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lives. If DMT were only a insignificant, irrelevant by-product of our me- tabolism, why does the brain go out of its way to draw it into its confines?'” WHAT DMT Is * 53 energy. In most cases, it is obvious why the brain actively transports particular compounds into its hallowed ground; amino acids required for maintaining brain proteins, for example, are allowed in. Twenty-five years ago, Japanese scientists discovered that the brain actively transports DMT across the blood-brain barrier into its tissues. I know of no other psychedelic drug that the brain treats with such eager- ness. This is a startling fact that we should keep in mind when we recall how readily biological psychiatrists dismissed a vital role for DMT in our Once the body produces or takes in DMT, certain enzymes break it down within seconds. These enzymes, called monoamine oxidases (MAO), occur in high concentrations in the blood, liver, stomach, brain, and in- testines. The widespread presence of MAO is why DMT effects are so short-lived. Whenever and wherever it appears, the body makes sure it is . eer used up quickly.'® In a way, DMT is "brain food," treated in a manner similar to how the a - brain handles glucose, its precious fuel source. It is part of a "high turn- over" system: quick in, quick used. The brain actively transports DMT across its defense system and just as rapidly breaks it down. It is as if DMT is necessary for maintaining normal brain function. It is only when levels get too high for "normal" function that we start undergoing unusual experiences. Now that we have reviewed the history and science behind DMT, let's return to the most pressing question, one that no one has adequately an- swered: "What is DMT doing in our bodies?" More specifically, let's ask, "Why do we make DMT in our bodies?" My answer is: "Because it is the spirit molecule." What, then, is a spirit molecule? What must it do, and how might it do it? Why is DMT the prime candidate? Visionary artist Alex Grey has sketched an inspiring rendition of the DMT molecule. Alex's art helped me begin thinking about these ques- tions much more clearly. Let's look at it carefully and consider how it reflects the necessary properties of such a chemical.