If you regularly visit the online smartshop Dutch Smart, you’ll come across quite a few terms you may never have heard of before. Especially when it comes to the increasingly popular substance ayahuasca, there are many terms that might benefit from some clarification. Because as you may know, one of the ingredients in this Amazonian brew is the hallucinogenic substance DMT, but at the same time, chances are you’ve also come across the term 5-MeO-DMT… Are these different substances? And if so, what exactly is the difference?
Believe us, you’re not the only one scratching your head when you hear these terms. So, to clear up any doubts right away: 5-MeO-DMT and DMT are indeed two different chemicals, and it’s very wise to know the differences. Why? 5-MeO-DMT is often abbreviated to "DMT," but that can be quite dangerous, because some users report powerful effects from as little as 5 mg of vaporized 5-MeO-DMT, while four to six times that amount is needed for strong effects with N,N-DMT. In this article, we’ll try to explain the differences in the simplest way possible. Let’s take a look at these two—both extremely unique—chemical compounds….
DMT
DMT is the name for the chemical N,N-dimethyltryptamine. It is a substance found in both plants and animals and is regularly consumed as a psychedelic drug. DMT can be inhaled, injected, vaporized, or ingested, and its effects depend on the dose. DMT has a long history of shamanic use in traditional ayahuasca brews—perhaps the very reason you’ve landed on this article. In the case of ayahuasca, a DMT-containing plant or bark (such as Mimosa Hostilis) is combined with a so-called MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor —including Banisteriopsis Caapi—so that the DMT is not broken down in the body and its psychedelic effects are prolonged. DMT in this form is said to possess significant healing properties. For instance, some studies confirm that DMT can be effective in treating addictions and depression. The effects of DMT often include vivid visual hallucinations, such as colored patterns and distortions. At the same time, it feels as though your thoughts and entire consciousness are being transported to another—sometimes otherworldly—dimension.
5-MeO-DMT
Alright, so what about 5-MeO-DMT? Isn’t that exactly the same thing? Well, yes and no. 5-MeO-DMT is a related chemical compound (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) that is active at much lower doses and has quite intense effects. At the molecular level, DMT and 5-MeO-DMT look almost identical, except that the latter has a few extra atoms. A small difference, but certainly significant enough to produce entirely different effects. Like DMT, 5-MeO-DMT is also found in many plants and animals, including the secretions of a certain North American toad. While the effects of DMT are largely visual, users of 5-MeO-DMT more often report a complete shift in perspective. Others compare it to a near-death experience. 5-MeO-DMT is generally considered to be about five times stronger than “normal” DMT. Shamanic uses of 5-MeO-DMT are also known, specifically in the form of the potent Yopo. These seeds are ground into powder and then snorted for a very intense trip that can last up to about 30 minutes.
What is the right choice?
First and foremost, we must emphasize that any use of DMT or 5-MeO-DMT can and will be extremely intense. Therefore, if in doubt, always consult a doctor and avoid these products if you have mental health issues or suffer from psychosis.
Initially, it was assumed that DMT—in the form of a prolonged Ayahuasca session—had the most therapeutic effect. Recently, however, new studies have been published that have also highlighted the potential healing effects of 5-MeO-DMT. If you’re looking for a long-lasting trip full of visual effects that lays your entire personality bare, then DMT might be what you’re looking for. Do you want to become one with the universe and fully enter another dimension in a shorter period of time? Then 5-MeO-DMT might be the better option.
