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History Of N, N-Dimethyltryptamine ( DMT )

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Before its debut in the scientific community, DMT has been around for thousands of years and is very familiar to the ancient tribes of Central and South America. DMT is the main ingredient in ayahuasca and can be derived from a variety of Amazonian plants. Its hallucinogenic effects are facilitated by heat and other combined herbs. In several of these indigenous cultures, ayahuasca is viewed as a gateway to enlightenment, as well to connect with religious figures, nature, and the universe. Ayahuasca gave the ancient tribes a higher sense of purpose in their lives, and is perceived to be a source of wisdom. Despite the stigma that hallucinogens carry, the use of ayahuasca (DMT) is a traditional experience among these tribes. Scientific …show more content…

Over a course of five years, he studied 60 subjects under the influence of DMT. He observed the effects of the drug mostly qualitatively, then analyzed their hallucinations along with the physiological reactions to the drug. A lot of the information he collected was given to him by his clients who explained their experience. Through his research, he observed that a significant number of subjects experienced states of spiritual connection and human transcendence, as well as communication with (and abduction by) terrifying alien creatures (McSweeney, 2012). Strassman was the first to hypothesize the possible correlation between the Pineal Gland and DMT and believed it to be a “potential biological locus for spiritual experiences” between the physical and spiritual spaces of the universe. Strassman stopped his research because of the large number of adverse reactions to the drug and the public’s negative opinion of hallucinogens. He compiled his findings into a book called “The Spirit Molecule,” which was later made into a documentary in 2011 (McSweeney, 2012). Biochemistry of Molecule The N-methylated indoleamine derivative and serotonergic hallucinogen, DMT, is known to act as an agonist or antagonist of certain serotonin receptors within the human body. It is not to be confused with 5-MeO-DMT and is similar in chemical structure to the neurotransmitter serotonin. DMT is usually used in its base form, but is more stable as a

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