There's a revolution humming just beneath the surface of society, and it's not just political or technological—it's spiritual. At the LAMPS 2021 conference, an electric panel discussed the future of entheogenic healing, zeroing in on one particularly potent molecule: 5-MeO-DMT.
Also known as the "God molecule," 5-MeO-DMT has been quietly reshaping the psychedelic landscape. This session brought together some of the top minds and hearts in the movement, including medicine woman Tricia Eastman, clinical researcher Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, journalist and filmmaker Hamilton Morris, and our resident alchemical explorer, Rak Razam.
Awakening the Divine Within
"If you ask me," said Rak with his usual poetic flair, "we've found God—and God lives within us."
That's the crux of it. While the psychedelic discourse often gets stuck in the logistics—what's synthetic vs. natural, who's regulating what, how to dose properly—Rak cut straight to the heart: these substances, particularly 5-MeO-DMT, are tools to access divine consciousness.
"I mean, this should be hitting newspaper headlines worldwide," Rak continued. "We contain this substance within us. It can be maximized and potentiated. We don't need to believe in the big G word, but the mystical experience is real. It's endogenous. We make this stuff."
He called it a 'geography,' not just another drug or therapy. 'Toad venom, synthetic—these are different roads to the same destination,' Rak explained. 'And that destination? The divine spark within. It's not just healing we're after—it's reconnection.'
The Clinical and Ceremonial Spectrum
Dr. Joseph Barsuglia brought the scientific gravitas. His research with war veterans and treatment-resistant depression patients underscores the molecule's therapeutic potential. "It can snap people out of concrete mental states," Joseph said. "We're seeing reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and even improvements in cognitive functioning."
Joseph didn't just present the data. He emphasized the profound transformation that 5-MeO-DMT can bring. "This isn't just about curing symptoms. It's about a profound shift in awareness—of God as self, of unity—that could be what humanity needs most." This insight is not just informative, but also inspiring and hopeful for the potential of 5-MeO-DMT in mental health.
Tricia's cautionary words about the potency of 5-MeO-DMT are a reminder of the care and preparation needed when working with this powerful medicine. "It's one of the most potent medicines on the planet," She noted. Having worked with both synthetic and toad-sourced versions, she emphasized the importance of set, setting, and support.
"This medicine can shake up the snow globe, you don't know what will come up—trauma, bliss, fear. That's why caution and care are crucial."
This emphasis on preparation and care is not just informative, but also helps the audience feel more informed and prepared for the potential challenges of working with 5-MeO-DMT.
Tricia's 'step-up' approach—gradually increasing doses in retreat environments—has proven wise. This approach allows for a gentle introduction to the powerful effects of 5-MeO-DMT, reducing the likelihood of overwhelming experiences. 'We need time to integrate,' she said. 'You can't rush healing. And you definitely shouldn't be taking this alone in your living room.'
Sustainability, Toad Ethics, and the Way Forward
Of course, any conversation about 5-MeO-DMT has to touch on the toad. The Sonoran Desert toad, or Bufo alvarius, has become an unwitting celebrity in this story. With his trademark mix of rigor and curiosity, Hamilton Morris laid out the origins: "Ken Nelson started this modern tradition in the '80s. Before that, there's no real evidence of continuous indigenous use."
Still, as Rak pointed out, "This is now a global sacrament. And while the synthetic route is crucial for sustainability, we shouldn't erase the cultural identity and potential stewardship role of the Sonoran tribes."
Rak was quick to clarify the larger picture. "The greatest threat to the toad isn't us—climate change. We're talking about habitat loss and insect die-off. It's all interconnected."
Lessons from the God Molecule
If there's one takeaway from this session, it's this: 5-MeO-DMT is more than just another psychedelic. It's a spiritual mirror. It's a teacher. It's a wake-up call.
"This is rocket fuel, but it's not about the blast-off—what you bring back. And more importantly, how you live differently after."
The panel agreed: healing is just the beginning. Dr. Barsuglia said, 'What do we do once healed? We step into service, meaning we use our newfound understanding and empathy to help others. We align with the Earth, living in harmony with nature. We live in reverence, showing deep respect for the interconnectedness of all life.'