A Chat with Dr_Swimson on the delicate art of blasting off with DMT
Thursday, 13 March, 2025.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons License).
DMT is one of the strongest psychedelic drugs out there. In Australia, it often comes as a crystal, powder or resin that is white, off-white, yellow or orange. It’s usually smoked or vaporised through a glass pipe, vape or bong.
Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic drink that contains DMT and causes people to trip for many hours, but this article isn’t about ayahuasca.
You may also come across “changa” which is a drug mix containing DMT. When someone mixes DMT with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs, which are essentially herbs and dried plant matter that reduce the intensity of DMT slightly but prolong the effects, they call this blend “changa”. People generally smoke changa in a joint, pipe or bong.
SSRI medications don’t mix well with changa because of their MAOI component. Mixing these drugs can cause serotonin syndrome, which is really serious.
DMT, when smoked, generally last 5 to 20 minutes. Changa lasts 15 to 45 minutes.
Consider having a trip-sitter with you, in case things go sideways mentally and/or physically during the trip.
Let’s talk about DMT, the big daddy of psychedelics. Chemically it’s known as N, N-dimethyltryptamine. In Australia, it often comes as a crystal, powder or resin that is white, off-white, yellow or orange. It’s usually smoked or vaporised through a glass pipe, vape or bong.
You’ve probably heard a bit about this curious molecule, some real shit, some flakey hippie myths, and probably a couple of quips from a certain 5-foot Italian-American podcaster called Joe Rogan. People often talk about DMT as the most intense psychedelic experience possible, as a short-lived but shockingly vivid trip that grabs you by your fragile ego and pulls you into the next dimension.
It goes without saying that with a substance so seemingly profound, hype and horror stories can cloud the sky for the curious. So, to clear things up, let’s get down to how it really feels.
Just like any new experience, it’s best to find out just what you’re in for. And when it comes to drugs, it’s smart to get wise. What’s a lot, what’s a little … and how the hell does this stinky-ass chemical send you to hyperspace and back faster than your 9:30 ciggie break?
To help us get the picture, I sat down with an old digital pen pal of mine, Dr_Swimson.
Users News: Dr_Swimson, thanks for helping us out. Could you please recount the first time you smoked DMT? Was it what you expected?
This may come as a surprise, but it was underwhelming, actually. Like losing my virginity, except instead of fumbling in the backseat of a Honda Civic, I was fumbling with the keys to deep space. I didn’t smoke bongs at the time but I used a billy. I just couldn’t hold it down. See with DMT you really have to hold it in for it to work. Like, you know when you smoke weed for the first time and your dumbass mate is like, “Hold it for 30 seconds, bro…” Well yeah with DMT you should really try to hold it for ten seconds or something if you want the full effects.
I was able to pick up that it was something weird and powerful but I just couldn’t jam with the bongs that first time.
How do you smoke DMT usually? And do you think the experience differs depending on the way you smoke the drug?
I’ve tried to hit DMT most ways and I would say 100%, yes. The method affects the madness. It’s a bit of a learning curve to get where you want to go with each tool. Direct flame on crystal burns it, so you want to vaporise it and cook it slowly. Or you can use the ‘sandwich method’ where you place a layer of tobacco on either side to protect the stuff so it doesn’t burn too quickly.
My personal favourite is the vape pen. I have one that’s made for hash/wax but it’s also perfect for DMT crystals given that they’re a waxy resin type of thing. If I load up the chamber, take a big deep draw and hold that shit right in … it’s like sliding into a warm bath of pure consciousness.
If you’re using a method that requires two or three hits (which is pretty common) each toke makes it harder to keep going. That’s why it’s good to have a trip-sitter for a bit of assistance and moral support. It comes on instantly, and it’s a debilitating rush. But with a bit of practice some like to ease into it, and that’s where changa comes in.
How does smoking DMT crystals differ from smoking changa?
Crystals are a straight-up cannonball into the void. Get it right and you’re outta here, no questions asked. “Changa” though is a lot gentler. It still gets you where you need to go and it actually lasts longer but it lets you work up to it.
Changa is a smokable form of ayahuasca. It’s sometimes nicknamed “Aussiewaska” because it was actually invented in Australia. Changa mixes DMT with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs, which are essentially herbs and plants that reduce the intensity of DMT slightly but prolong the effects. Changa is easy to smoke. It’s usually done with a bong or tobacco pipe or it’s rolled into a joint. You don’t have to deal with the logistics of vaporising pure DMT just right.
A changa cigarette looks just like a normal cigarette or joint. If someone is passing around a changa cigarette at a party without explaining what’s in it, how can you tell?
Oh, you’ll know. Changa smells like DMT but even more musky. It’s like a deep musky herbal funk that is just unmistakable.
So how does a DMT experience feel, and what is your most memorable DMT trip?
So there’s a few levels if you like, and they go a bit like this…
When you take your first hit, you’ll notice the strange earthy smell. It’s hard to pin down but once you’ve smelt it you won’t forget. Holding in the vapour your body will instantly feel heavy, almost like you’re falling, or the weightlessness you get on the edge of sleep. Lights and colours start to pop and you’ll hear a slight buzzing and begin to notice some patterns emerging.
Taking the next hit, it’s all of the above and more. Colours become neon and you’ll start to see patterns take over your whole field of vision. You feel like you’re falling. As you sink deeper, it’s hard to distinguish if your eyes are open or closed.
Another hit will get you to the next level. It took me many attempts to reach a breakthrough experience, but I remember when it happened. I went from being an atheist to being agnostic in an instant.
It was like, “oh shit, there is something else, and there’s no way that’s just in my head.” It’s impossible to describe, but it’s a shock if nothing else. The fractal hallways opened into a whole other world, a whole new reality that felt weirdly familiar and like home. There are creatures in there too, some come and chat and some just chill and go about their lives. It’s like you have a VR headset in there. It’s fully immersive. From what I can remember from my first time, it was very Tron-esque but a lot more psychedelic and full of fractals.
That said, it’s important to recognise that while many people who use DMT want to “break through” to the astral plane, this is not everyone’s end goal. It’s important you have a specific intention before you start. If you only want to dip your toes in the water, not your whole body, that’s totally fine!
Do you have dosage advice for DMT and changa?
It’s hard because there’s a lot of variability with DMT. It can come as a waxy or resiny substance or as crystals. There’s also a whole lot of variability with changa as it really depends on the blend of MAOIs and DMT.
But Dancewize’s drug guides, made with extensive feedback from peers with lived experience of using those drugs, are really helpful. Dancewize suggests a recreational dose of DMT is between 10 mg (a slight dose) and 50 mg (a heavy dose). It’s a really small amount. It’s worth trialling a super small dose the first time you try the drug or a new batch, as per the usual harm reduction advice – start low, go slow!
What’s the ideal environment for smoking DMT and changa?
It’s best done somewhere comfortable, somewhere safe, and preferably somewhere where you won’t be interrupted by an uptight housemate or an Amazon delivery guy. Try soft lighting, maybe some ambient music, something without lyrics. Think cozy, not chaotic. Carbon Based Lifeforms is my go-to. You want a safe, comfortable space where you can let go without the worry of kicking over a vase.
Also it’s best to have a trip-sitter – someone who’s taken psychedelics before and knows you well. Someone you trust. For further info on trip-sitting and the red and green flags for trip-sitters, have a sus of this Users News article.
What harm reduction advice do you have for people using DMT and changa?
You have to respect the molecule. To start with, it's probably best to sit down. Couches are good. Beanbags are even better. Some try smoking changa standing but I’ve seen too many legs forget how to work. You need to be able to be useless. Your coordination and motor skills may disappear temporarily and your will vision will go crazy so don’t drive a car under any circumstances. If you’re at a music festival or doof, avoid driving a vehicle for at least a couple of hours after the effects completely wear off. Even better, wait until you’ve slept to drive again!
This isn’t a toy. It’s very powerful stuff. Also, it’s normal to feel nervous. But if you’re in a bad place, maybe give it a miss, as DMT will amplify whatever’s going on in your mind. You don’t want to bring baggage to the party. In terms of drug mixing, don’t go too hard with other things. DMT is plenty powerful by itself. You can have a couple of beers. Smoking weed will probably be ok if you have a decent tolerance to it. Weed often amplifies the effects of psychedelics, so it’s great if you want an even wilder time. But if weed makes you anxious, it can make for a frightening experience. Use it with caution.
One other thing. For complicated scientific reasons, which I won’t go into here, SSRI medications don’t mix well with changa because of their MAOI component. Similarly, MDMA and MAOIs are a terrible mix. Both of these combos can cause serotonin syndrome, which is basically frying your brain for real. Take note.
Have any of your DMT or changa trips changed how you view drugs and live your life?
Honestly, yes. It gave me an overwhelming feeling that there is more to consciousness. Many times, I have felt as if it takes you to a sort of higher level of being. It has led me to be more open-minded. I was an atheist, and now I’m happy to say, “Who knows, man, who knows.” DMT shows you just how much we don't know about reality. About consciousness. But then it seems silly that you have to smoke some shitty bark to short-circuit your brain to get there.
Any last thoughts?
Yeah, one last thing: DMT isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. This isn’t a party drug. It’s extremely spiritually intense. It’s not a competition or a rite of passage. If you’re curious, do your research. Erowid and DMT Nexus are essential, and YouTube has the goods.
And remember, no matter how far out there you go, you’ll always come back. Probably. Stay curious, stay safe. Just don’t forget to breathe. Oh and if you meet the machine elves, tell them Dr_Swimson says hi.