I think the way the op shared his story, it is not clear exactly how it happened, and I dont think the problem is necessarly of a moral order, but generally a problem of potential legal liability for the forum if we start discussing such things, and the OP should have, at this point, just look up the attitude page where its quite clear trading is neither something we want discussed.
In any case, if we are to talk of ethical aspect, I think it depends a lot on contextual factors:
Using psychedelic substances as currency is not that much better than selling imo. I dont mean that you can never give psychedelic substances such as DMT away and be given something by that same person, but I dont believe in establishing arbitrary values for the substances being traded and 'calculating' so that it is an equal trade, thats like using money. So let me give two charicaturized examples to illustrate the difference:
a- You meet a person who has substances you are interested in. You have DMT which this person is interested in. You both calculate the value of each (I give you x doses of this for y doses of that, because x is more expensive " ) , both substances trade hands, you both part ways.
b- You meet a person who is interested in DMT. You first make sure the person is respectful enough, you create a certain relationship with the person. You introduce the person to DMT carefully, you walk them through the preparation for their first experience, and you help them with the integration after the experience. If they 'got it', you might want to give them some more DMT, making sure they understand not to introduce people carelessly, and you do it with a good hearted intention really wishing they do it with good use. You give them as much as you feel its right to give them. Then you can explain them how to extract if they want to know, so that they become self-sufficient. Now, incidentally, the person has another substance, let's say, mushrooms. So this person gives to you, as much as they want and can, irrespective of what you gave them, simply because they know you will appreciate them and respect them too.
So I guess you see the difference. One is a cold transaction, which can be a liability to the whole community (can result in the person having an irresponsible use since they werent 'initiated' and having serious problems, and still is using DMT/substances as cold currency, using such a powerful substance as a mere tool to get you some other material you want), the other is a friendly mutual respectful sharing.
