Known by most as "DMT," di-methyltryptamine is one of the strongest psychoactive drugs ever discovered. It's interesting to note that the human body naturally produces this material (as do many other types of plant and animal life). There is no other psychedelic chemical that shares this unique quality (biosynthesis by humans).

Additionally, ayahuasca, a beverage made from the Psychotria viridis plant and the Banisteriopsis Caapi root, has DMT as its primary hallucinogenic ingredient. Indigenous civilizations in southern and central America have been using ayahuasca for rituals for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Although the first documented means of consuming DMT is through ayahuasca, DMT is today more commonly eaten in crystal form or smoked through a bong, pipe, or vaporizer pen. One of the strongest and most potent psychedelic states known to man is produced by this type of intake, which lasts only a brief while.

Ayahuasca contains a chemical called Monoamine Oxidase (MAO), which is responsible for the longer experience—up to 12 hours—than smoking DMT. The body's natural production of monoamine oxididase acts to neutralize any potential psychedelic effects that the naturally occurring DMT may have caused. The function of MAO in the body is to "clean" neuroreceptors by dissolving the connections that various monoamine neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine) make with them. Since N-N, Di-methyl-tryptamine is likewise a monoamine, endogenously generated DMT is degraded by MAO prior to its ability to form a connection with neuroreceptors.

Exogenous DMT, which is not made by the body, can override the inhibitory effect of MAO and produce a brief but very potent psychedelic experience when it is delivered in large enough quantities (by smoking or vaporizing DMT). However, the naturally occurring Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) in the ayahuasca brew prevent the body from manufacturing MAO. As a result, the duration of the psychoactive effects is extended until the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor's effects wear off.

PROPERTIES OF DMT

Chemical Properties:
- DMT is a simple tryptamine molecule structurally similar to serotonin and other neurotransmitters.
- It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries due to its potent psychoactive effects.

Psychoactive Effects:
- DMT produces intense, short-lived psychedelic experiences characterized by visual hallucinations, distorted perceptions of time and space, and profound spiritual/mystical feelings.
- The effects typically last 5-30 minutes when smoked or vaporized, and 4-6 hours when consumed orally as part of ayahuasca.
- DMT experiences are often described as resembling near-death or out-of-body experiences.

Natural Occurrence:
- DMT is found naturally in the leaves of certain plants, including those used to make ayahuasca.
- It is also produced endogenously in small amounts in the human brain, though the functional role of this "spirit molecule" is still not fully understood.

Therapeutic Potential:
- Like ayahuasca, DMT is being researched for potential therapeutic benefits in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD.
- The intense mystical/spiritual experiences induced by DMT are hypothesized to facilitate psychological insights and lasting positive changes.
- However, DMT also carries significant risks and should only be used under proper medical/clinical supervision.

Neurochemistry and Mechanisms of Action:
- DMT binds to and activates serotonin 2A receptors in the brain, which are involved in modulating perception, mood, and cognition.
- This receptor activation triggers a cascade of neurochemical changes that lead to the profound alterations in consciousness and perception.
- DMT may also influence the endogenous release of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine.

Sources and Forms:
- In addition to natural plant sources like ayahuasca, DMT can also be synthetically produced in laboratory settings.
- DMT can be smoked, vaporized, or infused into various edible/drinkable forms. Ayahuasca involves orally consuming DMT along with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
- Pharmaceutical companies are also exploring DMT-based medications, such as intranasal sprays, for potential therapeutic applications.

Risks and Safety Concerns:
- DMT use carries significant physical and psychological risks, including elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, as well as psychosis-like symptoms.
- It should never be used outside of a controlled, supervised clinical or ceremonial setting, as unsupervised DMT use can be extremely dangerous.
- DMT may also interact dangerously with certain medications, especially antidepressants and blood thinners.

Current Research and Legality:
- After decades of prohibition, DMT and ayahuasca are now the subject of renewed scientific interest and clinical trials for treating mental health conditions.
- However, DMT remains illegal to possess or use in most countries, with exceptions for some traditional/religious uses.
- The legality and regulatory status of DMT-based treatments is an active area of debate and policy changes in some regions.

Overall, DMT is an intriguing and powerful psychedelic compound that has a long history of traditional and modern therapeutic use, though much more research is still needed on its effects and applications.