Medicine Conclave : Low-5 with Dr. Martin Ball
In this month’s Medicine Conclave, we had the honor of sitting with Dr. Martin Ball. He is an author, educator, artist, musician, and one of the most respected voices in the world of 5-MeO-DMT. For many years, Dr. Martin has explored how entheogens reveal the energetic patterns of the ego and the deeper nature of being. His work invites people to slow down, question long-held assumptions, and recognize the unity that exists beneath all experience.
A Journey Driven by Curiosity
Dr. Martin shared that he grew up in a home that valued science and reason. From a young age, he was already asking big questions about what is real and what is not. That curiosity carried him through philosophy, Buddhist teachings, Native American traditions, and years of personal exploration with psilocybin and salvia.
Everything changed for him in 2008.
His first full experience with 5-MeO-DMT opened a level of reality that felt beyond anything he had ever imagined. He describes it as encountering the essence of God and recognizing the fundamental unity that connects all existence. That moment shaped the path he continues to walk today, teaching others about what he affectionately calls the God molecule.
What Makes 5-MeO-DMT Unique
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Martin explained that many psychedelics can expand perception, soften the ego, or open emotional insights. But 5-MeO-DMT has a rare capacity to dissolve the ego completely and reveal a non dual state where separation no longer exists. No identity. No concepts. No inner narration.
Because of this, low dose experiences cannot prepare anyone for what a full release truly holds. People often believe they understand the medicine because they have tried small amounts. Dr. Martin cautions that this can create a false sense of readiness. A full release can feel like a complete surrender of self, which can be disorienting if someone is not prepared to let go.
A Call for Care and Wisdom
Dr. Martin spoke openly about the importance of responsible facilitation and proper preparation. One question he asks people is simple but deeply revealing:
“Would you be comfortable dying today”
The full release often feels like a death of the ego. If a person cannot approach that with openness and trust, the experience may be overwhelming rather than healing.
He shared that facilitators have a responsibility to recognize when someone is not ready. Emotional readiness, somatic openness, and psychological stability matter more than curiosity or excitement.
On Mixing Medicines and Retreat Culture
Dr. Martin also addressed the growing trend of mixing powerful entheogens, especially in retreat settings that offer many different medicines in a short period of time. He described these combinations as energetic cocktails and believes they require great caution.
A few important points he highlighted:
- Even very small amounts of 5-MeO-DMT can dissolve the ego
• It often creates reactivations that can last days or weeks
• Ayahuasca contains MAO inhibitors, which can interact dangerously with toad secretion
• Cramming multiple heavy experiences into a single weekend can destabilize the body and mind
He encouraged people to give themselves space, rest, and integration rather than rushing for more intensity.
Low Dose vs Full Release
One of the clearest distinctions Dr. Martin offered is the difference between low doses and full release. Low doses often feel more difficult because the ego remains active and can resist the energetic shifts. After a person has experienced full release and learned deep surrender, smaller doses tend to feel gentler and can open into subtle non dual states.
He encourages people working with low doses to avoid analyzing or chasing breakthroughs. The practice is to feel, breathe, and let the body unwind naturally.
Preparing the Body and Mind
Readiness is not only mental. Dr. Martin often looks for signs in the body. Can the person relax Can they breathe through intensity Can they soften and allow
If the body is tense or closed, it may be a sign that more preparation is needed. Somatic work, breathwork, emotional processing, and steady inner practice create a more stable foundation for the deeper levels of medicine.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Martin believes that psychedelic sacraments will continue to become more accessible and normalized. He imagines a future where these medicines are woven into therapeutic, ceremonial, and community-based settings. He also sees them blending with practices like meditation, somatics, movement, sound work, and relational healing.
As more people and professionals enter this space, he believes integrity, safety, and education will become more important than ever.
Closing Reflections
Dr. Martin carries a grounded and steady message that aligns naturally with our community.
Less can be more.
Surrender reveals the truth.
Safety and integration are essential.
His dedication to sharing the deeper teachings of 5-MeO-DMT comes through with clarity and warmth. We are grateful for the insights he offered and for the continued work he brings to this path.
