Changa (drug)



Changa is a blend of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) mixed with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). The addition of MAOIs extends the DMT experience in duration and intensity when compared with smoking DMT freebase alone. Typically, extracts from DMT-containing plants are combined with a blend of different MAOI-containing herbs, such as the ayahuasca vine, and/or leaf or harmala alkaloids from Peganum harmala to create a mix that is 25 to 50% DMT.

History
Changa was created by Julian Palmer in 2003-2004 and named when he 'asked' for a moniker for the drug during an ayahuasca session. Palmer actively 'seeded' Changa throughout the world, introducing it to the UK, Russia, India, Morocco, West Africa, Chile, Montenegro and China.

The substance grew in popularity from the mid 2000s. Its international introduction dates to the Boom Festival in Portugal in 2008.

Changa's popularity has continued due to its ease of smoking, more powerful effects and longer duration (approximately 10-20 minutes) when compared to smoking freebase DMT crystal.

Composition
Changa consists of two primary components dimethyltryptamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Any number of blend combinations are possible. Doses vary substantially from one sample to the next depending on what ingredients are used and in what ratio. Julian Palmer has written, "Changa has been commonly reported to consist of simply Banisteriopsis caapi leaf and DMT, and this recipe works very well... Any herb or plant can be used in changa, and many different herbs are being used by different people around the world in different ratios and blends. It should be kept in mind that the ayahuasca element activates the herbs used, and each new herb may not have the desired effect, or may have an unpredictable effect. So, a ‘classic’ and ‘original’ changa blend that has stood the test of time looks something like this: 30% ayahuasca vine and/or leaf 20% mullein 20% passionflower 20% peppermint 5% calendula 5% blue lotus".

In popular culture
Australian electronic trio Pnau titled their November 2017 album Changa in homage to the substance. It reached a peak of number 11 on the ARIA charts.