what is dmt

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants and animals, including some tree barks and seeds, and is also produced in small amounts by the human body. It is a powerful hallucinogenic or psychedelic drug that alters perception, mood, and thought, causing intense visual and auditory hallucinations and sometimes spiritual or mystical experiences. DMT is known as the "spirit molecule" due to the profound and often spiritual nature of the experiences it can induce. It has been used for centuries in South American rituals and religious practices, notably as a component of ayahuasca, a psychedelic tea brew. Chemically, DMT is a tryptamine, structurally similar to neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin. It can be smoked, vaporized, injected, or consumed orally (usually with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in ayahuasca to make it effective by mouth). When smoked or injected, the effects are rapid and intense but short- lived, lasting about 15 to 60 minutes. When consumed orally in ayahuasca, effects can last several hours. Despite its natural origin and traditional use, DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute outside of approved research or religious contexts. The drug is not considered addictive, but it can cause acute psychological distress or cardiovascular effects in some individuals. It is also the subject of ongoing scientific research for potential benefits in mental health, such as treatment-resistant depression. In summary, DMT is a potent psychedelic drug with a long history of traditional use and current interest in both recreational and clinical settings due to its powerful and unique effects on consciousness.