Yopo

Introduction of Yopo
During Columbus' second journey to the New World, Spanish friar Ramón Paul did the first European observation of psychedelics-use involved cohoba snuff, a powerful mind-alterer made from seeds of the yopo tree (Anadenanthera peregrina). The main psychoactive components are DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and 5-methoxy-DMT, which are also present in other trees, vines and shrubs and even in mushrooms. In most countries it is illegal to extract DMT.

Species
There are four species of the Anadenanthera genus, the Peregrina species is called Yopo or Jopa and the snuff is named Cohoba. The other three species Colubrina, Excelsa and Macrocarpa also contain the same active chemicals only the snuff is often called Vilca.

Using Yopo
The Indian tribes mostly snuff the toasted and pulverized Yopo seeds/beans mixed with ashes or calcined shells. Adding limestone to the powder will strongly enhance the visual hallucinations. A good Yopo to limestone ratio is 3:1. To make the trip even stronger combine it with some Banisteriopsis caapi powder. This is a rather harsh method and can induce violent sneezing and heavy hallucinations.
More often, these tryptamines are smoked because less is needed to feel the effects, which arrive in a matter of seconds. The smell and taste are like burning plastic when smoked and are harder to smoke than hash. However there is no evidence that they are damaging.
Because the Yopo powder is inhaled with both methods it will allow the DMT to pass directly into the blood.

Effects of Yopo
With sniffing the effects start in 5 minutes and last 30 minutes. Small dosages of Yopo (2-3 seeds) will generate light euphoria and minor (closed eye) hallucinations. Larger dosages (4-5 seeds) will generate euphoria, stronger hallucinations and loss of bodily control.
Smoked the experience resembles that of smoking pure DMT. Less is needed to feel the effects, which arrive in a matter of only a few seconds. The peak lasts for three to ten minutes and is all over in twenty to thirty minutes.

Yopo seeds are available in the following shops:

More info on Yopo is available on these pages:

http://www.erowid.org/plants/anadenanthera/anadenanthera.shtml
http://leda.lycaeum.org/?ID=101
http://www.ethnogarden.com/columbrina.htm

Warning: Not recommended for use under 18. If pregnant, nursing or taking a prescription drugs, consult your health care professional. Do not use Yopo if you are suffering from anxiety attacks or depression. Do not exceed recommended dose. Consumption may impair ability to drive or operate heavy equipment. Not recommended for consumption with alcoholic beverages. During a DMT trip you might loose control over your body. Have someone with you, who will look after you and not uses during your trip.