Phalaris arundinacea

This plant is also called reed canary grass and is one of the few DMT sources that you can find growing outside in the Netherlands and in other places in- and outside Europe. There is, however, no evidence that this plant has been used as a shamanistic tool or whatsoever. Little research has been done as to how exactly this plant can be used as the DMT source for an ayahuasca analogue. Nevertheless, there are several positive reports published for this species, most notably by Jim DeKorne. The psychonautic community, judging by Erowid’s Phalaris experience archives, is gradually starting to get involved.

Effects

Phalaris arundinacea is nowadays used primarily in combination with Peganum harmala to make anahuasca, which is a psychedelic infusion similar to ayahuasca. The effects can best be described as a physical and mental purge, combined with a 4 hour connection with the otherwise imperceptible. The purge is typically not as strong as with ayahuasca, although canary grass apparently causes a lot more nausea and strong discomfort in many users.

The intensity depends on many factors, so many drinkers have to build up some experience and have weak effects in the beginning. When the effects are weak, most drinkers experience something similar to a low dose of psilocybin mushrooms or LSD, combined with stomach cramps in the first 2 hours.

In the case of strong effects, most people experience a drastic change in the interpretation of reality or even some kind of transport of all the senses to another dimension. Anahuasca is known for its strong visions of the bright side and the dark side. The visions tell stories about the drinker and everything else in the universe. Many people don't get visions, however, and experience anahuasca through the other senses. Some people get diarrhea and have to vomit.

Using an extract of this plant as an incense induces a 15 minute psychedelic experience, borrowing elements from the anahuasca experience, most notably the drastic change in the interpretation of reality or transport of all the senses to another dimension.

Usage

There is only a very small number of recipes available. A safe one would take 15 gr fresh weight for a low dose, 30 for a normal dose and 45 for a high dose. Don't underestimate how overwhelming the experience can be and start with a low dose if you're new to anahuasca. If you are not yet familiar with making the brew, you should know that hardly anyone who makes it for the first time is successful. For most people, making good anahuasca is a result of trial and error and several years of practice. You should read about making anahuasca in books and on the internet (check the links below) and decide on a recipe.

For the purpose of anahuasca, canary grass is run through a wheatgrass juicer and its sap is drunk 15 to 60 minutes after taking a 3 to 4 gr P. harmala or 50 to 150 gr Banisteriopsis caapi preparation. A hot water infusion can also be made. Common boiling methods are yet to be established, but simmering the finely cut grass twice on a low fire for 60 minutes in 200 ml of water with 100 ml of lemonjuice or vinegar might work. The two infusions are added together and the liquid is boiled down. This extract can also be taken 15 to 60 minutes after taking P. harmala.

P. arundinacea juice from a wheatgrass juicer can also be made into an incense, by boiling the sap down to a tarlike mass.

Growing directions

Cultivation data of this plant for psychoactive purposes is rare. For detailed ordinary growing information, go to PFAF's Phalaris arundinacea page.

For most psychonautic purposes, the seeds can be sprinkled on a layer of soil that is at least 10cm deep. As an indication, keep around 5-10mm distance between the seeds. Gently press the seeds against soil after spreading them evenly. Keep the soil wet, especially in the first couple of weeks after sowing. This plant is easy to germinate, and after a couple months the seedlings are big enough to harvest.

Ingredients

We sell the seeds of P. arundinacea, which are not psychoactive. Once grown, the primary active ingredients in this plant are N,N-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT. It can also have high concentrations of gramine, which is a very toxic alkaloid (C. Raetsch, 2005).

Warning

Take notice of the fact that many Phalaris users report highly unpleasant, uncomfortable experiences and prefer other DMT sources.

When making anahuasca, be aware of the fact that you'll be using canary grass in conjunction with an MAO-inhibiting plant, like P. harmala or B. caapi. MAO-inhibitors can be very dangerous when combined with certain foods or other psychoactives that are totally harmless when taken by themselves.

VISIT OUR MAOI PAGE FOR SAFETY DETAILS!

Don't take P. arundinacea by yourself and please take notice of the historical fact that anahuasca has been used safely in a ritual setting under guidance of trained shamans.

Azarius Encyclopedia: Using Psychedelics Safely