Psychedelic Amphibians
Written by: SAVANNAH BLAKE
Bufo Alvarius, otherwise known as the Colorado River Toad, can be found in the Southwest regions California and Mexico. They can reach lengths up to 7 inches, making it the largest toad native to The United States. It has been reported that the Colorado River Toad can live as long as twenty years outside of captivity, however in recent years a great number have not been so lucky.
Although the toads are often caught and released by those searching for something beyond our earthly realm. In other, less fortunate instances, they are caught and killed for their venom, forcing them into a realm of endangerment. But why? What do these small creatures possess that is so coveted and why should we protect them?
The answer lies in the question. 5-MeO-DMT is a very powerful, naturally occurring psychedelic. It is considered four to six times more potent than its well-known cousin, DMT. Ever heard of her?
5-MeO-DMT is found in a variety of fauna and flora as well as in the glands of the Colorado River Toad. Behind its bulging yellow eyes, under its chin, and atop its legs, you will find a milky-white toxic substance. When a Colorado River Toad is threatened this substance secretes at higher rates, rendering itself poisonous to any human or animal that touches it, or much worse, gets it in their mouth.
When extracted safely however, thanks to 5-MeO-DMT, the venom can be dried and vaporized to produce a euphoric experience within 15 seconds from inhalation. The high commences with a white light followed by an effective yet albeit short-lived ego-death. The experience is of course accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations, giving the user a euphoric sense of being one with a universe.
5-MeO-DMT is a schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning there is currently no accepted medical use for it and it is considered to have a high potential for abuse. Therefore, making it illegal to manufacture, distribute, and use in the United States.
Clinical research on the drug is extremely limited. However, a recent European study has shown that after one single use, the substance 5-MeO-DMT was shown to produce a sustained higher satisfaction with life, and an easing of anxiety, depression and PTSD. Many users have reported the experience to be overwhelmingly spiritual and life changing. On The Joe Rogan Experience, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson told Joe, “I came across this thing called the toad. I smoked this medicine, drug, whatever you want to call it, and I’ve never been the same. I look at life differently, I look at people differently. It’s almost like dying and being reborn… It’s inconceivable… I don’t have the words to explain it. It’s almost like you’re dying, you’re submissive, you’re humble, you’re vulnerable — but you’re invincible still in all.”
Like Tyson, many people report mystical experiences with “The Toad”, walking away with a better understanding of their place and purpose in the universe. A knowledge worthwhile indeed, but at what cost? As seekers of truth, it is our responsibility to respect and humble ourselves unto nature. And it is out of wonder and respect for her that we partake in her offerings. Is a possibly fleeting boost in our spiritual experience on earth worth depleting the resource itself? The answer is not yet clear, but for those of us looking for the next stop on the journey to oneness, we may want to search beyond the toads, lest we hop on every trend.
