Classic psychedelic
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Recently introduced to humans via toad secretions. Some traditional use of plants containing it in South America.
At a glance
Reported effects
Legal status
Controlled substance in most countries.
Research
Limited research, some studies on mystical experiences and depression.
Roberts C, et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2026
Open-label phase 2a trial: one intranasal 5-MeO-DMT dose in 12 people with treatment-resistant depression, with quick, lasting score drops and mostly mild side effects.
What the study foundClinicalTrials.gov · 2025
Registered placebo-controlled trial of weekly sublingual 5-MeO-DMT in 20 people with cognitive impairment; completed 2025, no results published.
What the study foundKwaśny A, et al. · Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2024
Review of the only 3 clinical trials of 5-MeO-DMT (78 people) found no serious adverse events, but the evidence is very limited.
What the study foundRagnhildstveit A, et al. · Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2023
Case report: one woman with refractory PTSD improved after a single inhalation of toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT, with gains lasting 12 months.
What the study foundUthaug MV, et al. · Psychopharmacology · 2019
Observational study of 42 people: one inhalation of toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT was followed by better life satisfaction and lower depression at 4 weeks.
What the study foundDavis AK, et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2018
Survey of 515 people who used 5-MeO-DMT found mostly rare, spiritually motivated use and self-reported mental health improvements.
What the study foundThe dispatch
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