There’s a desolate area in North America called the Sonoran Desert. The blazing heat of the sun and dry climate appear to be inhabitable. Yet, it’s home to the Sonoran Desert Toad which is the only known animal that can produce a psychedelic substance.
It’s astonishing that a toad has the ability to create a psychedelic called 5-MeO-DMT. The toad venom is four to six times stronger than the typical form of DMT (dimethyltryptamine). Under a microscope both forms of DMT look very similar, but a few extra atoms in the toad’s psychedelic venom intensifies the experience in humans.
The toad develops the psychedelic substance in its neck glands. In the past humans ingested this natural form of DMT by licking the back of the toad, but today the liquid is turned into a smokable dust. The dust created by taking the moist venom from the toad’s glands and letting dry out as a paste.
When an individual smokes this potent form of DMT its effects are very powerful. The hallucinogenic experience begins after 5 minutes and can last around an hour. People have described the experience as a life changing spiritual experience.
ESPN interviewed world famous boxer Mike Tyson on his experience with the Sonoran Desert Toad. In the video interview Tyson described his psychedelic experience with the Sonoran Desert Toad as the death of his ego.
Mike Tyson’s life changing psychedelic revelation is significant because he is portrayed as a masculine figure. His humbling experience reshaped his perspective on himself and outlook on life.
With the rise in popularity of the toad’s DMT psychedelic substance, it has put the Sonoran Desert Toad at risk. To preserve the species and spiritual moments we must make a conscious effort to protect the toad for future generations.