Sometimes called ‘the spirit molecule,’ DMT is a potent short-term hallucinogenic drug. DMT is found naturally in certain plants, and it can either be extracted or brewed into a psychedelic tea called ayahuasca.
What Is DMT?
The DMT molecule belongs to a class of drugs known as psychedelic tryptamines. They get their name from their resemblance to the neurotransmitter known as tryptamine and the fact that they’re all psychedelic in nature. DMT is the simplest such psychedelic tryptamine, and one of the most powerful.
Where Does DMT Come From?
You can find DMT in a number of different plants, and even in your own brain. If you’re looking at a vial of pure DMT though, it likely came from one of two different plant sources. Both Mimosa Hostilis and Acacia Confucia are excellent sources of DMT. These botanicals grow widely around the world, but typically favor subtropical climates.
DMT is purified using a 5-step process that involves hazardous chemicals, although it’s a popular extraction for home chemists. Lye is added to the shredded root bark, then the liquid is shook with a solvent. The solvent is then placed in a freezer where crystals grow. The process is usually repeated a few times, and the final crystals are cleaned up using a similar method.
How Do You Use DMT?
There are a few different ways to use DMT, but by far the most popular is to smoke it. In order to smoke DMT you place it in a freebase pipe and heat the crystals from below. You can also make DMT into a drink if you add an MAOI to the mix. Without an MAOI DMT is broken down by your body before it can cause any effects. The most popular MAOI is harmaline, which is isolated from Syrian Rue.
DMT can also be injected. The fumarate salt of the drug is prepared with fumaric acid and acetone, and the resulting crystals are purified and mixed with distilled water or isotonic solution for injection. Injecting DMT is incredibly intense, and only a handful of people have tried it.
What Does DMT Do?
When you smoke DMT, the first thing you’ll notice is the auditory hallicinations, followed very quickly by the visuals. The best way to describe it is going up to the very tip of a mushroom trip in a few seconds, then shooting beyond it.
DMT causes fractal visuals, extreme auditory distortion, and a pleasant after-trip sensation of relaxation and peace. It’s very short acting, peaking in just a few moments and lasting only 30 minutes at the most.
Be sure to check your local laws before attempting to smoke or extract DMT.
Aaron Phillips is a writer and journalist based in mid-Michigan. He has been writing for Smokable Herbs since January of 2014. Aaron has a long list of publications under his belt, and is currently working on a book series for Smokable Herbs. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook for updates.
