Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Subjective effects and patterns of use among Australian recreational users

Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine

“…Intramuscular effects of DMT hydrochloride or DMT fumarate (reported dose 0.2- 1 mg/kg; Szara, 2007) have a rapid onset within 2 – 5 min and can last 30 - 60 min, and the effects are generally less intense than intravenous or inhalation routes of administration. The hallucinogenic effects of DMT in the formulation of ayahuasca (0.6 - 0.85 mg/kg DMT; Riba et al, 2003) generally appear within 60 min, peak at 90 min and can last for approximately 4 h (Cakic et al, 2010). Typical doses of smoked or inhaled free-base DMT are 40 - 50 mg, although dose may be as high as 100 mg (Shulgin and Shulgin, 1997).…”

“…Strassman concluded that DMT is a powerful tool for self-discovery and understanding consciousness, which may have helped to drive interest in recreational use of DMT and related tryptamine hallucinogens. In recent years, recreational use of DMT has been increasing; for example, Cakic et al, (2010) reported that 31% of recreational DMT users endorse psychotherapeutic benefits as the main reason for consumption. Similar to ayahuasca, recreational users have made similar concoctions referred to as pharmahuasca .…”

Recreational use of naturally occurring dimethyltryptamine – contributing to psychosis?

“…These include a dream-like state, euphoria and colourful visual hallucinations (Cozzi et al, 2009), which peak after a few minutes and resolve within thirty minutes (Cakic et al, 2010). Smoking of DMT-containing acacia plants has been reported among Indigenous Australian males during cultural ceremonies (Watson, 1983).…”

“…Approximately one quarter of DMT users report personally extracting the substance from plant material (Cakic et al, 2010), which may also contain toxic hydrogen cyanide. Instructions for DMT extraction are readily available on Internet forums and recommend use of harmful chemicals, with a high risk of contamination.…”

“…DMT is an endogenous hallucinogen present in many native Australian plant species. Interest in recreational DMT use is rising in the United States and Australia, particularly among users of other hallucinogens and cannabis (Cakic et al, 2010). Easily accessible Internet forums provide detailed information on the acquisition, extraction and use of DMT.…”