I recently followed this tek to extract the harmalas from a Caapi brew that I didn't want to finish after my first real aya experience.

https://wiki.dmt-nexus.m...lkaloid_Extraction_Guide

I got to the Freebase the Alkaloids step in which NaOH is added for the second time, however after doing so I realized that this was silly of me as I did not want freebase alkaloids and that drinking the vinegar based alkaloids would be fine as I already have a rough idea of what the dosage will be like. I added vinegar again and the pH came back as 5. I was about to drink this but was concerned about the safety of doing so. I know 5 is a safe enough pH to drink but could the solution's contact with so much NaOH pose any health risk once drunk or are the harmful ions effectively safe and inert because of the vinegar?

If it's pH 5, it's safe. All NaOH will be neutralized, forming sodium acetate which is often used in food industry.

In any case you will have even less of sodium acetate if you, instead of adding vinegar to your whole NaOH-based solution, you should precipitate the alkaloids with your NaOH, then filter the solution to retrieve just the alkaloids (leaving the bulk NaOH behind in the liquid). Then redissolve the alkaloids in vinegar or any other weak acid to drink

love how quickly i get responses here. thanks-that makes me a happy camper.

And i already precipitated the alkaloids and let them settle overnight. The liquid was poured off this morning and then the vinegar was added. Any discomfort from ingesting sodium acetate? trying to find some info on the MSDS.

nope dont worry about it, its perfectly fine to consume as-is