The FIVE Institute 5-MeO-DMT Blog on The FIVE Institute

Non-Hallucinogenic 5-MeO-DMT: Can You Separate Neuroplasticity From the Psychedelic Experience?

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In The FIVE Institute’s recent seminar, neuroscientists Manesh Girn, PhD and Lindsay Cameron, PhD joined The FIVE Institute Co-Founder Joel Brierre for a conversation about an emerging area of psychedelic science: non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens.

The discussion centered on a simple question: Can some of the biological effects associated with psychedelics be separated from the psychedelic experience itself?

The Therapeutic Potential of 5-MeO-DMT: A Conversation with Roger Kaufman, LMFT and Dustin Kerrone, LMFT

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In The FIVE Institute’s recent seminar, psychotherapists Roger Kaufman, LMFT and Dustin Kerrone, LMFT joined The FIVE Institute co-founders Joel Brierre and Victoria Wueschner for a conversation about the therapeutic potential of 5-MeO-DMT.

Roger and Dustin are co-hosts and co-facilitators of therapeutic 5-MeO-DMT retreats at Sky Mountain in the Sonoran Desert, as well as alumni of The FIVE Institute’s 9-Month 5-MeO-DMT Facilitator Training Program. Both came to this work after years in psychotherapy, giving them a unique perspective on what changes when psychedelic experiences are held within a broader therapeutic process.

The Ego Trip: Kimon de Greef on the Complicated History and Future of 5-MeO-DMT

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In The FIVE Institute’s recent webinar, journalist and author Kimon de Greef joined us for a conversation about his new book, The Ego Trip, and the years of reporting that took him deep into the complicated world surrounding 5-MeO-DMT.

What began as an investigation into the poaching of Sonoran Desert toads eventually became a much larger story, one involving psychedelic tourism, contested Indigenous origin narratives, charismatic authority figures, ecological and human consequences, reports of harm, and an accelerating race to transform 5-MeO-DMT into a pharmaceutical treatment.

Federal Psychedelic Workforce & 5-MeO-DMT

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In April 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate research and expand patient access to psychedelic-assisted therapies. Within 90 days, that direction had moved toward concrete action.

On July 13, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs signed a five-year agreement covering clinical research, workforce training, protocol development, and implementation planning, expressly aimed at preparing for the responsible deployment of future FDA-approved rapid-acting treatments for veterans.

Brain Entropy and 5-MeO-DMT

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In The FIVE Institute’s recent webinar, Brain Entropy and 5-MeO-DMT, neuroscientist Manesh Girn, PhD moderated a conversation with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and Tommaso Barba, PhD(c) on one of the most fascinating questions in psychedelic science: what happens in the brain during the profound states of consciousness associated with 5-MeO-DMT?

What 5-MeO-DMT Actually Demands From Us

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

As 5-MeO-DMT continues to enter mainstream conversation, more people are asking the same questions: What is it? Why is it considered so powerful? What are the real risks? And how do you know whether a facilitator or container is truly prepared to hold this work?

What 5-MeO-DMT Can Teach Us About Consciousness

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In The FIVE Institute’s webinar, Dr. Chris Timmermann joined Joel Brierre and Victoria Wueschner for a deeper conversation on 5-MeO-DMT, DMT, meditation, and the scientific study of consciousness.

Dr. Timmermann is the co-director of the UCL Center for Consciousness Research, where his work explores how psychedelics and meditation can help us better understand the relationship between mind, brain, and human experience. He has helped pioneer some of the first investigations into how DMT and 5-MeO-DMT act in the brain, with a particular focus on neuroscience, phenomenology, ethics, and consciousness research.

What Bryan Johnson Did for This Field

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

A few days ago, Bryan Johnson, the biohacker who has spent millions quantifying every measurable function of his body, livestreamed himself taking 5-MeO-DMT in front of hundreds of thousands of people.

He called it the most profound experience of his life. He described ego dissolution, a childlike reset, and what felt like decades of psychological weight lifting in under 30 minutes. He backed it with brain scans. And then, unprompted, he turned to his audience and said: you should never do this without a professional facilitator.

Bufo vs Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT: Complete Guide

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Ever felt like you’re standing at a crossroads, staring at two paths that seem to lead to the same destination?

That’s exactly where you are with Bufo and synthetic 5-MeO. One minute you’re convinced natural is the way forward. The next? You’re questioning if lab-made might actually be safer. The back-and-forth is exhausting. And honestly? The conflicting information out there isn’t helping.

Why Synthetic 5-MeO-DMT Is the Future

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Moving Beyond Bufo: The Science-Based Case for Laboratory-Pure 5-MeO-DMT

You’ve heard the whispers at conferences. Seen the shift in clinical protocols. Watched as leading facilitators quietly move away from toad venom.

The truth? The future of 5-MeO-DMT facilitation isn’t found in the desert. It’s synthesized in laboratories. And the professionals who understand this are already ahead of the curve.

Integration Is the Medicine

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

The 5-MeO-DMT experience lasts 20 minutes. Integration lasts a lifetime.

Here’s the part nobody tells you: most practitioners don’t really understand what integration means.

You’ve probably heard it’s important. Maybe you’ve even nodded along in conversations about it. But deep down? You’re wondering what it actually looks like in practice. That uncertainty you’re feeling?

How 5-MeO-DMT Fits Into the Future of Psychedelic Therapy

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Here’s the FDA giving 5-MeO-DMT its first green light for Phase 2b trials. The “God molecule” is officially entering mainstream medicine.

You’re probably thinking, “Wait, wasn’t this just something people talked about in hushed tones at conferences?” And honestly? You’re not wrong to feel a bit overwhelmed. This field’s moving fast, and it’s hard to know what’s real progress versus what’s just hype.

Why the Industry Needs More Than a Weekend Workshop

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Here’s another tragedy hitting the headlines. Another 5-MeO-DMT ceremony gone wrong, another life lost, another stain on our entire field.

You’re probably thinking, “Here we go again, more fear-mongering about psychedelics.”

And honestly? We get it. We’re all tired of the doom-and-gloom stories that paint our work as inherently dangerous.

Inside FIVE's 9-Month Curriculum

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Ever looked at a 9-month 5-MeO-DMT facilitator training course and thought, “Really? That long?”

You’re scanning facilitator programs, seeing weekend certifications everywhere, and here’s The FIVE Institute asking for nearly a year of your life. Maybe you’re thinking, “Can’t I just learn the basics and get started?” That’s fair. It’s a genuine commitment when others promise you’ll be “certified” by Sunday evening.

Become a 5-MeO-DMT Practitioner: Step-by-Step Guide

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Wondering if trading your therapy couch for a rocket ride with 5-MeO-DMT feels thrilling and terrifying at once?

That knot in your gut whispering, “What if I mess this up and wreck my licence?” just proves you care.

Anxiety shows up when the stakes are sky-high, and guiding the “God molecule” is sky-high stakes.

Become a Trained 5-MeO-DMT Facilitator

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Facilitating 5-MeO-DMT isn’t just a skill, it’s a sacred responsibility that can change lives or cause harm in seconds.

If you’re here, you already know this work isn’t for the half-hearted. Maybe you’ve been wondering, “Am I really ready for this?” or “What if I miss something important and someone gets hurt?”

Webinar: Training With 5-MeO-DMT

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

The psychedelic renaissance has brought an explosion of curiosity, research, and healing opportunities.

Among the many powerful compounds being explored, 5-MeO-DMT stands apart, for both its potential and its risks.

Often referred to as “ The God Molecule,” 5-MeO-DMT is a short-acting, potent psychedelic capable of inducing non-dual states of consciousness, ego dissolution, and profound spiritual insight. It has catalyzed transformation for many, but in the wrong hands, it has also led to psychological harm, physical injury, and retraumatization.

5-MeO-DMT for PTSD and Mental Disorders

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

In the realm of mental health, the search for effective treatments for conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety is a never-ending journey. As our understanding of these mental disorders deepens, so does our exploration of potential remedies. One such promising candidate is 5-MeO-DMT, a fast-acting psychedelic derived from the Bufo alvarius toad.

5-MeO-DMT Trainings: Safety Considerations

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

5-MeO-DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic substance, has been gaining attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. This powerful compound, both synthetically made and derived from the Bufo Alvarius toad, has been popularized in recent years due to its ability to produce mystical experiences. The expansive nature of the experience has been linked to significant improvements in mental health, including reductions in anxiety and depression, and increases in life satisfaction and personal meaning.