The arrest of Spanish porn actor Nacho Vidal and his two companions have made the headlines these past days for their involvement in the death of fashion photographer Jose Luis Abad.

Abad died after inhaling the vapors of the toxic Sonoran Desert toad in a shamanic ritual from a pipe at Vidal's home in Valencia, Spain. Vidal was arrested for manslaughter and offense on public health as he was believed to be among those who organized or facilitated the shamanic ritual. 

The Powerful Psychedelic Effect of "The Toad"

The Sonoran Desert toad, where the venom is from, is considered as the largest toad in the United States, with a size of up to about 7.5 inches long.

It is found in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States and thrives near bodies of water such as streams, canal, springs in the desert or semi-arid areas.  

Its parotid gland secretes toxins that can cause paralysis or death to predators. The toxins are even potent enough to kill an adult dog. This poison that the parotid glands secrete is the hallucinogenic chemicals, 5-MeO-DMT (DMT), and Bufotenin.

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DMT is extracted by "milking"  the glands, then drying it to paste and is known for its psychedelic effects. It may also come from various plant species or but it is only from this particular toad, the dehydrated extract is known as "The Toad". 

Towards the end of last year, social media influencer and life coach Barrett Pall, shared his experience when he inhaled toad venom through a glass stem pipe. He said that the effect from "The Toad" made him cry as he saw his childhood and other experiences flash before his eyes. After 45 minutes, he described that the experience was like "shooting through the universe" and "being reborn".

One user also described the experience as "a total fusion with God". Mike Tyson has even admitted to taking the drug and had a life-changing experience since.

According to Alan K. Davis, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the Psychedelic Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University,  The Toad often leads to an intense and immediate experience among users. Davis says that it is not advisable to use in parties.

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In a survey conducted by Davis, 80 percent of 162 individuals who are suffering from anxiety or depression reported improvement after taking the drug. There was no indication, however, as to how long the improvements in the study last. Davis believes that The Toad could help treat depression and anxiety. 

Not without Danger 

The death of fashion photographer Abad proves that The Toad does not come without danger. According to Davis, some facilitators or shamans do not properly look after their participants. 

If the participants get too much dose, it can cause 'dissociation from their mind and body' and lead to several days of anxiety. Some severe cases had to be rushed to the emergency room. 

Davis cautioned that The Toad is not a recreational drug, and that "controlled setting and well-trained chaperone are crucial" when taking the said venom. 

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