DMT and Ayahuasca Category: Psychedlics

DMT, Dimethyltryptamine, Dimitri, change. It may also be sold under different names from suppliers and online markets

DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic/psychedelic chemical found naturally occurring in some plant species and in the human brain.

Psychedelic drugs can affect all of the senses, impacting on how a person thinks, feels and their sense of time. Psychedelics can cause someone to hallucinate, see or hear things that do not exist. Risks increase with these substances based on how a person is feeling, if they experience mental health concerns and the setting the person is in. DMT is associated with intense visual hallucinations.

Ayahuasca—also known as hoasca, aya, and yagé—is a hallucinogenic brew made from plants containing DMT (the primary psychoactive ingredient). Ayahuasca brew has traditionally been used for religious purposes in indigenous South American cultures.

Appearance

DMT can be found in different colours. In pure form, DMT is found as a white crystalline powder. In unpure form the colour can vary from yellow, orange or pink powder. As a herbal mixture in 'changa' (a DMT mixture) it my appear brownish/green. When part of ayahuasca brew it will appear as brownish/red liquid.

How it’s used

DMT powder is typically vaporized or smoked in a pipe. It can also be snorted or injected. Injecting any drug increases the health risks. Injecting is the most risky way to consume DMT and is advised against.

Plants containing DMT (chacruna and ayahuasca for example) are brewed for consuming as a drink.

Effects

Drugs can impact each person differently, below are common effects and risks. The effects of DMT will be based on personal factors, how it is taken and the setting a person is in.

Short term effects

Onset of effects if smoked are rapid and can last between 15-60 minutes
If taken orally as part of a ayahuasca ceremony, a DMT trip could last several hours
Nausea and vomiting
People could experience an intense ‘trip’. This could be considered a ‘good trip’ or ‘bad trip'
Altered perception and consciousness. People can see, feel or hear things that are not there ‘hallucinate’
Experiences people describe as 'mystical or spiritual type experiences'
Awareness or altered sense of time
An out of body sensation or depersonalisation
Increased heart rate, agitation, seizures, dizziness
Some people report that they feel like they have had a ‘near death experience’
Use could cause negative mental health reactions such as anxiety, delusions or psychosis (particularly among people predisposed to mental health issues). For some people, 'bad trips' can be frightening and extremly challenging experiences.

Other risks

DMT can produce very unpredictable – and sometimes very frightening – effects.
When taking psychedelics, some people may have experiences they find challenging which are known as 'bad trips'. This could involve anxiety, frightening or confronting hallucinations, confusion, fear and paranoia. For some people they may find the time of the trip difficult.
Using in unfamiliar or unsafe environments could impact on how you react People may be vulnerable in settings while tripping and unaware of their surroundings and those around them. Some settings may increase the risk of accidents.
You can never be fully sure of the contents of powders or plant matter
You can’t be sure how you will react or if this will be a negative or challenging trip. You may not have the same experience as other people. Those with a family history of mental health concerns or those experiencing current mental health concerns may be at greater risk of a negative experience. How you currnently feel in terms of mood will also impact on the experience.
It can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Use can be extra risky for people with blood pressure or heart concerns.
Some people may experience unpleasant and emotional effects that could last for days after taking.
Some people may experience flahsbacks. This is when part of the trip is subsequently relived after the original experience.

Dependency

Currently there’s no evidence to suggest that DMT is addictive. It is possible that some people could become tolerant to its effects

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