Defining 5-MeO-DMT in Historical and Cultural Contexts

Abstract

5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a psychedelic and entheogenic compound that has been used for centuries by Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon, Caribbean, and more recently in communities in Northern Mexico in ceremonial practices and to connect with nature. In recent years, there has been growing interest in 5-MeO-DMT to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In response, there has been an increase in scientific research of the efficacy of 5-MeO-DMT in treating such conditions. Little is known about the compound’s historical use; this paper will explore and examine the known writings about the origins and original use of 5-MeO-DMT. Additionally, this paper will present the limited data and accounts regarding the use of 5-MeO-DMT and the intersection of those accounts in historical and cultural contexts.

Keywords:

• 5-MeO-DMT
• tryptamine
• entheogen
• healing
• neurotransmitter
• Taíno
• PTSD

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The molecular structure of 5-MeO-DMT is a molecule with an indole ring, which is a six-member ring composed of nitrogen atoms, attached to an ethylamine chain. The molecule has a methoxy group (–OCH₃) attached to the 5th position of the indole ring (Hoshino & Shimodaira, 1935; Uthaug et al., 2020a).

2 Formerly known as Bufo alvarius. Bufo is Latin, meaning toad and incorrectly referred to as toad venom.

3 The ouroboros serpent, associated with the Greek god Hermes, is depicted as a self-devouring snake (Tallis, 2006).

4 Comca’ac is the self-designated name to commonly referred to as Seri, or the Siri tribe of northwestern Sonora, Mexico (Marlett, 2018).

5 There have been ethical concerns over unorthodox practices, and there are examples of the dangers of practicing without regulatory feedback (Lawlor, 2019; Ortiz Bernal, 2022). See The Conclave (2019) for a recommended model of practices. I am referencing some work due to the limited publications regarding the application of 5-MeO-DMT in Mexico while highlighting false narratives.

6 I am using their work to highlight incorrect narrative of the historical use of bufotoxin.

7 Boriken, now modern-day Puerto Rico.