Changa, the psychedelic similar to ayahuasca

By Sechat Editorial Team with information from El Planteo

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Changa, the psychedelic similar to ayahuasca. Changa is a mixture that contains the psychoactive substance dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It was developed as an alternative to crystallized DMT to avoid the intense and rapid effects.

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The mixture was released in the 90s by psychonaut Julian Palmer. It is an option for those who wish to experience the effects of DMT in a milder way or with lower doses.

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Ayahuasca x changa

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Ayahuasca and changa both contain DMT, but differ in the method of consumption. Ayahuasca is an infusion made with B. Caapi and chacrona leaf, consumed as a drink. The psychedelic journey lasts about six hours. On the other hand, changa is a smokable mixture of the two plants.

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The IMAO (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) present in changa prevents the breakdown of DMT in the body, resulting in slower and prolonged effects. However, the effects of changa are shorter, lasting from 30 minutes to an hour.

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What are the effects of changa?

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The effects of Changa are caused by the DMT present in the chacrona. DMT has similarities to religious and spiritual experiences, with intense hallucinations, such as voices and entering an internal world independent of the senses. In this world, those who use Changa often encounter "entities" from other realms, whose form is related to the individual's culture and environment. 

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To achieve these more intense experiences, it is necessary to smoke a significant amount of Changa in a short period of time. However, it is also possible to have a milder experience by smoking Changa in a pipe or joint, resulting in slight changes in perception and cognition, aimed at brightening colors, enhancing perception, and calming mental activity, promoting the alignment of thoughts.

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Case study: a potential analgesic

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A recent study revealed the analgesic properties of changa, a relatively new psychedelic. The study followed a patient who had suffered from musculoskeletal pain for ten years. 

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After participating in changa sessions, the pain almost completely disappeared for two weeks, with significant reductions persisting in subsequent sessions. This allowed the patient to return to a normal life. Although it is a unique case study, it raises the possibility of using changa as a treatment for chronic pain and exploring its potential benefits.