🌀 DMT
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
DMT is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance that causes intense visuals and strong psychedelic effects when smoked or ingested with a MAOI.
DMT is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance in the tryptamine family that can be found in small amounts in the human body and throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. It causes intense visuals and strong psychedelic effects when either smoked or ingested alongside a MAOI (MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitor), such as harmine or harmaline. There are many indigenous cultures in South America whose traditional religious practices include the use of DMT in snuffs and ayahuasca, which is a DMT-infused brew.
In Australia DMT is typically found as either a white, yellow, pink or orange powder or crystal. This powder or crystal is also often infused with dried plant matter (typically caapi – a South American vine containing MAOI) to create 'changa'.
Safer Using
Remember 'Set' (your current mindset & body), & 'Setting' (the other people and environment around you), can help shape a psychedelic experience as much as the drug itself. Try to use in comfortable environments with people you trust to look out for you. Have a sober or experienced safe person with you (trip sitter).
Sit or lie down for the experience. Try to find a place with low stimuli. Breathe calmly through your nose to ground yourself.
Be aware the smell of DMT is quite distinct and can be unpleasant. Depending how the DMT is smoked, it may cause a mild burning sensation in your lips, throat and lungs which can affect your experience of the trip. Take your time and be mindful of how you are feeling as the drug is coming on - more is not necessarily better.
Try not to make any big decisions about life or people during the experience or until you have fully 'landed'. Research 'Integration' (ongoing learning process after psychedelic experiences). If you are smoking DMT as 'changa', make sure you are aware of what's in that particular mix.
Some changa will contain other drugs that can have other unwanted effects. If you are unsure, try asking the dealer. When smoking: Avoid sharing smoking devices to prevent sharing blood borne viruses such as Hep C.
Keep your lips moisturised to avoid cracking & bleeding. Clean your smoking devices by soaking in boiling water. It is very easy to burn DMT (leading to an incredibly unpleasant taste, mild burning sensation, coughing or even vomiting).
The desired vaporisation temperature is between 60-80 degrees Celsius. A recreational dose (vaporised) is ~5-10mg (light) and 30-40mg (heavy), or ~1 puff vs. 3 puffs.
Smoking changa joints rather than using bongs makes it easier to monitor dosage - Start with a very small amount to gauge strength.
⚠ Avoid Combining With
Information on different drug combinations with smoked DMT is currently very limited. However, as DMT is quite an intense, mind bending experience that can catapult your spirit into another dimension, it really is best to avoid using DMT in combination with any other substances. Tramadol - is well known to lower seizure threshold and psychedelics also cause occasional seizures.
Cannabis - has an unexpectedly strong and somewhat unpredictable synergy with psychedelics. Amphetamines, Cocaine & Other Stimulants - Stimulants increase anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops which can lead to a negative experience on DMT. SSRIs - may decrease the effects of DMT.
Other Psychedelics - may intensify the DMT experience, leading to a longer peak and slower come down. GHB/GBL or Alcohol - may decrease the effects of DMT. Taking DMT can be particularly dangerous if you have or are at risk of: Asthma &/or Chest infections, Anxiety, Psychotic disorders, Schizophrenia, Heart Issues.
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
Roadside saliva tests do not look for DMT but other substances that may have been cut into it can be detected. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including DMT & any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. Wait at least 24 hours before driving.
Taking multiple doses over a period of several hours can lengthen this time period. Some people may re-experience the subjective effects of DMT days, weeks, months, or even years later. These experiences are rare and most likely to be mild – such as slight changes in perception - however powerful recollections of images and emotions could occur.
Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges. KNOW YOUR LOCAL LAWS.
Effects
Profound/Life changing spiritual experiences Feeling of oneness with the multiverse and all beings within it Anxiety Panic Overwhelming fear Powerful 'rushing' sensations Auditory hallucinations/sound distortions (buzzing) Colour shifting - a red/green and gold colouring to the whole world Temporary verbal dyspraxia (inability to communicate) Distorted perception of time Confusion Radical shift in perspective Reduced connection to ego (ego death) Difficulty integrating experiences Paranoia Intense open eye and closed eye visuals Slight stomach discomfort Risk of clumsiness/falling Unusual body sensations (chills, goosebumps, tingling) Increased blood pressure Increased heart rate Lethargy (feeling heavy)
Dose & Duration
Smoked through a bong, pipe, vaporiser or rolled in a joint: 5-40mg per trip. For DMT when smoked - Total Duration: 3-20 minutes, Onset: 0-2 minutes, Peak: 3-15 minutes, After Effects: 15-60 minutes. Even though the apparent effects of DMT may wear off after 10-20 minutes, the drug is still active in your system for up to 1-2 hours after you have taken it.