5-MeO-DMT (Pre-Ceremomy)
5-MeO-DMT is a psychoactive substance found in many plants and animals but it’s most commonly cultivated from the venom of the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius). It is said that the traditional use of the medicine goes back hundreds and even thousands of years. However, the use of Bufo was first recorded in 1967. It has been used in the underground wellness field since the 70’s in the United States. It wasn’t until the 90’s where it became so popular that it was available for purchase via the internet. In 2011, the U.S. declared 5-MeO-DMT a Schedule I substance making the possession, sale, and use in the U.S. illegal.
DISCLAIMER: 5-MeO-DMT is a potentially illegal substance, and I do not encourage or condone the use of this substance where it is against the law.
Types of DMT
I will be experiencing the naturally occurring toad extraction of 5-MeO-DMT and 5-HO-DMT. Before I share my experience, I wanted to give awareness about the incredible medicine. Often times Bufotenine, or Bufo for short, gets confused with DMT. So first, I’d like to explain the differences each therapy possesses. DMT naturally occurs in plants, animals, and even humans. Some say, DMT is found in every living organism and is said to be found in every organ of our body, especially the pineal gland or “third eye”. We release DMT during dreams as well as during traumatic events like childbirth and death. When inhaled, the “trip” is often associated with vibrant colors, and being welcomed by spiritual beings. From my research, it’s almost as if you’ve entered another dimension, my guess is users probably have. (Pro tip: Google DMT experiences and prepare for a 5-hour deep dive into the strangest, funniest and horrific hallucination stories).
On the other hand, 5-MeO-DMT on a scientific level, looks the same as DMT but with a few extra atoms attached. However, Bufo venom not only contains 5-MeO-DMT it also contains bufotenine or 5-HO-DMT. Although, 5-MeO-DMT is found in plants and animals, it is not found in humans. It’s said that there is a correlation between Bufotenine (5-HO-DMT) and DMT. Stating similar psychedelic and visual effects that are found in a DMT experience are exhibited through Bufo. Experiences include a loss of oneself and complete ego death. Seekers have experienced “oneness” and often describe it as “the great reveal”. The boundaries between the external and internal disappear and the medicine usually starts about 15 seconds after inhalation. Peak effects last for about 10-15 minutes, subsiding completely after 40 minutes. I’ve watched endless videos on the experiences of others and there seems to be two general types of reactions. Some users purge, squirm, and almost look like they’ve been possessed while others look like they’ve just fallen into the deepest most peaceful meditation. I obviously haven’t had my Bufo ceremony yet but my first assumption to this is that it is imperative to what is being held in the mind and body of the user. If you have a lot of traumas, demons, and shadows that you have neglected to acknowledge, I assume those will come to fruition promoting a more exorcism-like effect. When I spoke with my shaman about this reaction, he agreed and also mentioned the dose could play a vital role in it as well.
What is Bufo?
While both experiences are valid and substantial, it depends on the preference of the user and what one is trying to achieve. I will get more deeply into the reasoning behind why I chose Bufo once I’ve experienced it but I wanted to gain a shift in perspective. In scientific research, it has been identified as healing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I have prioritized Bufo before other certain earth medicines for its emotional and psychological eye-opening properties. The idea is to bring everything to surface before conducting a “house cleaning”. If you continue to follow my transcendental journey, I will shed light on the structure behind this process.
The toad venom is secreted from the toad’s parotoid glands. The bufotoxins are the toad’s natural defense mechanism to predators. Unfortunately, with the increase in the use of Bufo (although currently it is not endangered) is an at risk species. The toad hibernates for most of the year and appears briefly during the summer to reproduce. In order to obtain the bufotoxins, the cultivator while wearing gloves, catches the toad and holds it over a flat glass surface, where the liquid can be released free of any debris. The venom is then dried and collected turning the milky substance into what is known as Bufo “crystals”. One single toad can contain up to 15 doses. The harvesting not only is conducted from shamans, and ceremonialists but also from “toad hunters” who then sell it for profit. There has been a decline in Bufo Alvarius over the last decade due to negligent cultivators. The toad is paralyzed when light is shed on them, so the action of cars streaming through their territory has resulted in numerous deaths. In addition, Bufo Alvarius works with an internal GPS so when the toad is captured and taken away from its habitat and then released, it is likely it will not survive. Often for this reason people choose to opt out in exchange for synthetic 5-MeO-DMT. I chose to go with a shaman who has reputable sourcing because to be honest, I don’t know where to find synthetic 5-MeO-DMT. The shaman I am working with sources the Bufo from the Seri Tribe, who are an indigenous group from Sonora, Mexico. There, the Seri people have a conservation for the amphibians allowing for ethical and sustainable sourcing of the toad species.
No Expectations
With my experience with psychedelics, I have learned the best thing you can do is to be open and accepting to the experience and to not have any expectations. However, it is extremely important to set intention with any type of shamanic endeavor. I’ve prepared for the ceremony by conducting a protective mediation twice a day for 20 minutes using sage while calling upon the guidance from Source, my guides, and ancestors. (Hope I didn’t lose you at this point but as “whoo-whoo” as it sounds, it is crucial to protect yourself). Everyone has a different way of setting intentions. Some simply do a guided meditation, it’s one of those things that has no right or wrong way and is contingent upon the user. I abstained from sexual activity, alcohol, and meat which has been easy because I tend not to participate in those indulgences in my everyday existence. There is no eating 5 hours prior as well (this is to alleviate the need to purge). Intensive preparation is required before a Bufo ceremony. This medicine is not suggested for the typical “day-tripper” who just wants to have a psychedelic experience. This experience is meant for those who truly want to live in coherence with the universe, and obtain a deep connection in order to heal damaging ailments. Integration is required after the experience as well, which I will dive into deeper on my post-Bufo explanation but all in all, there is a sense of commitment and seriousness that should be inhibited when deciding to participate in psychedelic mind-altering states. My personal belief is that Source created transcendental substances to connect with us. (Why do you think the government bans most psychedelics yet promotes the use of substances that cause way more deaths, depression, and addictions?) Source created these earth medicines to turn believers out of non believers. To help us remember who we are and where we came from and to assist us in remembering we have a purpose that should never be taken lightly.