Common street names for DMT
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), known for its profound and brief hallucinogenic effects, has garnered numerous nicknames on the black market. These street names often reflect the drug's effects, duration, or cultural associations. The most common street names include:
- Dimitri: This is one of the most popular and simple nicknames for DMT, likely derived from its full chemical name, Dimethyltryptamine.
- The Spirit Molecule: This moniker gained popularity from Dr. Rick Strassman's research and book of the same name, referring to the profound spiritual and mystical experiences some users report.
- Businessman's Trip/Businessman's Special: This slang refers to the drug's rapid onset and short duration of effects when smoked or vaporized, typically lasting only 15 to 45 minutes.
- Fantasia: This name is used to describe the vivid and intense visual hallucinations produced by the drug.
- Changa: This term refers to a specific form of DMT that is infused into a smokable herbal blend.
- The Rogan: A more recent slang term, this name is believed to reference podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan, who has discussed his experiences with DMT.
- 45-Minute Psychosis: This name highlights the intense, temporary psychotic-like state the drug can induce.
Pharmacology of DMT
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine is a member of the tryptamine family of psychedelics, which also includes psilocybin and psilocin. Its powerful effects are primarily mediated by its interaction with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A subtype, in the brain. By acting as an agonist, DMT alters normal brain function related to perception, cognition, and mood, leading to the characteristic hallucinogenic experience.
Routes of Administration DMT's effects and duration are heavily dependent on its method of administration. The most common methods are:
- Smoking/Vaporizing: Freebase DMT is often smoked in a pipe or vaporized using a vape pen. This method produces a very rapid onset (within seconds) and a powerful, but short-lived, experience (15-45 minutes).
- Ayahuasca Brew: Indigenous cultures in South America have used DMT for centuries as part of spiritual and religious rituals. The DMT-containing plants are brewed into a tea called ayahuasca. For oral consumption to be effective, it must be combined with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), typically from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which prevents the rapid breakdown of DMT in the body. This results in a slower onset and a significantly longer, more sustained experience.
- Injection: DMT can also be injected intravenously or intramuscularly, producing rapid and intense effects similar to smoking.
Risks and adverse effects of DMT use
While some users may report profound or spiritual experiences, DMT carries significant psychological and physical risks, and its use is never without danger.
Psychological risks
- Anxiety and Panic: Intense anxiety, confusion, and panic attacks, often referred to as a "bad trip," can occur during the hallucinogenic experience.
- Traumatic Experiences: The altered state of consciousness can be overwhelming and frightening for some, and may lead to lasting psychological distress.
- Flashbacks: Some users may experience hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where they re-experience elements of their trip days, weeks, or even years later.
- Psychosis: The drug can trigger persistent psychosis in predisposed individuals.
Physical risks
- Cardiovascular Strain: DMT can cause a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, posing a risk to individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Serotonin Syndrome: This life-threatening condition can occur if DMT is used with other drugs that increase serotonin levels, such as antidepressants. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, high blood pressure, and seizures.
- Seizures: Higher doses of DMT have been associated with an increased risk of seizures.
Comparison of administration methods
| Feature | Smoked/Vaporized DMT | Ayahuasca (Oral DMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Very rapid (seconds to minutes) | Slower (30-60 minutes) |
| Duration | Short (15-45 minutes) | Much longer (3-6 hours or more) |
| Intensity | Extremely intense and powerful | Slower, but can be equally or more profound |
| Key Components | Pure crystalline powder | Brew from DMT-containing plants and MAOIs |
| Risks | Acute panic, elevated heart rate/blood pressure | Nausea, vomiting, potential severe interactions with antidepressants due to MAOIs |
| Legality | Illegal (Schedule I) in most countries | Illegal, though some religious uses may have exemptions |
Legal status and risks
DMT is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. This makes its possession, manufacture, and distribution illegal under federal law.
Despite its federal status, some states and cities have passed legislation to decriminalize DMT and other psychedelics for personal possession. However, decriminalization is not the same as legalization and does not protect against federal charges.
Religious exemptions Some religious groups with origins in South America have been granted exemptions to consume DMT-containing ayahuasca for ceremonial purposes. These exemptions are rare and require specific federal approval.
Conclusion
Street names for DMT, such as Dimitri, the Spirit Molecule, Businessman's Trip, and Changa, are often used to refer to this powerful hallucinogenic substance in illicit markets. While the drug can be taken in different forms—smoked for a short, intense trip or orally in a brew for a longer experience—it carries significant risks, including cardiovascular strain and dangerous drug interactions. As a federally illegal Schedule I substance, DMT use can also lead to serious legal consequences. The use of DMT, regardless of the method or name, is a high-risk activity with the potential for severe physical and psychological harm.
For more information on the dangers of drug abuse, please visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
