5-MeO-DMT​ & Mystical Experiences

5-MeO-DMT is a psychedelic of the tryptamine class (like LSD and psilocybin). It is found in a wide variety of plant species, as well as the Sonora Desert toad. Like its close relative DMT, it has long been used as an entheogen in South America.​

It has been nicknamed “the God molecule” given its unusually powerful entheogenic properties. Of all the psychedelics, it appears most consistently effective at inducing mystical experiences, which have been linked to the long-term psychotherapeutic benefits associated with psychedelics.​

Pharmacology

Surveys and naturalistic studies of 5-MeO-DMT users reported a safe profile, and a strong potential for psychotherapeutic benefits. It is a short lasting psychedelic (30-90 minutes), which may be clinically advantageous in certain circumstances over longer lasting compounds such as psilocybin (4-6h) and LSD (8-10h).​

Therapeutic benefits​

5-MeO-DMT appears to be associated with sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life and mindfulness-related capacities, as well as  improvements in self-reported depression and anxiety. ​

Need for more research​

Despite all the advantages stated above, 5-MeO-DMT remains scientifically neglected and underexplored, and no brain-imaging study or clinical trial has been carried out with this compound to date. ​