The Ego Trip Review: Psychedelic Toads and Wellness Cults 2026

The Ego Trip by Kimon de Greef is a bizarre and compelling exploration of psychedelic toads, ego death, and the dark side of wellness culture. This review dives into the book's central character, Octavio Rettig, and the cultural phenomena he embodies.

What Is The Ego Trip About?

The Ego Trip follows the true story of Octavio Rettig, a troubled young man from Mexico who discovers the Sonoran desert toad—the world's only known psychoactive animal. The toad's venom contains 5-MeO-DMT, a potent hallucinogen also known as the “God molecule.” Rettig claims that smoking the dried venom helped him overcome a crack cocaine addiction, but his journey takes him into a world of unregulated wellness practices and self-styled gurus.

Kimon de Greef's narrative is as much about the toad as it is about Rettig. The book traces the toad's natural history, its cultural appropriation by hippies and entrepreneurs, and the rise of a psychedelic revival that blurs the line between therapy and exploitation.

The Rise of Psychedelic Toad Venom in Wellness Culture

In recent years, 5-MeO-DMT has gained popularity among wellness seekers and influencers. Retreats offering toad venom sessions have sprung up in Mexico and beyond, often with little oversight. Psychedelic toad venom is now marketed as a shortcut to enlightenment, but as de Greef shows, the reality is far messier.

The book highlights how Rettig became a central figure in this movement, leading ceremonies and charging participants for the experience. His story raises troubling questions about consent, safety, and the commodification of indigenous knowledge.

Key Themes in The Ego Trip

• Cultural appropriation: The toad is sacred to indigenous communities, but it's now a product for wealthy tourists.
• Unregulated wellness: The lack of oversight in psychedelic retreats can lead to harm.
• Ego and identity: The book explores how the pursuit of ego death can ironically feed the ego.
• Addiction and recovery: Rettig's story complicates the narrative of psychedelics as a cure-all.

Comparison: Traditional Psychedelic Research vs. Toad Venom Tourism

Why The Ego Trip Matters Today

De Greef's book is a timely critique of the psychedelic renaissance. As more people seek alternative treatments for depression, anxiety, and addiction, the line between genuine therapy and exploitation becomes blurred. The Ego Trip forces readers to question who benefits from the psychedelic boom and at what cost.

Rettig's story is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolizing wellness gurus. His rise and fall—detailed in the book—shows how charisma and trauma can combine to create a toxic leader.

Final Thoughts on The Ego Trip

The Ego Trip is a fascinating, unsettling read that blends biography, science, and cultural criticism. It's not just about a toad; it's about human vulnerability and the search for transcendence in a world that often commodifies everything.

If you're interested in psychedelics, wellness culture, or simply a well-told story, this book is worth your time. But be prepared to question everything you thought you knew about the “God molecule.”

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