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Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study

Rafael Lancelotta, Austin-Marley Windham-Herman, Kristel Peterson, Joseph P Barsuglia, Alan K. Davis, Robert Palmer, Martin Polanco, Robert M. Grant, Roland R. Griffiths

Frontiers in Psychology December 6, 2018 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02459 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational cohort Peer reviewed
Sample size 20
Population Individuals at a psychospiritual retreat in Mexico
Dose 50 mg of inhaled vaporized toad bufotoxin
Measures Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30)
Topics Mysticism Psilocybin 5-MeO-DMT DMT Mystical experience
Keywords Hallucinogen Clinical psychology
Citations 80
Key findings Vaporized 5-MeO-DMT occasioned complete mystical experiences in 75% of participants, with intensity similar to high-dose psilocybin.

Abstract

5-MeO-DMT is a psychoactive substance found in high concentrations in the bufotoxin of the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius). Emerging evidence suggests that vaporized 5-MeO-DMT may occasion mystical experiences of comparable intensity to those occasioned by more widely studied psychedelics such as psilocybin, but no empirical study has tested this hypothesis. Data was obtained from 20 individuals (M age = 38.9, ± 10.7; male = 55%, Caucasian = 85%) who were administered 5-MeO-DMT as part of a psychospiritual retreat program in Mexico. All participants received 50 mg of inhaled vaporized toad bufotoxin which contains 5-MeO-DMT and completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) approximately 4-6 h after their session. Administration of 5-MeO-DMT occasioned strong mystical experiences (MEQ30 Overall M intensity = 4.17, ± 0.64, range 0-5) and the majority (n = 15, 75%) had "a complete mystical experience" (≥60% on all MEQ30 subscales). Compared to a prior laboratory-based psilocybin study, there were no differences in the intensity of mystical effects between 5-MeO-DMT and a high dose (30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin, but the intensity of mystical effects was significantly higher in the 5-MeO-DMT sample compared to moderate/high dose (20 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin (MEQ30 Total Score: p = 0.02, d = 0.81). Administration of vaporized 5-MeO-DMT reliably occasioned complete mystical experiences in 75% of individuals and was similar in intensity to high dose psilocybin administered in a laboratory setting. The short duration of action may be advantageous for clinical interventions and for studying mystical-type experiences.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on 5-MeO-DMT, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms. Volunteers who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations 2019 Observational cohort n = 42
Neural and subjective effects of inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine in natural settings. Healthy and experienced participants 2021 Observational field study n = 35
A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers. Healthy volunteers 2021 Prospective dose-finding study n = 22
Open-label study of consecutive ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted-therapy for trauma-exposed male Special Operations Forces Veterans: prospective data from a clinical program in Mexico. Trauma-exposed Special Operations Forces Veterans 2023 Prospective clinical program evaluation n = 86
Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness. Participants in naturalistic ceremonial settings who ingested 5-MeO-DMT 2025 Observational study

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Mysticism Psilocybin 5-MeO-DMT DMT Mystical experience