DMT

N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a potent psychoactive compound found naturally in a wide variety of plant species and the human body. It was first synthesised in the laboratory in 1931, however, its psychoactive properties were not discovered until 1956. DMT is famously known for its use in spiritual and shamanistic rituals, particularly in the form of the South American brew, ayahuasca.¹

DMT acts primarily through the 5-HT2A receptor, a subtype of the serotonin receptors, and it is this interaction that is thought to underlie its powerful hallucinogenic effects. Users typically report intense visual hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, altered perceptions of time and space, and profound changes in thought and self-awareness. These effects are typically of short duration, usually less than an hour.²

Despite the potential for profound subjective experiences, the use of DMT also carries significant risks, including psychological distress and, in some cases, potentially dangerous elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. The potential for abuse and lack of established medical use have led to DMT being classified as a Schedule I drug under international law.³

Appearance

DMT is commonly found as a white crystalline powder, though its exact appearance can vary depending on the specific process of extraction or synthesis used. It might also have a yellow, pink, or reddish hue.⁴

Tastе

The taste of DMT has been reported as very bitter and unpleasant. The substance is typically not ingested orally (due to being broken down by the digestive system). Still, when smoked or vaporised, users frequently report a taste that is harsh, metallic, or similar to burnt plastic.

Smell

As for the smell, DMT has a strong and distinctive aroma, often similar to new shoes, mothballs, or synthetic/industrial odours. When burnt or vaporised, it produces a heavy, acrid smoke often likened to the smell of burning plastic.⁴

The dosage of inhaled DMT typically ranges as follows. It’s important to note that these amounts can vary significantly based on individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and sensitivity.⁵

• Minimum to feel something (mg): Around 10-20 mg is usually sufficient for users to start experiencing some effects of DMT when inhaled.
• Low dose: A low dose generally refers to a dose of approximately 20-30 mg.
• Common dose: A common dose usually ranges from 30 to 50 mg.
• High dose: A high dose typically refers to a more than 50 mg dose.

What may happen when exceeding the high dose:

When a high dose of DMT is taken, users might experience a variety of intense physical and psychological effects. These can include severe disorientation, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, and frightening hallucinations. This state is often referred to as a “breakthrough” experience and can be overwhelming or frightening to the user. In rare cases, it could contribute to the onset of persistent psychosis or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD).⁶

The effects of DMT can vary greatly depending on the individual and the dosage taken. Users often report intense visual and auditory hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, altered perception of time, euphoria, and in some cases, experiences of meeting with ‘entities’ or ‘beings’. It can also induce feelings of profound insight or spiritual experiences. ⁵

DMT can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and changes in body temperature. It may also cause pupil dilation and muscle relaxation.

DMT is most commonly inhaled (smoked or vaporised). In this form, the crystalline substance is heated until it vaporises, and the smoke is inhaled. This method provides a swift onset of effects, typically within a few minutes. The effects are usually intense but last for a relatively short period, often less than an hour. ¹

In addition, DMT can be consumed orally as part of an ayahuasca brew, where it is combined with other plants that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This combination allows the DMT to be absorbed and exert its effects, lasting several hours. ²

When DMT is inhaled, the effects occur rapidly, usually within 1-2 minutes. When DMT is consumed orally as part of an ayahuasca brew, the onset of effects is slower, typically within 20-60 minutes. ¹

The duration of DMT effects depends on the method of administration. Inhaled DMT effects typically last between 5 to 30 minutes. In contrast, the effects of orally consumed DMT in an ayahuasca brew can last several hours. ¹

DMT use carries risks, including psychological distress, dangerous behaviour while intoxicated, and potential exacerbation or triggering of latent mental health conditions. Physically, DMT use can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Overdose risks are typically more associated with behavioural risks or underlying health conditions than with direct toxic effects of the drug. ²

DMT is not generally considered to be addictive, as it does not induce cravings or compulsive use in the way that drugs like opioids or amphetamines might. However, like any psychoactive substance, it can be misused and can contribute to harmful patterns of behaviour or mental health issues.

In the UK, DMT is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means it is illegal to produce, supply, or possess. Possession can lead to up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying, including giving it away to friends, can lead to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

Mixing DMT with other drugs can increase the risks and potential harm. Particularly, mixing DMT with other serotonergic drugs like MDMA, LSD, or certain antidepressants could potentially lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition. It’s also worth noting that the MAOIs in ayahuasca can interact with a wide range of medications and other substances, increasing the risk of adverse effects. ²

1. Barker, SA, et al. (2018). N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an endogenous hallucinogen: Past, present, and future research to determine its role and function. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 536. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088236/)
2. Brito-da-Costa AM, et al. (2020). Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of ayahuasca alkaloids N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine: Clinical and forensic impact. Pharmaceuticals, 13(10), 334. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7690791/#B103-pharmaceuticals-13-00334)
3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (n.d.). Drug scheduling. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling)
4. Erowid. (2023). DMT Dosage. Retrieved from https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/dmt/dmt_dose.shtml)
5. Lawrence, D. W., Richards, T., Aixalá, M., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2022). Phenomenology and content of the inhaled N, N-dimethyltryptamine (N, N-DMT) experience. Psychopharmacology, 239(1), 301-313. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9130218/)
6. Halpern JH, et al. (2016). A review of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) and an exploratory study of subjects claiming symptoms of HPPD. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 166, 1–7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27822679/)
7. https://www.drugscience.org.uk/drug-information/dmt/#1612864609841-8efff86c-4404)