Psychotria Viridis Basics
Native to the Amazon lowlands, Psychotria Viridis, a member of the coffee family, is cultivated throughout the northern-most reaches of South America and Central America for its psychoactive properties. The leaves of Psychotria Viridis are a natural source of DiMethylTryptamine, or DMT - a potent hallucinogen.
Psychotria Viridis leaves, traditionally referred to as "Chacruna", can be smoked on their own or brewed together with a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) such as the Bainsteriopsis Caapi vine. The effects from smoking leaves alone are minimal compared with a traditional "Ayahuasca" brew. For more information on the cultural and historical uses of Psychotria Viridis, see our Psychotria Viridis History article.
Effects
The effects of DMT, when extracted and purified are particulaly intense, but only last for a short duration. Effects include intense open eye visuals, kaleidescopic patterning, immersive experiences and a radical shift in perception. Since extracting DMT from Chacruna leaves is illegal, the effects can be still be felt when combined with an MAOI.
Dose
The correct dose for Psychotria Viridis depends largely on the ayahuasca recipe used. Smoking dried chacruna leaf only brings about mild effects, so large quantities can safely be consumed. As with all drugs, start out with a low dose and increase if necessary.
Chemistry
DMT is a member of the Tryptamine family, chemically related to other hallucinogens such as 5-MeO-DMT, Bufotenine, Psilocybin, and Psilocin. Orally, DMT is not active on its own and must be combined with an MAOI for the full effects to be felt.