5-MeO-DMT at a glance: schedule, half-life, and class
- Chemical name
- 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
- Sources
- Venom of the Sonoran Desert (Colorado River) toad; some plants; synthetic
- Drug class
- Psychedelic tryptamine; 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A agonist
- US legal status
- Schedule I (since 2011)
- How it is used
- Vaporized or smoked
- Onset
- Seconds
- Duration
- 15 to 60 minutes
What is 5-MeO-DMT?
5-MeO-DMT gained popularity through retreats offering toad venom ceremonies. Demand has threatened wild toad populations, and synthetic 5-MeO-DMT is chemically identical.[1]
A synthetic inhaled form is in clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression, but it is not approved.[1]
5-MeO-DMT effects and how long they last
Effects begin within seconds: a sense of ego dissolution, loss of self and surroundings, overwhelming emotion, and unity. Visual hallucinations are typically less prominent than with DMT. People may move, vocalize, or vomit without awareness.[1]
5-MeO-DMT side effects and risks
Loss of awareness: people can fall, choke on vomit, or stop protecting their airway. A trained, sober sitter is essential.
MAO inhibitors: combined with harmala alkaloids (as in ayahuasca) or MAOI antidepressants, 5-MeO-DMT has caused deaths from serotonin toxicity.[1]
Toad venom: raw venom also contains bufotenine and other toxins that affect the heart.
Psychological effects: lasting anxiety, re-experiencing, or mood disturbances after intense experiences.
Warning: Never combine 5-MeO-DMT with ayahuasca, harmala alkaloids, or MAO inhibitor antidepressants. The combination can be fatal.
5-MeO-DMT interactions: what is dangerous to mix with it
Choose what it would be combined with:
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors and ayahuasca | Serotonin toxicity, seizures, death | Dangerous |
| SSRIs, SNRIs, lithium | Serotonin syndrome; seizures with lithium | Dangerous |
| Stimulants | Heart strain | High risk |
| Alcohol and sedatives | Vomiting and choking | High risk |
This is not a full list. Combining substances raises the risk of harm, especially when the contents of street drugs are unknown.
5-MeO-DMT overdose: signs and what to do
Serious toxicity causes seizures, very high temperature, abnormal heart rhythms, and loss of airway protection, especially with MAO inhibitors.[1]
If someone is having a dangerous reaction
- Call 911 for a seizure, chest pain, a very high temperature, trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, or if the person may harm themselves or others.
- Move them to a quiet, safe place away from roads, water, heights, and crowds. Stay with them and speak calmly.
- Do not leave the person alone and do not give them other drugs or alcohol to calm them down.
- If they become unresponsive, place them on their side and give naloxone in case opioids are involved.
Is 5-MeO-DMT addictive?
5-MeO-DMT is not considered physically addictive and does not cause a withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance builds quickly with repeated use.[1]
- Hours to daysAfterglow or come-downTiredness, emotional sensitivity, or low mood can follow.
- Days to weeksIntegrationSome people have lingering anxiety or distressing memories that benefit from support.
- Rarely, monthsPersisting effectsA small number of people have lasting perception changes (HPPD) or mental health problems.
Is 5-MeO-DMT legal in the US? Schedule and legal status
5-MeO-DMT was placed in Schedule I in 2011. Possessing, making, or selling it, including toad venom, is a federal crime.[2]
- Possession: under federal law, a first conviction for possessing any controlled substance without a valid prescription can bring up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000.[3]
- Toad protection: collecting Sonoran Desert toads is restricted in some states, including California.
Where can someone get help with 5-MeO-DMT use?
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. It gives referrals to local treatment and support.[4]
- FindTreatment.gov: a federal locator for state-licensed treatment programs, searchable by location, payment, and type of care.[5]
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Your own clinician: a primary care doctor can screen, treat, and refer, and can discuss medicines that support recovery where they exist.
5-MeO-DMT legal status in other countries
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class A |
| Canada | Controlled |
| International | Not listed in the UN conventions; controlled nationally in many countries |
Laws change and differ in detail. Check current rules before carrying any controlled medicine across a border.[6]
Common questions about 5-MeO-DMT
What is toad medicine?
A name for 5-MeO-DMT from the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad, usually smoked at retreats.
Is 5-MeO-DMT the same as DMT?
No. They are related tryptamines, but 5-MeO-DMT is more potent and its effects are less visual and more dissociative.
How long does 5-MeO-DMT last?
When inhaled, about 15 to 60 minutes.
Is 5-MeO-DMT legal?
No. It is Schedule I in the US.
Can you combine 5-MeO-DMT with ayahuasca?
No. The combination has caused deaths.
Sources
- Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Controlled Substance Schedules. DEA Diversion Control Division.
- 21 U.S.C. 844, Penalties for simple possession. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School.
- National Helpline. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
