It’s difficult to imagine a psychedelic more potent than DMT (dimethyltryptamine) — particularly 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine or O-methyl-bufotenin). This compound is a tryptamine-based psychedelic, which means it mimics neurotransmitters like serotonin to exert most of its psychedelic effects. 5-MeO-DMT is naturally-occurring — most predominantly found in a species of toad called Bufo alvarius (AKA the Colorado River Toad or the Sonoran Desert Toad). It’s also common in synthetic form, where it can be smoked, vaped, or insufflated (snorted). This psychedelic is notoriously fast-acting, but the effects are very short-lived. A quick rip of 5-MeO-DMT can take you into a timeless hyperspace where users often report chatting with machine elves. While the experience can feel like a lifetime, most users return to reality within 45 minutes. Regardless of how short, a trip on 5-MeO-DMT can seriously shift your perspective. Wonderful, terrifying, and sometimes healing, 5-MeO’s potency is an enigma that can humble and inspire.