What is 5-MeO-DMT (aka, “Toad”)?

5-MeO-DMT: A Powerful Psychedelic With Therapeutic Potential

This naturally occurring molecule 5-MeO-DMT has come into the spotlight in recent years for its profound psychedelic effects and healing potential. 

The compound has been called “the God molecule” and “a rocket-ship ride into the center of the cosmos.”

With many reports of its powerful life-transforming effects including improvements in mental health outcomes, 5-MeO-DMT is a promising therapeutic modality for conditions – such as substance use disorders –  where conventional methods are failing.

Researchers are examining  5-MeO-DMT as a key therapeutic in treating mental health conditions, emotional trauma, and substance use disorders.

What is 5-MeO-DMT?

 5-MeO-DMT is related to the more widely known compound DMT (which is technically named N-N-DMT or N,N-Dimethyltryptaine), but they are chemically distinct from one another.

Their effects are also different, and comparatively  5-MeO-DMT produces more intense effects, making it one of the most potent known psychedelics. 

Despite these differences, both compounds interact with the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor which is thought to be the key site of action for most psychedelics.

5-MeO-DMT is usually consumed by inhalation through vaporizing, or sometimes snorting ( in non-medical use). The resulting experience is quick, with an almost immediate onset  and lasting about twenty to thirty minutes.

Also called “Toad” in or “Bufo” in psychedelic communities,  5-MeO-DMT   is found in high concentrations  in the secretion or venom of Incilius alvarius, the Colorado River Toad (which is also less accurately referred to as Bufo alvarius). 

Various fungi and a large number of plant components, such as virola bark and anadenanthera seeds, also contain tiny amounts of naturally occurring 5-MeO-DMT.

It’s also possibly produced by the human body, as it has been found in human blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, though some studies contradict this finding.

Ethical 5-MeO-DMT use utilizes a synthetic version of the compound, so as not to harm the living toads which are threatened. 

Because the compound is secreted as a defense mechanism only when the amphibians are in stressful or dangerous situations, some herpetologists say there is no humane way to collect the secretion.

While early use of 5-MeO-DMT utilized toad secretions and some of this use continues, leaving the toads alone and preserving their habitat  is crucial to the species’ survival. 

History of 5-MeO-DMT Use

There is some evidence that snuffs made of plants containing 5-MeO-DMT  have been used  for centuries by Indigenous people in South America as part of shamanic rituals and religious practices. 

However,  there is no historical evidence for any Indigenous use of Incilius alvarius toads for their psychoactive properties, prior to the general popularization of such practices in the mid-1980s. 

5-MeO-DMT was first synthesized in 1936 by Japanese chemists, but remained relatively obscure for several decades until it began gaining popularity in the late 20th century during the counterculture psychedelic scene. 

The 1984 publication of a booklet, Bufo Alvarius: The Psychedelic Toad of the Sonoran Desert, catalyzed the phenomenon of people using dried toad secretions to access 5-MeO-DMT experiences.

In more recent years, 5-MeO-DMT has attracted the interest of scientists and researchers to study its potential therapeutic benefits to combat mental health concerns and substance use disorders.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of  5-MeO-DMT

The intense, ego-dissolving nature of the 5-MeO-DMT experience may hold unique therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions. 

And importantly, 5-MeO-DMT’s short window of action offers unique therapeutic utility regarding the practicality of treatment. 

In contrast to other psychedelics that have much lengthier effects( lasting up to a day), an average experience with 5-MeO-DMT lasts about 20 minutes (or up to 90 minutes maximum). 

Shortly after use, participants return to being clear headed and are not intoxicated in any way.

Researchers are looking at 5-MeO-DMT as a potential treatment for:

• Substance Use Disorders: Profound mystical experiences with 5-MeO-DMT have been reported to help break addictive cycles and change perspectives in a way that supports recovery and promotes neurogenesis – an important step in creating new and healthier responses to stressful stimuli.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): By helping to re-integrate challenging experiences and memories, 5-MeO-DMT may potentially help treat PTSD when combined with psychotherapy. 

• Depression: By disrupting rigid patterns of negative thought behaviors, 5-MeO-DMT may help break the cycle of depression and allow new perspectives.

• Anxiety Disorders: The non-dual awareness and present-moment experience induced by 5-MeO-DMT may provide relief from excessive worry and concern.

• End-of-Life Anxiety: Several studies suggest 5-MeO-DMT can provoke powerful mystical-type experiences that profoundly diminish anxiety about death in those facing terminal illnesses, such as some types of cancer.

Current Research

While the current research on 5-MeO-DMT is quite limited compared to other classic psychedelics, there is growing scientific interest in exploring its benefits for therapeutic purposes and personal growth.

Studies in rats have shown that 5-MeO-DMT can promote the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with mood, memory, and reward processing. 

Researchers think this neuroplasticity may allow for  antidepressant and anti-addictive properties, which could provide an advantage of 5-MeO-DMT over existing medications attempting to help people with substance use disorder.

Human research with 5-MeO-DMT is early on, but there have been a few promising studies in recent years.

An 2019 observational study of a single dose of inhaled 5-MeO-DMT found that participants’ reported increased mindfulness and satisfaction with life, which was maintained four weeks later. Ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased after the session, and were statistically significant after four weeks. 

Participants that experienced high levels of ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness during the session displayed higher ratings of satisfaction with life and lower ratings of depression and stress.

In another study, US Special Operations Forces Veterans combined 5-MeO-DMT and ibogaine treatments. The combination of psychedelic medicines in this study indicated the treatment to be therapeutic as levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation all decreased. 

The Future of 5-MeO-DMT

The Etheridge Foundation is proud to support the Usona Institute’s clinical trials of 5-MeO-DMT, along with the IMC Fund’s biocultural conservation program for the Incilius alvarius toad.

These efforts to advance clinical research while simultaneously working to conserve endangered species will make a lasting impact to both science and sustainability.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is best to consult a licensed health practitioner about any symptoms or conditions you have and to discuss the use of herbal supplements.