Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina)

Yopo, Anadenanthera peregrina and Piptadenia peregrina are different names for the same plant, which has a rich ethnobotanical history. Not to be mistaken with A. colubrina, or cebil, its use is well documented and covers at least 55 indigenous tribes. The snuff made from the seeds is called cohoba, which has been used in ritual contexts in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Many artifacts and administration paraphernalia have been discovered, the long tube, used for blowing cohoba into the nostril of another person, being the most familiar object.

Tripping effects of Yopo / Cebíl seeds

It should be noted that user reports on both yopo and cebil are only rarely precise and correct in describing their ingredients. Most people are not aware of the difference in chemical make up of the two species’ seeds.

Although yopo is taken orally or sometimes even rectally, most people use it parenterally, or through the nose. When snorted, yopo causes a heavy body load in most users. Dizziness, vomiting and headache are common, especially with doses over 3 seeds. Most users also report a dreamlike state of mind or a psychedelic experience, lasting around 15 minutes, with a 30 to 45 minute afterglow.

Preparing Yopo for consumption

In order to be absorbed by the body, the seeds must be prepared prior to use:

• use 1-4 seeds per person
• heat seeds on low heat until they pop
• separate the outer seed from the inner seed
• the inner part of the seed is used
• discard the outer seed shell
• heat the remaining inner seed on low
• stop heating when it is hard and crunchy
• crush the seed (use a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, etc.)
• mix the following: 2 parts seed, 1 part lime or shell, and 1 part baking soda
• add a few drops of water to form a paste
• mix well and heat on low until material dries
• crush dry material into a fine powder (use a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, etc.)

Fresh seeds will puff up and pop (revealing the inner part of the seed) when lightly heated (may take up to 20-30 minutes). A small pot or pan works well, a lid will help retain heat. After the seed pops, separate the outer seed from the inner seed and discard the outer seed.

The inner part of the seed is then crushed into a powder and mixed with lime (or shells) and baking soda. A small amount of water is added to the mixture to form a paste. Mix the paste well, so that all ingredients are combined together.

Then put it in a pot or pan and supply low heat to evaporate the water from the paste. When the paste dries into a powder, use a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle to crush the mixture into a fine powder that can be snorted.

It may take a while for the mixture to dry, a fan can help speed things up. Edible lime or shell (containing lime) must be added to the mixture in order to be absorbed by the human body effectively. Baking soda added to the mixture will also improve bodily absorption.

The reason cebil or yopo snuff is sometimes blown by a fellow shaman into the nose of the user (see image) is because it is unpleasant. A helper can force a larger amount of the drug into the recipients nasal cavity, than the user would be able to consume alone.

You can make your own inhalation tube with some hollow plant stem or something else that will allow you to inhale the powder you have produced. Most people report a pleasant experience, if the user can overcome the nasal discomfort and nausea.

There will most likely be some degree of an uneasy feeling in the stomach. If you can not force yourself to ingest enough powder to produce the desired effect, a helper can force-blow a large amount of cebil or yopo into your nasal passage. Experienced users say 1-2 seeds worth of powder will have a stimulating effect.

The inhalation of 3-4 seeds worth of cebil or yopo is said to produce a period of stimulation lasting about 20-40 minutes followed by a sedative period where hallucinations will probably be experienced. The first time you try, start with 1 seed (mild) to 4 seeds (wild) worth of snuff and see what you think. A sitter who is not using the drug is a good idea.

Dosages between 3-5 seeds have shown to be psychedelic for many users. Dosages over 5 seeds are very high and uncomfortable for most people. One bag contains approximately 40 to 50 seeds.

Ingredients

The seeds of A. peregrina contain N,N-DMT, 5-MeO-DMT and 5-HO-DMT (= bufotenine) (Raetsch 2005).

Warning

This is one of the more experimental herbs available. People who are interested in a DMT experience rather than trying out a certain shamanic method (snorting), are better off with any of the established sources, such as Psychotria viridis or Mimosa hostilis.

Azarius Encyclopedia: Using Psychedelics Safely

Links

On Erowid you can find more information about yopo, including trip reports.

Shipping restrictions

Please check if this product is legal in your country. We cannot ship this product to France and Australia.

Reviews

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Nov 4, 2011 lab said:
    
“For a true experience drink a tea of 30gr of banisteriopsis caapi or eat 3gr of peganum harmala an hour before sniffing yopo. Concentrated tea of 400-450gr of passiflora incarnata will also do.Never combine with alcohol...Enjoy in total darkness!”

Jan 10, 2010 Lazyshaman said:
     
“In very high Doses simple colored Hallucinations disappear and strong terrible demonic scenic Visions will take Place. Almost like low Dose PCP but with much more shamanic Effect. Be careful and do not forget to buy some Aspirin for Come-Down. Use Yopo in total Darkness and absolute Silence. Do not mix with other Drugs.”

Apr 11, 2009 slutofsatan said:
  
“Before taking yopo seeds I drunk some beer + smoked salvia. I snuffed that stuff and after few minutes light halucinations begins, but I felt so sick that couldn't focus on anything except from voimiting. After 30 minuts since snuffing the stuff I couldn't breath and had the swelling of whole respiratory truck. I was taken by ambulance to hospital. Strange because my friend used the same mix - alcohol, salvia and yopo seeds and he felt OK and had strong halucinations for about 40 minutes.”