'Please Don't Lick Psychedelic Toads:' The National Parks Service's Unusual Request To Visitors

By Franca Quarneti via El Planteo

The US National Park Service issued a statement asking those who visit these protected areas to refrain from licking toads.

Through a statement on its Facebook account, the National Park Service (NPS) shared details on the Bufo alvarius species, also known as the "Sonoran desert toad."

"Hey there! Here is the 'ribbiting' late night content no one asked for. Yet here we are. The Sonoran desert toad (Bufo alvarius), also known as the Colorado river toad, is one of the largest toads found in North America, measuring nearly 7 inches (18 cm)," the etitity explained.

Why would anyone want to lick toads?

This particular species of amphibian is known to produce 5-MeO-DMT and another DMT derivative, bufotenin, which are released from glands behind the toad's eyes. These substances, which can be deadly to other animals, also create psychedelic experiences when ingested by humans.

That's why, as reported by Marijuana Moment, the NPS warned: "“It can make you sick if you handle the frog or get the poison in your mouth. As we say with most things you come across in a national park, whether it be a banana slug, unfamiliar mushroom, or a large toad with glowing eyes in the dead of night, please refrain from licking.”

While it's unknown if there's been a recent spike in toad-licking activity, it's clear it's a common enough trend that the US federal agency had to issue a warning.

What is DMT?

DMT has one of the oldest histories of human use. It has been used by indigenous groups for more than 4,000 years in the form of a plant concoction containing DMT and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). It is found in a wide variety of plants, fungi, and animals; even humans naturally produce DMT.

When vaporized, the effects of DMT typically last between 5 and 30 minutes. Unlike other hallucinogens, DMT will cause extremely strong visual hallucinations, whether eyes are open or closed. Machine goblins, as Terence McKenna would say, sometimes occur as a common visual experience.

Other common effects will depend on the individual, dose, and set & setting, but generally include:

• A total immersion experience
• Powerful sensations
• Radical changes of perspective
• Life-changing spiritual experiences
• Altered perception of time
• Slight discomfort in the stomach
• Fear, anxiety and paranoia

Lee la nota sobre por qué no lamer sapos psicodélicos y la advertencia del gobierno en español en ElPlanteo.com

Photo: WikiMedia Commons