5-MeO-DMT
5-MeO-DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic of the tryptamine class, found in numerous plant species and in the venom of the Colorado River toad (Incilius alvarius).citation needed It has been used in South American shamanic snuff preparations for centuries and was first identified in the plant Dictyoloma incanescens. Reputed to produce among the most powerful and intense psychedelic states within its class, it is considerably more potent by weight than its close relative DMT — a confusion between the two can lead to dangerous overdoses.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Doses of 20-30 mg have been associated with psychological and mental difficulties lasting several weeks.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
In comparison to its often relatively mild accompanying cognitive and visual effects, 5-MeO-DMT seems to have by far the most proportionally intense and overwhelming physical sensations found within the known psychedelic experience.
Physical
The physical effects of 5-MeO-DMT can be broken down into ten components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
Visual
Distortions
Enhancements
Geometry
The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip does not usually occur and never extends beyond level 7 at its highest state. It is very similar to DMT although significantly smaller in size and more likely to manifest in darkness or without distractions. In terms of appearance, it can be comprehensively described through its variations as intricate in complexity, abstract in form, equally organic and digital in feel, structured in organization, brightly lit, multicoloured in scheme, glossy in shading, equal in sharp and soft edges, small in size, fast in speed, smooth in motion, equal in rounded and angular corners, immersive in depth and consistent in its intensity.
Auditory
The auditory effects of 5-MeO-DMT are common in their occurrence and exhibit a full range of effects.
See also: Psychedelic Intensity Scale, Effects of psychedelics (visual, cognitive, miscellaneous)
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
5-MeO-DMT acts as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist with activity at the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors.citation needed It displays approximately 1,000-fold greater affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor compared to the 5-HT2A receptor and potently suppresses the firing of dorsal raphe serotonin neurons. Beyond the serotonin system, 5-MeO-DMT is an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. It also functions as a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor (IC50 of 2,184 nM)1 but does not appear to act as a monoamine releasing agent.1
Pharmacokinetics
5-MeO-DMT is lipophilic and is thought to readily cross the blood-brain barrier.2 It undergoes O-demethylation by CYP2D6 to produce the active metabolite bufotenin.2 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors substantially reduce its metabolism, prolonging its activity and allowing it to become orally active.2 The elimination half-life following sublingual administration is approximately 28 minutes.
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low5-MeO-DMT is considered non-addictive with low abuse potential. Animal self-administration studies, which predict abuse liability, have been unsuccessful, indicating it lacks the pharmacology to initiate or maintain dependence.citation needed
Physical
Extremely Low5-MeO-DMT is not physically addicting and does not produce physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Toxicity
Smoking 5-MeO-DMT can cause throat and lung irritation due to the harsh nature of the vapor; severe lung pain has been reported in rare cases, though risk is generally low given the small doses typically used.
Acute cardiovascular effects including increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure occur during intoxication; possible cardiotoxic properties have been suggested but remain unconfirmed.citation needed
Psychosis Risk
5-MeO-DMT can trigger latent psychoses in predisposed individuals and may cause lasting psychological effects including PTSD-type reactions, chronic anxiety, and difficulty integrating experiences.citation needed Documented cases include multi-day psychotic episodes requiring antipsychotic medication, typically associated with high doses. Permanent disturbances in self- and reality recognition are possible, and extreme caution is warranted for people with schizophrenia in their family history or early-onset mental illness.
Seizure Risk
Convulsions have been documented in at least one case involving combination with MAOIs,citation needed but seizure risk from 5-MeO-DMT alone is not established in the available literature. Muscle contractions, spasms, and tremors are reported physical effects.
History & Culture
Traditional Use
5-MeO-DMT has a lengthy history of human use spanning over a millennium. Archaeological evidence from a burial site in Northern Chile, dated to approximately the 8th century A.D., revealed snuffing paraphernalia alongside traces of N,N-DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenine. Additional archaeological sites…
Legality
International
5-MeO-DMT is not internationally scheduled under the 1961, 1971, or 1988 UN drug conventions. It is absent from the INCB Yellow List for the 1961 Convention, the INCB Green List for the 1971 Convention, and the INCB Red List of Tables I and II to the 1988 Convention.
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Bruce E. Blough, Antonio Landavazo, Ann M. Decker, John S. Partilla, Michael H. Baumann, & Richard B. Rothman. (October 2014). Interaction of psychoactive tryptamines with biogenic amine transporters and serotonin receptor subtypes. Psychopharmacology, 231(21), 4135–4144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3557-712
- Hong-Wu Shen, Xi-Ling Jiang, Jerrold C. Winter, & Ai-Ming Yu. (October 2010). Psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and pharmacological actions. Current Drug Metabolism, 11(8), 659–666. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389200107942334951234
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 2026. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00633/asmade/2026-05-28/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 — Compilation No. 147 (13 July 2026), Schedule 4. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03651/2026-07-13/2026-07-13/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987 (Qld) — Schedule 2, current as at 1 May 2026. legislation.qld.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/pdf/inforce/2026-05-06/sl-1987-dmr1
- Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld) — sections 4 and 4A. legislation.qld.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1986-0361
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV), Anlage II Z 6; Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) § 4. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Bundesnormen/NOR40261441/II_106_2024_Anlage_II.pdf1
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV), Anlage II Z 6; Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) § 4. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/ii/2011/468/P1/NOR401871781
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV), Anlage II Z 6; Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) § 4. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/i/2011/146/P4/NOR401344471
- AFMPS Annex IV, non-official consolidated version (valid from 29 March 2026). afmps.be (n.d.). https://www.afmps.be/sites/default/files/content/INSP/NARC/annex%20IV_non%20official%20consolidated%20version.pdf1
Further Reading
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Recent changes8 human edits · latest
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Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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