(N,N‑Dimethyltryptamine) is a natural psychedelic found in a wide variety of plants, as well as in humans and animals. However, it is most commonly available in extracted form as a crystalline powder.
Main active ingredient
- N, N‑Dimethyltryptamine
Legal status
- Illegal: consumption, possession, purchase, production, and trafficking are prohibited.
Forms of consumption
- Smoked as white crystals or powder
- Vaporised in vaporizers and e‑cigarettes (dissolved in e‑liquid)
- Taken orally (e.g. as ayahuasca)
- Rarely snorted
Onset and duration of effect
- Smoked:
- Onset: within seconds
- Duration: approx. 10 minutes
- Snorted:
- Onset: within a few minutes
- Duration: approx. 45 minutes
- Swallowed:
- Onset: after 30–60 minutes
- Duration: approx. 4–8 hours
When DMT is combined with an MAO inhibitor, the duration of effects is prolonged.
Effects
- Altered perception (sensory distortions, increased visual and auditory sensitivity), immersion in “bizarre worlds”
- Separation of body and mind, ego dissolution, feeling of merging with the surroundings
- Altered perception of time and space (strongly slowed sense of time)
- Feelings of happiness and euphoria
- Intense memories may emerge
- Feeling of weightlessness
- Profound spiritual or mystical experiences
- Fluctuating moods and emotional changes
Risks and side effects
- Feeling overwhelmed due to loss of identity, sensory overload, and loss of control
- Anxiety, panic, paranoia
- Bad trip (“horror trip”)
- Reduced reaction ability, movement disturbances, sensation of falling (risk of accidents)
- Increased blood pressure and heart/pulse rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trembling, restlessness, headaches
Long-term risks
- Latent psychosis may be triggered
- Disturbances in self-perception and perception of reality
Good to know …
- Even though the effects of smoked DMT are short, after-effects may still occur for several hours afterwards (up to 8 hours).
- DMT is not considered physically addictive, and the risk of psychological dependence is also considered rather low.
- Since loss of control and anxiety are common side effects, DMT is not considered a party drug.
- In rare cases, DMT may also be snorted or injected; however, both methods are uncommon and associated with high risks. Snorting often produces weak and unreliable effects and may irritate the nasal mucosa. Injection is extremely rare outside research settings and carries particularly high risks such as overdose and infections.
„Set und Setting“
The subjective experience of DMT depends not only on the dose, but also strongly on “set and setting.” This includes the user’s mental state, expectations, and prior experiences, as well as external circumstances such as location, surroundings, and social environment.
A stable mindset and a safe, familiar environment may help reduce psychological risks. Having a sober companion present is considered an important safety measure.
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a traditional plant-based brew from the Amazon region, made from DMT-containing plants and the vine Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains natural MAO-inhibiting substances (substances that slow down the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or adrenaline). This combination is what allows DMT to become active when consumed orally.
The preparation and use of ayahuasca have long-standing ritual and spiritual significance in Indigenous cultures. Effects begin after approximately 30–60 minutes, and the experience can last for several hours.
Due to the intense physical and psychological effects, an ayahuasca experience should not be undertaken lightly. Participating in a safe, experienced, and trustworthy setting is especially important.
There is no such thing as a risk-free consumption of legal and illegal drugs!
When consuming any legal and / or illegal drug, the subjectively perceived effects depend on various factors (how consumed, dose, age, gender, environment, mood as well as experience and expectation).
Consumption of any drug can result in addiction.
The consumption of legal and illegal drugs is to be discouraged:
- During adolescence (physical and mental development)
- When driving and during other activities requiring a “clear head” (e.g. sport, when operating machinery, …)
- At the workplace / at school
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding
- In case of previous medical conditions
Particular care is also required:
- If the quality of the product is unknown and cannot be checked
- In the event of combined use, e.g. alcohol and other drug
- When medication is taken at the same time
If you notice that a person is not well after having consumed legal or illegal drugs, act responsibly and look after that person. If in doubt, phone the emergency number and administer first aid.