5-MeO-DMT & Bufo Alvarius (Toad)

Also known as: The God Molecule, “The Toad” (from Bufo alvarius), synthetic 5-MeO
Category: Tryptamine (ultra-potent entheogen)

5-MeO-DMT is a potent, fast-acting psychedelic often described as a “cousin” to DMT—but with a profoundly different character. Rather than vivid visuals, it tends to induce non-dual, ego-dissolving states that are energetic, existential, and sometimes overwhelming.

While synthetic 5-MeO-DMT and the secretion of the Bufo alvarius toad share the same primary compound, their origins, effects, and ethical considerations diverge significantly. For those exploring this space, understanding the distinction between lab-made and animal-derived forms is crucial, as the source can deeply shape the intensity, meaning, and risk of the experience.

5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is found in various plants and in high concentrations in Bufo alvarius secretion. It has also been detected in human bodily fluids, though its function in the body is still unknown. Most commonly, it’s vaporized or snorted, with effects beginning within seconds and lasting 20–30 minutes. Snorted doses tend to have a slower onset and slightly longer duration.

History & Culture

• Naturally occurring in the Bufo alvarius toad and several plant species; also found in trace amounts in the human body

• First synthesized in 1936 by Japanese chemists Toshio Hoshino and Kenya Shimodaira

• Used traditionally in snuff form (e.g., Yopo) by Indigenous peoples in South America, though Bufo-specific use is not well-documented historically

• Became popular in Western psychedelic circles in the 1980s, often via “toad ceremonies” that gained notoriety through underground facilitators

• Toad secretion contains 5-MeO-DMT, along with other compounds like bufotenine, which may influence the experience

• Rising demand has led to ecological threats to Bufo alvarius, whose populations are now considered vulnerable in parts of their Sonoran range

• Herpetologists and conservationists argue there is no ethical way to harvest the secretion, as toads release it only when under extreme stress. Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT offers a chemically identical, sustainable alternative, increasingly preferred in research and ethical practice

• A growing number of underground retreats promote the toad experience—though some, like in The New Yorker and NYT, have raised concerns about exploitation, lack of consent, and safety

• A 2023 longitudinal case study found promising results for PTSD treatment, but emphasized the need for clinical structure and preparation

Effects

• Effects are often described as ego-dissolving, non-visual, and cosmic in nature—yet can be terrifying or destabilizing without proper support

Risks & Side Effects

• Can trigger intense emotional overwhelm, including terror, panic, or profound ego dissolution that may feel traumatic without proper support

• Some users describe entering a disembodied or “void-like” state, comparable to sensory deprivation or the complete loss of personal identity.

• Shaking, nausea, trembling, vomiting, and loss of motor control are common—especially at high doses.

• Combining with MAOIs (from antidepressants or plant brews like ayahuasca) can dangerously amplify effects, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome, seizures, hyperthermia, or even death.

• Sudden spikes in blood pressure can lead to heart issues, including arrhythmia or—in rare cases—myocardial infarction.

• Serotonin syndrome: Those on SSRIs or serotonin-enhancing supplements (like 5-HTP or melatonin) are at increased risk. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, sweating, and in rare cases, seizures or fatal complications.

• Individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders are strongly advised against use.

• Not advised for individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or unresolved trauma, as it may trigger mania or psychotic episodes.

• Aftereffects can occur days, weeks, or months later, including vivid dreaming, night terrors, anxiety, or sensory flashbacks—especially if the session was poorly facilitated.

• Users may thrash, kick, flail, or fall—leading to injuries such as bruises, sprains, or concussions. Proper safety setup and physical protection are essential.

• Choking/asphyxiation: Vomiting while unconscious or unsupported may lead to choking or, in rare cases, death.
  Without skilled, sensitive facilitation, the intensity of the experience can retraumatize individuals, particularly in vulnerable states.

• Suicidal ideation: Some may experience meaninglessness or emotional collapse following the experience, especially without support.

• Never alone: Experts universally recommend never using 5-MeO-DMT without a trained facilitator, mental health screening, consent-based prep, and a harm-reduction-informed setting.

Duration & Onset

Applies to both synthetic and toad-derived.

• Onset: 15–30 seconds

• Peak intensity: 5–10 minutes

• Total duration: 15–45 minutes

• Effects can vary widely based on set, setting, dose, and individual sensitivity

Dosage

Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT (pure, measured substance):

• Threshold dose: ~2 mg

• Light dose: 3–6 mg

• Standard dose: 5–12 mg

• Strong dose: 12–15 mg

• Easier to dose precisely and control effects

Bufo alvarius secretion (contains ~10–15% 5-MeO-DMT by weight):

• Common dose range: 30–50 mg of dried secretion

• Variability due to presence of other compounds (e.g. bufotenine, lipids) and unknown alkaloid ratios

• Effects may feel heavier, more visceral, or emotionally raw due to additional compounds

Often reported as less predictable in intensity

Interactions

Avoid SSRIs, MAOIs, and stimulants. May amplify with cannabis.

If you’re taking prescription medications or have a diagnosed mental health condition, always consult a medical professional or qualified psychedelic-informed therapist before use. Drug interactions can be complex, set and setting, and personal health history all matter.

Therapeutic & Cultural Resonance

5-MeO-DMT is being studied for its potential to treat trauma, depression, and addiction. Many users describe the experience as a powerful ego dissolution or total "reset"—often followed by lasting shifts in worldview, reduced anxiety, and increased emotional clarity.

Unlike classic psychedelics, it typically induces a non-visual, non-dual state, often described as merging with pure awareness or silence. Due to its intensity, the experience demands careful preparation, skilled facilitation, and structured integration support. It is not a recreational substance and can be psychologically overwhelming without guidance.

The smoking of 5-MeO-DMT-rich toad secretion—a practice now colloquially known as “speed-toading”—has surged in popularity, particularly in retreat-style ceremonies in Tulum. Once a sacred or underground practice, it has rapidly become a New Age wellness trend, often stripped of context, safety protocols, or ecological consideration.

In recent years, public figures have helped bring 5-MeO-DMT into broader consciousness:

• Hamilton Morris, through his docuseries Pharmacopeia, promoted synthetic 5-MeO-DMT as a more ethical and sustainable alternative to toad harvesting. He has spoken publicly about conservation, emphasizing the need to protect Bufo alvarius from exploitation.

• Octavio Rettig, a self-described neo-shaman, is credited with popularizing toad ceremonies globally. While some see him as a pioneer, he has faced widespread criticism from Indigenous leaders, scientists, and community members. Reports have raised alarms over non-consensual dosing, unsafe conditions, and claims of Indigenous authority that many see as unverified or appropriative. Rettig’s practices have become emblematic of a deeper tension between spiritual commercialization and Indigenous ethics.

As 5-MeO-DMT continues to spread through spiritual and therapeutic spaces, conversations around ethics, sourcing, cultural appropriation, and ecological impact are more important than ever.

“These days, when I knock on the doors of the Tryptamine Palace, I am no longer greeted with unconditional love, but instead, I am reminded of the responsibility that comes with ultimate knowledge: an undeniable responsibility to myself, to my tribe, to my species, to my planet."
- James Oroc, Tryptamine Palace: 5-MeO-DMT and the Sonoran Desert Toad

Integration Tips

Integration is Non-Optional
Experts widely agree: lack of integration is the #1 risk factor in poor outcomes. Without structured support, the peak state may fade and leave the participant more fragmented. Integration should include:

• Mental health screening before use

• Guided preparation

• Access to post-session integration therapy

• Grounding tools such as somatic work, journaling, nature time, and community dialogue

“The difference between an individual moving closer to wholeness or falling back into separation is integration.”
- Five-MeO.Education