DMT

All drug use has risks. This page is for information only and does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have medical concerns about your drug use, please speak to a medical professional.
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DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a substance found naturally in many plants and animals. If extracted from plants, DMT is a potent, short-lasting, psychedelic drug.

Other names

Dimitri, the business man's trip, the spirit molecule

Appearance

Colourless (white), strong-smelling, crystalline powder. Impure DMT can be white, brown, red, orange, yellow or pink.

Drugs Wheel Category

Psychedelics

Legality

Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) – Class A.

Penalties for possession are up to 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Penalties for supply are up to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

How it’s taken

Most commonly vaporized (heated and inhaled). It can also be smoked (burned and inhaled), however this can lead to a significant loss of effect due to the breakdown of the DMT.

It may also be consumed orally but, as it is rapidly metabolized (broken down in the body) by MAO (Monoamine Oxidase), for it to be most effective it is generally mixed with an MAO-inhibitor (MAOI) such as harmaline (at a ratio of around 1.5 mg of harmaline for every 1mg of DMT). This should not be combined with other MAOIs, MDMA (ecstasy), SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and some synthetic opiates (including tramadol and methadone).

The DMT and MAO mixture can then be swallowed in a “bomb” (powder wrapped in a cigarette paper or put in gel cap) or mixed into an acidic drink such as orange juice.

If drinking a whole plant brew (rather than a purified extract) other compounds in the brew may improve MAO inhibition, or help protect DMT from fast breakdown therefore the addition of a MAOI is not needed.

Some people may snort it, but this is not recommended, and it is reported to be more painful than snorting other drugs. It can be administered nasally by dissolving the DMT and MAO mixture in coconut creme and rubbing inside the nose.

Injecting is almost always the riskiest way of taking drugs and is strongly discouraged.

Dose

The following information on dosage was taken from PsychonautWiki, but this should not be taken as a recommendation: duration and effects of any drug will depend on purity, regularity of use, other medications or drugs you have taken, your body and how it is taken (route of administration).  

Smoke: 

  • Light: 10-20 milligrams (mg)  
  • Common: 20–40 milligrams (mg)  
  • Strong: 40–60 milligrams (mg)

Accessed September 2020  

It is essential to use accurate scales – ones that are capable of measuring to 10 milligrams (0.01 of a gram). Knowledge of how to use them and how to ensure they are measuring accurately is important.  

A slight difference in dose can create a different experience or effect. Find out more about reducing the risk from dosing including volumetric dosing.

General information on dosing.

General information on dosing.

Effects

Effects of DMT when vaporized can be almost instant (0–2 minutes) and the effects can last for 15 minutes (or longer if a high dose is taken). After effects can be felt for up to an hour afterwards.

DMT may cause intense hallucinations, time distortion, you might see colours, hear sounds and experience heightened mood. The effects may be short but very intense, depending on how much you take. You might not have the same trip experience as someone else.

Risks

  • The effects may be short but very intense and sometimes alarming, depending on how much you take. You might not have the same trip experience as someone else.
  • The smoke from DMT can be quite harsh and could make you cough.
  • Mixing with alcohol, prescription medication or any other drugs risks unexpected, harmful and unpleasant effects, especially with other psychedelics, cannabis or ketamine

Harm reduction

If you choose to take DMT then the following steps can help to reduce harm.
  • Remember that you cannot judge content or purity by appearance. There is no standard amount of DMT in powder so there can be a huge difference, even within each batch – start low and go slow.
  • Always use with someone you know and trust, ideally in a safe, relaxed environment.
  • If you are in a group, have a ‘spotter’ – someone who doesn’t take anything and knows what to expect from DMT.
  • Avoid mixing with alcohol, prescription medication or any other drugs, as the effects may be unexpected or harmful and unpleasant, especially with other psychedelics, cannabis or ketamine. Drugs affect people differently, more so if mixed.
  • Altered perceptions mean you may not spot dangers, so be careful.
  • Look after your pals and seek medical help as soon as possible if anyone falls unwell. Be honest about what you know they have taken.

For vaporizing/smoking

  • So start low and go slow.
  • Be careful if using an old pipe as sometimes DMT from a previous session can remain and be inhaled with the new dose. Cleaning and pre-warming the pipe can reduce the risk of smoking too much
  • The smoke from DMT can be quite harsh and could make you cough. Pipes with cooling chambers may reduce heat and damage to your throat.
  • Avoid holding vapour/smoke in your lungs as this can damage tissue without giving a better ‘hit’.
  • Use glass or metal pipes were possible as these give off less fumes than wood and plastic.
  • Sharing vapes can spread infections and viruses – only use your own equipment.
  • Take one or two draws and then take a break to let the effects come on before taking more. The risk of the effects being overwhelming is increased if you take too much too quickly –
    dose low, go slow!
  • Clean the vape regularly.
  • Buy a good quality vaporiser. There is a risk of burns and fire from poor quality equipment.

For swallowing

  • Use a clean cigarette paper or gel capsule to “bomb” powder. 
  • If mixed into a drink, care should be taken to accurately dose and the bottle/cup marked to ensure no one else accidentally drinks it. Never leave your drink unattended and avoid drinking from bottles/cups if you are unsure of what’s in it.  

For snorting

  • Grind or crush substances finely before snorting.
  • Use a clean straw or paper as a ‘tooter/snorter’ rather than money and throw away after use.
  • Position the ‘tooter/snorter’ as high up the nostril as possible.
  • Alternate nostrils.
  • Rinse out your nose with water after each session.
  • Vitamin E oil can reduce damage to nose if applied in a thin layer inside after cleaning, like you would lip balm.

Detection time

People taking DMT have reported the following detection time, but this cannot be taken as a recommendation; detection of any drug will depend on purity, regularity of use, other medications or drugs you have taken, your body and how it’s taken.
  • 24 hours in urine.