5-MeO-DMT (DMT)

DMT – Illegal Drug Possession Charges Criminal Defense Attorneys

Dangerous and Illegal Drugs – Information About 5-MeO-DMT

Street names: 5MEO, any names for DMT (5-MeO-DMT is very commonly sold as DMT)
Drug Classification: Effective January 19, 2011, 5-MeO-DMT was placed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act by the DEA. This makes it illegal to produce or posses in any form.

General Information

5-MeO-DMT is a powerful psychedelic naturally occurring in some plants and in the venom of the Colorado River toad. It has also been found in South-American shamanic snuffs. It is found as a crystalline chemical that is smoked, snorted, or swallowed.

5-MeO-DMT should not be confused with N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, although it commonly is. DMT is a cousin chemical of 5-MeO-DMT and is about one tenth as strong. Those who consume 5-MeO-DMT thinking it is DMT often meet disastrous results. Doses are generally kept under 20mg – these are very small amounts of material and should be measured out carefully and exactly.

Hallucinogenic and Mind-Altering Properties

Smoked 5-MeO-DMT has a similarly rapid and intense onset as its cousin chemical, with users comparing it to being launched out of a cannon. The psychological effects such as shifts in perception, changes in identity, experiencing profound forces found with DMT are also present with 5-MeO-DMT, but the visual effects are much less intense, with some users reporting no hallucinations or visual distortions at all. The experience is sometimes called “the void,” suggesting universe-shattering shifts in perception and understanding, though not always good ones. Users may feel occasional euphoria, but immersive spiritual journeys are more typical of this drug.

Snorting 5-MeO-DMT produces a slower onset of effects, with a gentle build over about a 30-minute period. Many people report being better able to understand, grasp, and integrate their experience on the drug into their lives after this method in comparison to the bewildering and sometimes panic-inducing experience of smoking the drug. There is generally a 2-3 hour intermediate period before returning completely to baseline.

Serious Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects

Common side effects include lung-irritation from harsh smoke, nausea or vomiting, sweating, increased heart rate, and increased body temperature. Because it is so dose-sensitive, users can easily overdo how much 5-MeO-DMT they ingest. Those that smoke 20-30mg of the drug may experience psychological disorders and mental difficulties lasting for weeks. Even small doses, depending on the setting and individual, can produce dysphoria or overly intense experiences, but larger doses of the drug increase the risk of a “bad trip” or terror inducing, horror filled experience with depression, anxiety, and panic. 5-MeO-DMT should therefore never be ingested in a party, club, or rave setting.

Short-term unconsciousness or non-responsiveness is common in the use of DMT, but prolonged lack of responsiveness is a cause for concern and should be treated medically. Overdoses of 5-MeO-DMT have resulted in respiratory depression and coma. Since the effects of the drug are so rapid, users often hurt themselves by dropping their pipe, falling down, or knocking things over. There should always be another, sober individual observing the user and taking care that they sit or lay down so as not to injure themselves or break anything.

Addiction and Tolerance

5-MeO-DMT is neither physically or mentally addictive, but it can be habit forming and its use can be problematic if users feel they need it to escape their reality or enjoy using the drug more than experiencing their real lives. There will be a short period of tolerance directly after use – using 5-MeO-DMT again a couple hours after ingestion will probably produce a much milder experience.

Sources:

http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/5meo_dmt/5meo_dmt_basics.shtml – Basic Drug Information about DMT/5-MeO-DMT
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-31854.htm – DEA Regulations for DMT/5-MeO-DMT
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/5meo_dmt/5meo_dmt_effects.shtml – Side Effects of 5-MeO-DMT
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/5meo_dmt/5meo_dmt.shtml – 5-MeO-DMT Information
http://www.fantazia.org.uk/drugs/5meodmt.htm – Drug Information – 5-MeO-DMT
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/5meo_dmt/5meo_dmt_health.shtml – Dangers of DMT
http://www.treatment4addiction.com/drugs/hallucinogens/dmt/ – Dangerous Hallucinogenic Drugs – DMT