Dimethyltryptamine

Dimethyltryptamine (C₁₃H₁₈N₂ ), also called DMT, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, desoxybufotenine, and 3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-indole. It is a white, crystalline solid and was first synthesised in 1931.

DMT is also naturally excreted by the human pineal gland and is believed to play a role in dreaming and possibly near-death experiences and other mystical states.

DMT is a very powerful yet short-lasting (10-15 minutes) hallucinogen (or entheogen), with onset in seconds. On its own, it is inert orally, and must be smoked or injected. However, DMT can be rendered orally active when taken in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which greatly increases the length of the trip. This is the combination used in the shamanic potion, Ayahuasca.

The effects are similar to other psychedelics, but tend to be much more enveloping and intense, with the user more of a passive observer than with other psychedelics.

Interesting non-scientific writers on DMT include Terence McKenna & Jeremy Narby, though many people will take them with several pinches of salt. McKenna writes of his experiences with DMT where he encounters entitys known as Self Transforming Machine Elves. These Machine Elf experiences are said to be shared by many DMT users. From a research perspective, perhaps best known is Rick Strassman's "The Spirit Molecule."

Slang names for DMT include 'Businesman's Lunch' and 'Snakes'

Two similar compounds to DMT known to have psychoactive effects are DET (N,N-diethyltryptamine) and DPT (N,N-dipropyltryptamine). Both produce a similar but longer lasting effect than DMT.

DMT and the law

DMT is listed on DEA's Schedule 1, making possession a federal crime in the United States of America. It is illegal in many other countries (someone more knowledgeable in drug law please elaborate on which countries DMT is illegal/legal in.)