5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) or O-methyl-bufotenin is a psychedelic of the tryptamine class.
It is found in a wide variety of plant species, and also is secreted by the glands of at least one toad species, the Sonoran Desert toad.
Like its close relatives DMT and bufotenin (5-HO-DMT), it has been used as an entheogen in South America.
Slang terms include Five-methoxy, The power, and Toad venom.
Chemistry
5-MeO-DMT was first synthesized in 1936, and in 1959 it was isolated as one of the psychoactive ingredients of Anadenanthera peregrina seeds used in preparing Yopo snuff.
It was once believed to be a major component of the psychoactive effects of the snuff, although this has recently been shown to be unlikely, due to the limited or sometimes even non-existent quantity contained within the seeds, which instead achieve their psychoactivity from the O-demethylated metabolite of 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenin.
It is metabolized mainly by CYP2D6.
Effects
Depending on whether smoked or insufflated, total duration of experience can last between 10 minutes for the former, or up to 2 hours for the latter.
Effects vary and can range from radical perspective shifting and perception of new insights, euphoria, immersive experiences, dissociation and non-responsiveness, sensual/erotic enhancement, to dysphoria, fear, terror, and panic.
Uses
It may have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects.
===Religious use===
The Church of the Tree of Life, founded in California in 1971 by John Mann but now defunct, declared the use of 5-MeO-DMT to be a sacrament.
From approximately 1971 to the late 1980s, 5-MeO-DMT was discreetly available to its members.
Between 1970 and 1990, smoking of 5-MeO-DMT on parsley was probably one of the two most common forms of ingestion in the United States.
Pharmacology
5-MeO-DMT is a methoxylated derivative of DMT.
Based on studies in rats, its pharmacological activity is believed to be mainly through serotonin receptors.
Specifically, it shows high affinity for the 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A subtypes.
Additional mechanisms of action such as inhibition of monoamine reuptake may be involved.
A 2019 European study with 42 volunteers showed that a single inhalation produced sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, and easing of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In 2018, researchers also discovered that 5-MeO-DMT is a psychoplastogen, which refers to a compound capable of promoting rapid and sustained neural plasticity.
Clinical Development
5-MeO-DMT is being developed and evaluated for potential therapeutic effects in patients suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).https://www.ghres.com Biopharmaceutical company GH Research Ireland Limited has sponsored a completed study in healthy volunteers and an ongoing study in TRD patients.
Sources
5-MeO-DMT can be produced synthetically.
Plant sources
Animal Sources
Fungal Sources
Legal status
China
As of October 2015, 5-MeO-DMT is a controlled substance in China.
Australia
As a structural analog of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-MeO-DMT is a Schedule 9 prohibited substance under the Poisons Standard.
Sweden
Sveriges riksdags health ministry Statens folkhälsoinstitut classified 5-MeO-DMT, listed as 5-metoxi-N,N-dimetyltryptamin (5-MeO-DMT) in their regulation SFS 2004:696,  as "health hazard" under the act Lagen om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor (translated Act on the Prohibition of Certain Goods Dangerous to Health) in October 2004, making it illegal to sell or possess.
Germany
As of 2001 5-MeO-DMT is listed as a controlled substance.
Attachement I BtMG.
BGBl.
I 2001, 1180 - 1186; Turkey
5-MeO-DMT has been controlled in Turkey since December 2013.
United States
5-MeO-DMT was made a Schedule I controlled substance in January 2011.
See also
4-MeO-DMT
5-MeO-AMT
5-MeO-DIPT
5-EtO-DMT
5-MeO-MET
Dimemebfe
EMDT
Hamilton's Pharmacopeia
List of entheogens
References
External links
TiHKAL #38 on Erowid and Erowid's 5-MeO-DMT Vault
5-MeO-DMT Entry in TiHKAL • info
5-MeO-DMT Harm Reduction Forums
