5-MeO-DMT is a potent psychedelic found within the excretion of the Colorado River toad (Bufo alvarius or Incilius alvarius). Although, it’s also present in some plants and can be made synthetically—the latter being the most sustainable way to
consume the entheogen. It belongs to a class of chemical compounds called tryptamines, which include psilocybin and DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine).
In the United States, the Colorado River toad is one of the most common and controversial sources of 5-MeO-DMT. Its native habitat runs along the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The controversy comes from the ethics of harvesting toad
venom: Even if the toad is caught and released, harvesting venom may introduce pathogens to the toad and also weaken its ability to fend off predators, which can threaten the toad’s life and may decrease the species population. Conservationists also
warn against habitat destruction as more would-be psychonauts seek out the toad for its intoxicating venom.