It’s hard to think of a psychedelic that rivals the intensity of DMT (dimethyltryptamine) — especially 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), also known as O-methyl-bufotenin.
This substance belongs to the tryptamine class of psychedelics, meaning it functions by mimicking neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which accounts for most of its psychoactive effects.
5-MeO-DMT occurs naturally and is most famously associated with a species of toad called Bufo alvarius (commonly referred to as the Colorado River Toad or Sonoran Desert Toad). It is also widely available in synthetic form and can be smoked, vaporized, or insufflated.
This psychedelic is known for its extremely fast onset, though its effects are brief in duration.
A single inhalation of 5-MeO-DMT can rapidly transport the user into a timeless, otherworldly state where many report interactions with so-called “machine elves.” Although the experience may feel endless, most people return to baseline within 45 minutes.
Despite its short length, a 5-MeO-DMT experience can cause profound and lasting shifts in perception.
At once beautiful, frightening, and occasionally therapeutic, the immense strength of 5-MeO-DMT remains a mystery capable of humbling and inspiring those who encounter it.
5-MeO-DMT: Specifications & Technical Information
Active Compound: 5-MeO-DMT
Risk Level: Low
Most Common Effects: Ego dissolution, ineffability
Duration: Peak effects 10–30 minutes, total duration around 1 hour
Legal Status: Varies by location; unscheduled in certain regions
Guidelines for Responsible 5-MeO-DMT Use
🐍 I recognize that psychedelics require respect
⚖️ I am informed about psychedelic laws in my country and state
🍄 I understand and feel confident in my dosage (average smoked synthetic dose: 8–12 mg)
🧪 I have tested the substance using a drug-testing kit
💊 I am not combining 5-MeO-DMT with medications or other substances
🏔️ I am in a safe, comfortable setting with trusted individuals
🐺 A sober and responsible person is present (trip sitter)
⏳ I have no important plans after the experience
🧠 I am mentally and emotionally stable
What’s the Difference Between N,N-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT?
Before going further, it’s important to clarify that there are multiple DMT analogs, each with distinct characteristics.
The term “DMT” most often refers to N,N-DMT, the primary psychoactive compound in ayahuasca and changa.
Chemically, the difference between N,N-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT lies in the addition of an oxygen molecule on the indole ring of 5-MeO-DMT.
Although both substances share similarities — such as rapid onset and intense effects — the 5-MeO-DMT experience extends beyond the vivid geometric visuals typical of N,N-DMT.
Experiences with 5-MeO-DMT are frequently described as feelings of unity, non-duality, or being beyond verbal explanation. Language ultimately falls short in conveying the depth of what 5-MeO-DMT can reveal. Many users agree that 5-MeO-DMT propels consciousness even further beyond ordinary reality than N,N-DMT.
What Is Bufo alvarius (“The Toad”)?
Many people associate 5-MeO-DMT with its amphibian source — the Bufo alvarius toad, also called the Sonoran Desert Toad or Colorado River Toad.
These toads inhabit limited regions in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. They spend most of the year underground and surface at night during summer rainfall to reproduce — a period commonly known as “toad season.” During this time, increasing numbers of individuals seek out the toad’s potent secretions.
Growing demand has resulted in overharvesting, placing the species at risk in its natural environment.
Recent reports have described rival groups competing over scarce toad populations. Some toads are sold online for prices as high as $1,000. Concerns have also been raised about the potential harm caused during venom extraction. Bufo alvarius releases a milky white venom from glands on its head as a defensive response.
Once collected, the venom is dried and later smoked. It contains a mixture of other potentially active compounds, including bufotenin (5-HO-DMT), which may contribute to the overall experience through what is known as the entourage effect.
5-MeO-DMT Snuffs: Epená, Yopo & Cohoba
Although smoking toad venom is the most well-known method of consuming 5-MeO-DMT, the compound exists naturally in many plants and certain Amanita mushrooms.
Whether the use of bufo venom is ancient or modern remains unclear, but ingestion of 5-MeO-DMT from plant sources dates back thousands of years. Snuff use is one of the earliest confirmed forms of psychoactive substance consumption. Archaeological findings such as ancient pipes and snuff trays in South America support its widespread historical use.
Myths recorded by Schultes in Plants of the Gods describe snuffs being stolen from the Sun God by his daughter and gifted to humans to allow communication with the spirit realm. Amazonian snuffs often consist of multiple plant species working together synergistically.
These snuffs are known by many names across different tribes and regions, and not all contain 5-MeO-DMT — for example, tobacco-based rapé.
In Pharmacotheon, Jonathan Ott describes a snuff known as Epená, sometimes derived from Virola species. The preparation involved scraping red resin from the tree’s inner bark, drying or boiling it, and processing it into a resin that was ground and sometimes combined with ash. The bark primarily contains 5-MeO-DMT and N,N-DMT, with some varieties also containing MMT, 6-MeO-DMT, trace beta-carbolines, and other compounds.
Yopo Plant (Anadenanthera peregrina)
Yopo is a snuff made from the seeds of Anadenanthera peregrina or Anadenanthera colubrina. Similar snuffs are used throughout South America and the Caribbean, where they are known as Cohoba.
While commonly believed to contain mainly 5-MeO-DMT and N,N-DMT, Jonathan Ott has suggested that bufotenin (5-HO-DMT) may be the primary active compound in yopo. Given the wide variety of plants used, isolating effects to a single compound is difficult.
Oral & Sublingual 5-MeO-DMT
There has long been uncertainty regarding whether 5-MeO-DMT is orally active.
Ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes first documented oral preparations, later studied by Dennis McKenna. Initial attempts failed to replicate observed effects. Sasha Shulgin also reported oral inactivity in TiHKAL.
Later, Jonathan Ott documented oral effects using a 30 mg capsule, though the experience was significantly milder. Ott experimented with harmala alkaloids to increase effects — a combination considered potentially dangerous and not recommended.
Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT
As access to toads and traditional snuffs has declined, synthetic 5-MeO-DMT has become increasingly common. The compound was first synthesized in 1936 by Japanese chemists Toshio Hoshino and Kenya Shimodaira from Anadenanthera peregrina seeds.
Today, many people obtain it from online research chemical suppliers or manufacturers.
Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT typically appears as a white, yellow, or orange crystalline powder.
What Is the Dosage of 5-MeO-DMT?
Effective dosage varies depending on method of administration — smoked, vaporized, snorted, swallowed, injected, or rectal — as well as the form used.
Snuffs sourced from the Amazon should only be administered by experienced practitioners due to unpredictable potency.
James Oroc notes in Tryptamine Palace that smoked doses should be adjusted in 2 mg increments. Identifying the minimum effective dose helps retain memory of the experience, as excessive doses can result in a “white hole” with no recollection.
1. Bufo Toad Venom Dosage
Typical doses of raw Bufo venom range from 10–60 mg, smoked or vaporized.
Alkaloid content varies widely. Shulgin reported concentrations up to 15%, while other sources suggest 10–30%. Due to this variability, effects differ greatly between individuals. Starting low and working upward with experienced guidance is essential.
2. Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT Dosage
Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT is commonly smoked but may also be snorted, taken rectally, or used orally or sublingually. Smoking produces rapid onset and brief effects, while other methods result in slower, longer experiences.
Consider whether the compound is HCl or freebase before choosing a method. Freebase is typically smoked, while HCl is preferred for snorting.
| Dose Level | Smoked/Vaped | Snorted |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 1–5 mg | 3–5 mg |
| Low | 5–7 mg | 5–10 mg |
| Standard | 8–12 mg | 8–15 mg |
| High | 13–20 mg | 10–25 mg |
3. Other Routes of Administration
Less common methods include:
- Sublingual: 10 mg
- Oral: 20–30 mg
- Rectal: 20–30 mg
What Does 5-MeO-DMT Feel Like?
Effects vary by dose and method. Lower doses may enhance visual brightness and patterns, accompanied by bodily heaviness. Higher doses often result in complete separation from physical reality.
Common experiences include merging with white light, encountering divine or ancestral presences, hearing a resonant sound, and losing all sense of time. These experiences can be emotionally powerful and transformative.
How Long Does 5-MeO-DMT Last?
5-MeO-DMT is known for its brief duration, often referred to as a “business trip.”
- Smoked/Vaped: Onset within seconds, peak 5–20 minutes, full return within 45–60 minutes
- Snorted: Onset in minutes, total duration about one hour
- Oral: Delayed onset with lingering aftereffects
The body metabolizes the substance quickly, making prolonged intoxication impossible.
How Strong Is 5-MeO-DMT?
According to Jonathan Ott, 5-MeO-DMT is 4–5 times more potent than N,N-DMT. It surpasses most psychedelics in intensity, including psilocybin and mescaline.
Although LSD is stronger by weight, its effects are far less overwhelming than those produced by 5-MeO-DMT.
Is 5-MeO-DMT Safe?
Fatal overdose is unlikely, but misuse carries serious risks. Individuals with heart conditions or severe mental health disorders should avoid use.
Side effects reported include seizures, vomiting, psychosis, and loss of physical control. Several deaths have occurred due to choking on vomit when used alone.
Addiction & Abuse
While addiction is uncommon, compulsive use — particularly with vape pens — has been reported and may increase the risk of psychosis or HPPD.
Prescription Drug Interactions
Avoid mixing 5-MeO-DMT with SSRIs, MAOIs, antidepressants, or antipsychotics. Combining with harmala alkaloids is especially dangerous and may be fatal.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term side effects are rare but may include anxiety, sleep difficulties, grounding issues, and reactivations (flashbacks). Reactivations vary in intensity and duration and are documented in research.
Testing 5-MeO-DMT for Purity
Erlich and Hoffman reagent tests are recommended. These tests help identify indole compounds and distinguish between DMT variants but cannot guarantee safety.
Legal Status of 5-MeO-DMT
Legal classification differs globally. The substance has been Schedule I in the U.S. since 2011, while other countries — including Canada — maintain less restrictive or unclear regulations.
How 5-MeO-DMT Works
5-MeO-DMT primarily affects serotonin receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C). Its molecular structure enables rapid and powerful receptor binding.
Emerging studies suggest possible therapeutic potential for conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, inflammation, and substance use disorders.
Some research has also produced encouraging and noteworthy findings related to the potential use of 5-MeO-DMT for a range of mental health–related conditions, including [14]:
Anxiety
Depression
Immune system modulation
Inflammation
Overall life satisfaction
Mindfulness
Neuroendocrine functioning
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Stress
Substance use disorders
5-MeO-DMT FAQs
If your question hasn’t been addressed, feel free to contact us at high@tripsitter.com.
1. Can You Actually Lick Toads?
It is possible to lick a toad, but doing so is far more likely to make you ill than intoxicated. There are hundreds of Bufo toad species, but only Bufo alvarius is known to contain sufficient alkaloids to produce psychedelic effects. Although ingesting toad venom may produce psychoactive responses, it’s important to remember that this venom is a defense mechanism designed to cause discomfort. There have been reports of fatal reactions in animals and children exposed to bufo venom.
2. Where Can I Find a 5-MeO-DMT Retreat?
Although 5-MeO-DMT remains unscheduled in countries such as Canada and parts of Europe, finding retreats that openly offer it can still be challenging. In contrast, Mexico and certain regions of South America have relatively open use, with a growing number of retreat options available. Some facilitators offer both individual and group 5-MeO-DMT ceremonies. It’s essential to carefully research and vet any practitioner before participating.
3. Where Can I Buy 5-MeO-DMT Online?
Depending on where you live, purchasing 5-MeO-DMT may be possible in regions where it is not classified as a scheduled substance. Established sources exist in Canada and parts of Europe; however, laws vary widely, and unscheduled substances are often treated inconsistently by authorities. “Unscheduled” does not necessarily mean legal or decriminalized, so thorough research is strongly advised.
4. Does 5-MeO-DMT Cause Flashbacks?
Yes, 5-MeO-DMT can sometimes produce lingering effects known as reactivations. While these experiences are not the same as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which is a serious condition, many individuals report brief visual flashes or intense sensations that persist after use. The exact cause of these reactivations remains unknown and may be linked to excessive dosing or repeated use within a short time frame.
5. Where Can I Find Additional 5-MeO-DMT Resources?
As interest in psychedelics continues to grow, more organizations and resources focused on 5-MeO-DMT have emerged. Useful educational platforms and networks for finding facilitators and integration support include:
Five — An educational platform offering integration resources
The Conclave — A source of information on best practices, ethics, and integration
5 Hive — A discussion forum dedicated specifically to 5-MeO-DMT