experience accompanied by a drop in stress and anxiety and pleasant tingling sensation throughout the body. Visuals in mild trips are normally gentle and include colorful lights, geometrical patterns, and fractal displays, while open-eyed distortions resemble those perceived on LSD, but have a more vivid, holographic feeling. Intermediate trips are typically similar, but with more intense visuals and sensations, and with possible entity encounters.

What is truly special about DMT, though, are the so-called “breakthrough” experiences.

If you smoke enough, the effects of the molecule will undergo a paradigm shift, turning into a journey vastly different than what is normally experienced on a recreational psychedelic.

DMT breakthroughs are indescribable, although Terence McKenna is known for giving the English language a run for its money with his attempts.

On its own, in healthy people, DMT is not a harmful substance. There is no evidence it causes physiological harm, addiction, or tolerance. However, it is a highly potent hallucinogen which causes a wide range of changes in physiology and perception, making it inherently dangerous if not consumed with caution and in a safe environment.

Some common physiological side-effects which have been reported include: a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea (more likely if DMT is taken as part of ayahuasca or in combination with extracted ayahuasca alkaloids), dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination, shivering, spasms, and, very rarely, loss of consciousness.

Due to the acute physiological changes DMT can cause, any individuals with a pre-existing heart condition, such as hypertension, should take high precautions when smoking DMT or avoid smoking it altogether.

Due to the perceptual changes and confusion DMT can cause, performing any physical activities and handling any heavy machinery under its effect is not advised, as it may lead to injury. DMT is best enjoyed in a spacious, comfortable environment, while lying down, and with a sober sitter present.

Other psychoactive substances, such as opioids, CNS depressants or stimulants, phenethylamines, methamphetamines, barbiturates, antipsychotics, and the like should also not be used simultaneously with DMT. The interactions have not yet been fully researched, but reasonable assumptions say that there may be risk of harm.

Once again, one of the best precautions to take when smoking DMT is to have a sober sitter present in case anything goes wrong.

Because DMT is such an outrageously hallucinogenic compound and because it’s not under a spotlight in the collective public consciousness (compared to other, more popular psychedelics), the research into it often faces lack of support and institutional funding. As a result, it lies on the fringes of psychedelic research, which is on the fringes of conventional clinical research as it is.

Nevertheless, a few promising studies on DMT’s therapeutic potential have been published and many more are expected to follow.

A recent study conducted on rodents found that “chronic, intermittent, low doses of DMT produced an antidepressant-like phenotype and enhanced fear extinction learning without impacting working memory or social interaction.” ^[43] The researchers found the effect of low doses to be distinct to that of a high dose, which they state causes an uptick in anxiety in the animals.

The same group of researchers also looked deeper at this increase in anxiety, and found that “while DMT elicits initial anxiogenic responses in several of these paradigms, its long-lasting effects tend to reduce anxiety by facilitating the extinction of cued fear memory.” When administering DMT to rodents they reported “characteristic behavioral response induced by many antidepressants.” ^[44]

The anxiolytic and antidepressant reports from these studies are aligned with results of research done with ayahuasca ^[45] and psilocybin, ^[46] as well as with 5-MeO-DMT. ^[47] All of these substances achieve their psychoactive and therapeutic effects via either DMT or its close chemical relatives.

There is no doubt that the tryptamine class of psychedelics has rapid and long-lasting beneficial effects on certain forms of mental illness such as anxiety and depression. However, all this research is still in its infancy, and the hope is that the following decades will see a loosening of restrictions governing psychedelic research and a subsequent flurry of positive and replicable findings.

DMT is illegal internationally. However, according to the International Narcotics Control Board, live plants which contain DMT are not subject to international law. Therefore, countries have to come up with their own laws to specifically prohibit the plants that contain DMT. France has done this—there, it’s illegal to possess pretty much any plant that contains DMT. 

In some countries (such as Latvia) dried plants may count as a "preparation" of DMT. So even if a live DMT plant may be legal in your country, you may not necessarily get the dried plant shipped to you legally.

Unless your country has specifically ruled in court that DMT-containing plants are legal to possess, don’t assume anything! You could find yourself being made an example of.

Additionally, always keep in mind that, even if the plants themselves are legal and you can get a hold of them, once the DMT is extracted, it becomes an illicit substance. Everywhere where the law is enforced, possession, use, and sale of DMT are highly punishable offenses.

For many people, the time just after their first DMT experience feels like a new beginning. The world may feel refreshed, or you may feel as if some of your demons or troubles have been exposed and cleansed. You may have been given a new purpose in life; or perhaps just reminded of the one you’ve always had.

In many ways, DMT can put you at the start of a long road. There will always be so much more to learn, so many more ways to change, and so much more healing to do.