If you are cleared through our pre-screening process, then you can be assured it is safe for you to sit with the medicine. Prior psychedelic experience is not a prerequisite for working with 5-MeO-DMT, and, in fact, it has been the first psychedelic for some based on anecdotal reporting.

Dimethyltryptamines are entheogenic serotonin-like molecules present in traditional Amerindian medicine recently associated with cognitive gains, antidepressant effects, and changes in brain areas related to attention. While N,N-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT have similarities in structure and in name, the differences largely end there when it comes to the journey. 5-MeO-DMT is the only psychedelic known for producing a “non-dual” state of conscious, where many report merging with “source”, “God”, “the universe”, etc. 5-MeO-DMT administration requires a skilled and trusted practitioner, particularly due to the risk of aspiration. These precautions are unique to the “5” and not N,N-DMT.

In experience and one’s ability to reap the therapeutic benefits of 5-MeO-DMT, there is virtually no difference between synthetically produced 5-MeO-DMT and the compound derived from the Bufo Toad. However, there are myriad reasons why we utilize synthetic 5-MeO-DMT over the actual toad venom, from the ability to provide more accurate and precise dosing to respecting the toads and the sustainability 5-MeO-DMT.

This will depend on a case-by-case basis, which will be determined during our pre-screening procedure.

Following pre-screening and approval for the retreat, our team will guide you on how best to personalize your treatment plan, including those preparations beforehand. Our compassionate care team is there to help you along every step of the way, so you can feel confident and comfortable about your upcoming retreat.

As with any psychedelic compound, the ability to let go of control can be an intimidating prospect. Many wonder if they could possibly psychosis or the like during their experience along with the fear of it lasting after. If during pre-screening, prior psychiatric conditions suggest 5-MeO-DMT may not be safe for you, our team will immediately refund your deposit and discuss alternative therapies that may be more suitable for you, however, such cases are extremely rare and will be discussed well beforehand as your safety is our top priority and concern. Fortunately, 5-MeO-DMT is extremely short-acting (minutes over hours) and you are surrounded by people you trust throughout the entire process, from the pre-screen to integration and follow-up. This sort of mindful container allows for the most beneficial experience and what we provide at Tandava.

While no standard definition for the mystical experience exists, history clearly shows it has been sought out by mankind since time immemorial. Indeed, indigenous cultures used entheogenic plants to help facilitate these transpersonal experiences, much as we are beginning to do again today. Questionnaire-based research has shown that the defining features of classic mystical experiences include feelings of unity, sacredness, ineffability, peace, and joy, as well as a sense of transcending time and space and an intuitive belief that the experience is a source of objective truth about reality (see reviews in Hood 2003; Hood, Hill, and Spilka 2009:331–65).

On average, the experience lasts from 10-45 minutes.

While everyone’s experiences are unique, the experience of “non-duality” and “oneness” described above seems to be a common thread amongst those who consume 5-MeO-DMT. Beyond that, the experience is ineffable and, even as a s clinical biologist and psychedelic journalist, I have trouble truly describing my experience. You can read my experience taking 5-MeO-DMT with Joël and Victoria here.

Everyday, there seems to be an increasing amount of anecdotal reporting that 5-MeO-DMT helped individuals overcome, or make serious progress in the battle against mental illness, such as PTSD. Indeed, there are studies that have been published to find that psychedelic treatment (such as 5-MeO-DMT) effective for trauma-related psychological and cognitive impairment Among US Special Operations Forces Veterans. With PTSD and suicide so prevalent in this particular underserved demographic, it is promising that 5-MeO-DMT, under ideal administration practices, is helping them. Currently, we cannot claim 5-MeO-DMT to be a curative treatment for all who seek it out to treat various mental illnesses, including PTSD, however, many have certainly found it to be a powerful tool on their journey towards healing and rediscovering themselves. We encourage you to release expectations and set an intention instead. Would you like to get to know yourself better and reconnect with your inner power? Are there existential questions that you’re seeking the answer to? Our team will build a personalized treatment plan to fit your goals. While we cannot guarantee your condition, such as PTSD, will be cured, we are confident in the safe container we provide for you to explore your true self, combined with our thorough integration protocol, will set you up for success in any of your life’s endeavors.

A reactivation is when, after your experience with the “5”, you experience something of a flashback that may be visual, energetic, emotional and/or simply a similar sensation to when you were experiencing 5-MeO-DMT. This may be fearful for some or cause panic, but our team will be there to guide you through this phenomenon should you experience it. This is why proper integration following 5-MeO-DMT sessions are important and a fundamental element of our retreats. We also recommend avoiding any mind-altering substances for at least two weeks following your retreat to gain the optimal benefits from the hard work you put in.

Non-duality is a state of consciousness where the subject/object relationship no longer exists. It’s a very indescribable state of being where one has zero sense of self and total ego loss.

Peer-reviewed clinical studies have established the safety of 5-MeO-DMT in a controlled setting various times. See our “About 5-MeO-DMT” section and scroll down to “What Does the Science Say?”for more information and links to scientific publications backing the data.