5-MeO-DMT

Abstract

Abstract 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a psychoactive compound found in the parotid gland venom of the Sonoran Desert toad, Incilius alvarius, and certain seeds, leaves, and barks within the Amazonian rainforest. Similar to DMT containing ayahuasca, 5-MeO-DMT has become newly integrated as a spiritual sacrament in certain churches, offering a psychedelic experience to process feelings and symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug use disorder, and existential crisis. Its ability to improve quality of life and/or attitudes toward end of life has garnered interest from the field of palliative care. Its potential to assist individuals with processing life-changing diagnoses supports further research on its therapeutic scope. Side effects include adrenergic responses and “reactivation phenomenon,” in which the individual re-experiences moments of the drug-induced state weeks to months post administration. The synthetic form of the venom offers the opportunity for standardized production and dosing while still maintaining its therapeutic potential. 5-MeO-DMT’s legal status has not been specifically addressed by U.S. nor European laws, but if likened to a derivative of DMT, it would be illegal under U.S. law, with possible religious exemptions and potential for decriminalization. Although not yet listed as a “threatened species,” there is concern that with demand for 5-MeO-DMT, the toad population and the ecological equilibrium will become disrupted. Most important, the creation of synthetic 5-MeO-DMT to combat extinction of the Sonoran Desert toad remains imperative.