5-MeO-DMT


5-MeO-DMT is a psychedelic of the tryptamine class. It is found in a wide variety of plant species, and at least one toad species, the Sonora Desert toad. Like its close relatives DMT and bufotenin, 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.

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 also. 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.

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, 5-MeO-DMT is a prohibited substance under the Poisons Standard.

Sweden

health ministry :sv:Statens folkhälsoinstitut|Statens folkhälsoinstitut classified 5-MeO-DMT, listed as 5-metoxi-N,N-dimetyltryptamin in their regulation SFS 2004:696, as "health hazard" under the act :sv:Lagen om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor|Lagen om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor in October 2004, making it illegal to sell or possess.

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.