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Hallucinogens
This document discusses hallucinogenic drugs. It defines different terms used to describe hallucinogens and describes the two main classes of hallucinogens - classical phantastica and deliriants. It focuses on LSD, describing its discovery, early uses, advocates like Timothy Leary, effects, and debates around its medical and therapeutic use. The document also briefly profiles several other common hallucinogenic plants and substances.
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Hallucinogens
- 1. HANSON CHAPTER 12 HALLUCINOGENS SOC204 Drugs & Society
- 2. Do you knowsomeone who has used hallucinogens in the last 30 days? A. Yes B. No Yes No 0%0% Response
- 3. Hallucinogens Naming thisclass of drugs is complex
- 4. Have you usedhallucinogens in the last 30 days? A. Yes B. No Yes No 0%0% Response
- 5. Hallucinogens – EVER? A.Yes B. No Yes No 0%0%
- 6. Terms Hallucinogens Drugsthat induce perceived distortions in time and space Phantasticants Term used to describe drugs that create a fantasy world Psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) A term that controversially implies a beneficial, visionary type of effect Psychotomimetic Refers to drugs that produce psychotic-like symptoms Psychotogenic Refers to drugs that generate psychosis
- 7. Classical Phantastica Alterperceptions while allowing the user to remain in communication with the present world Indole hallucinogens Serotonin LSD, psilocybin Catechol hallucinogens Norepinephrine & dopamine Mescaline, MDMA, belladonna, amanita muscaria
- 8. Deliriants Produce moremental confusion, greater clouding of consciousness, and a loss of touch with reality Anticholinergic hallucinogens Acetylcholine PCP, ketamine
- 9. Hallucinogens About 6,000different types of plants are capable of altering consciousness About 150 plants are used for hallucinogenic purposes Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are synthetic hallucinogens
- 10. LSD Discovery Synthesizedfrom alkaloids extracted from the ergot fungus Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann developed LSD as a possible headache remedy in 1938
- 11. Albert Hofmann, whowas responsible for developing LSD, died from an LSD overdose soon after developing the drug. A. True. B. False. He died at 57, jumping off a roof during a flashback. C. False. He lived to be 102 and died of natural causes. True. False.He died at57,jum ... False.He lived to be 102... 0% 0%0%
- 12. Early Use ofLSD Theories of Benefit Psychotherapy Enhanced understanding Military Experiments
- 13. At one time,hallucinogenic drugs were associated with witchcraft and sorcery. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 14. Timothy Leary Experimentson Harvard graduate students Religion: League of Spiritual Discovery
- 15. At twice itsnormal dosage, LSD can be fatal. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 16. Pharmacology Mouse Party Different hallucinogens are classified by which neurotransmitter they impact Tolerance develops rapidly Metabolized by liver, half-life is approximately 3 hours No physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms
- 17. LSD A. Is themost potent psychoactive chemical known to man B. Causes a distressing withdrawal syndrome C. Does not create tolerance Isthem ostpotentpsych... Causesadistressingw it... Doesnotcreate tolerance 0% 0%0% Response
- 18. Trips PerceptionsAltered VisualImages TimeAltered Synesthesia Emotionality 6-9 hours Unique and variable experiences
- 19. The phenomenon ofhearing colors or seeing sounds is called: A. Flashback B. Trip C. Synesthesia D. Overdose Flashback Trip Synesthesia Overdose 0% 0%0%0% Response
- 20. Use of LSDmakes one more creative. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 21. Adverse Reactions BadTrips Panic Reactions Flashbacks
- 22. LSD has beenshown to be as addictive as heroin. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 23. Do you agreewith using hallucinogens for psychotherapeutic purposes? A. Yes B. No Yes No 0%0%
- 24. Discussion 7 PROGROUP – list 3-4 reasons to use hallucinogens in a therapeutic setting CON GROUP – list 3-4 reasons to NOT use hallucinogens in a therapeutic setting BOTH GROUPS – what safeguards should be in place if/when these drugs are used? BOTH GROUPS – do you believe these drugs enhance creativity or spirituality or emotional expression? Why or why not??
- 25. Expert Group Activity Study the hallucinogen What is it? How is it used? How is it regulated? What are the effects? Are there negative effects or warnings?
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- 34. Morning Glory Hawaiian BabyWoodrose
Editor's Notes
- #5 Naming the family of drugs is a complex issue Phantastica: Drugs that create a world of fantasy in our minds Psychedelic: “Mind-viewing,” a term that controversially implies a beneficial, visionary type of effect Psychotomimetic: “Mimicking psychosis”—by producing hallucinations and some altered sense of reality, these drugs produce a state that could be described as psychotic Naming the family of drugs (continued) Entheogen and entactogen Entheogens: Substances that create spiritual or religious experiences Entactogens: Substances that enhance feelings of empathy Hallucinogens: A more descriptive and less prejudiced term A drug that produces profound alterations in perception, including unusual visual sensations and often changes in the perception of one’s own body Two major groups Classical phantastica Alter perceptions while allowing the user to remain in communication with the present world Deliriants Produce more mental confusion, greater clouding of consciousness, and a loss of touch with reality
- #8 Naming the family of drugs is a complex issue Phantastica: Drugs that create a world of fantasy in our minds Psychedelic: “Mind-viewing,” a term that controversially implies a beneficial, visionary type of effect Psychotomimetic: “Mimicking psychosis”—by producing hallucinations and some altered sense of reality, these drugs produce a state that could be described as psychotic Naming the family of drugs (continued) Entheogen and entactogen Entheogens: Substances that create spiritual or religious experiences Entactogens: Substances that enhance feelings of empathy Hallucinogens: A more descriptive and less prejudiced term A drug that produces profound alterations in perception, including unusual visual sensations and often changes in the perception of one’s own body Two major groups Classical phantastica Alter perceptions while allowing the user to remain in communication with the present world Deliriants Produce more mental confusion, greater clouding of consciousness, and a loss of touch with reality Hallucinogens are substances that alter sensory processing in the brain, causing perceptual disturbances, changes in thought processing, and depersonalization. Sometimes described as causing a spiritual-like experience.
- #9 Indole hallucinogens = drugs that have the indole structure also found in the neurotransmitter serotonin Examples: LSD, psilocybin Catechol hallucinogens = drugs that have the catechol nucleus that forms the basic structure of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine Examples: mescaline, MDMA (Ecstasy) Compared to “phantastica,” deliriants have more of a tendency to produce mental confusion and a loss of touch with reality Examples: PCP, anticholinergic hallucinogens like belladonna, mandrake, henbane, datura, amanita muscaria, salvia Naturally occurring agents in this group come from the potato family Effects come from three pharmacologically active alkaloids that are central and peripheral cholinergic blocking agents Atropine (dl-hyoscyamine) Scopolamine (l-hyoscine) l-hyoscyamine Many used as poisons in addition to being used for their hallucinogenic effects Block production of mucus in the nose and throat and prevent salivation Mouth becomes dry and perspiration stops Temperature can increase to fever levels Heart rate increases Eyes dilate, resulting in an inability to focus on nearby objects At high doses, behavior pattern resembles toxic psychosis (delirium, mental confusion, loss of attention, drowsiness, loss of memory for recent events) The original deliriants
- #11 Humans have long used agents that cause visual, auditory, tactile, taste, and other hallucinations or that induce artificial psychoses Mind-altering drugs were central in many Eastern religions, where they were used to achieve religious revelations LSD reached the US in 1949, when it was used to study mental illness It was later used by musicians and artists to enhance their creativity, and by government officials to determine its effectiveness as a mind-control agent The Native American Church: The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 Timothy Leary and the League of Spiritual Discovery: The Psychedelic Experience Some mental health providers claim these drugs can assist with psychotherapy. Many drugs can exert hallucinogenic effects: Traditional hallucinogens (LSD-types) Phenylethylamines (Ecstasy, amphetamines) Anticholinergic agents (Jimsonweed and other natural products) Cocaine Steroids
- #12 LSD is not found in nature; it is synthesized from alkaloids extracted from the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea Eating grain infected with this mold causes an illness called ergotism During a famine, grain infected with the ergot fungus might be consumed instead of destroyed, leading to outbreaks of ergotism 1938: Synthesized by Dr. Albert Hofmann of Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland 1943: Dr. Hofmann took a large dose and described its effects Potency of the drug attracted attention—a very small dose produces effects Comparable effects from mescaline would require 4,000 times the dose Ergotism A condition resulting from ingesting a fungus that grows on grains; marked by muscle tremors, burning, mania, delirium, hallucinations, and eventual gangrene St. Anthony’s fire Burning sensations caused by ergot poisoning People during the Middle Ages would visit the shrine of St. Anthony in an attempt to cure it LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), mescaline, psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and myristicin These drugs cause predominantly psychedelic effects Of high school seniors sampled: 1996: 8.8% had used LSD 2012: 2.4% had used LSD Physical properties of LSD In pure form: colorless, odorless, tasteless Street names: acid, blotter acid, microdot, window panes Mechanism of action - Likely due to effects on the serotonin system LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), mescaline, psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and myristicin These drugs cause predominantly psychedelic effects Of high school seniors sampled: 1996: 8.8% had used LSD 2012: 2.4% had used LSD
- #14 Between the early 1950s and 1970s, there was a tremendous amount of research performed with LSD In psychotherapy, to help patients bring up repressed memories and motives Dr Hofmann believed that LSD was a valuable psychedelic tool and could be used to enhance humans’ understanding of their place in nature. Most research on LSD was found to contribute little to our understanding of the effects of the drug Most research since 1975 has been conducted on animals in an effort to understand the drug’s action at the neural level Various militaries, including the US military, experimented extensively with LSD and other hallucinogens Between the 1950s and 1960s, hundreds of soldiers and civilians were unwittingly given doses of the drug Subjects believed they were losing their minds. Some suffered psychiatric disorders and others had difficulties adjusting to their usual lives. Army/CIA-sponsored research was poorly done and violated many ethical codes Once knowledge of the activities became public, the US government was required to pay reparations exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars to some subjects and their families. One of the first uses of LSD was to study mental illness, especially schizophrenia Psychiatrists gave patients LSD to help them develop personal insight and to recall repressed experiences LSD was given to terminally ill cancer patients to help them cope with impending death Presently, LSD and other hallucinogens have no accepted medical uses Objectively, LSD does not seem to improve creativity, although artists who take it seem to enjoy its effects Some artists believe that the perceptual changes from LSD have a profound, positive effect In another study, artists believed that their drawing skills vastly diminished under the influence of LSD Research with LSD was conducted at the Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland in the early 1950s In 1953, the CIA gave LSD to government scientist Frank Olson without his knowledge – he experienced a psychotic response and jumped to his death from a 10th-story window Prostitutes in San Francisco were given LSD unknowingly to evaluate the drug’s effect on their sexual activities and experiences and on their patrons
- #16 Experiments by psychologist Timothy Leary on Harvard graduate students His research came under increasing criticism due to charges that he was being less that rigorous and was using ethically questionable methods. 1966: Leary started a religion, the League of Spiritual Discovery, with LSD as the sacrament Motto was “turn on, tune in, and drop out” Use peaked in 1967 and 1968 and then fell due to reports of problems associated with its use including “bad trips,” prolonged psychotic reactions, worries about possible chromosome damage, self-injurious behavior and “flashbacks” In the early 1960s, people took LSD as a means of dealing with society and its inherent problems At Harvard University Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert studied the psychological effects of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic mushroom, on humans Leary and Alpert believed that LSD and other hallucinogens were psychologically and spiritually beneficial
- #18 LSD is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and one of the most potent psychochemicals known No known human overdose deaths LD50 is about 400 times the behaviorally effective dose Absorbed rapidly through the gastrointestinal tract LSD is usually taken orally Half-life is about three hours LSD is metabolized by the liver Excreted as the inactive chemical 2-oxy-lysergic acid diethylamide Tolerance develops rapidly, within three to four days of daily doses Recovery from tolerance is also rapid Cross-tolerance occurs among LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin Physical dependence to LSD or other hallucinogens has not been shown LSD is a sympathomimetic agent Autonomic signs appear quickly following administration Dilated pupils, elevated temperature and blood pressure, increased salivation The fact that the LSD molecule resembles the chemical structure of serotonin provided a clue that the drug might act on serotonin receptors to produce its effects Best evidence indicates that LSD acts by stimulating the serotonin-2A subtype of receptor LSD The most powerful known hallucinogen Tolerance develops rapidly Has no taste, color, or odor Used as microdots placed on blotter paper and licked Behavioral effects last 6 to 8 hours Operates on the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain Causes chromosome damage Physiological effects: Massive increase in neural activity in some brain regions (“electrical storm”). Activates sympathetic nervous system (rise in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure). Parasympathetic nervous system (increase in salivation and nausea). Individuals do not become physically dependent, but psychological dependency can occur. Effects of this hallucinogen begin 30–90 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 12 hours. Tolerance to the effects of LSD develops very quickly. Behavioral effects: Creativity and insight Adverse psychedelic effects Perceptual effects
- #20 Modification of perceptions Visual images: Users see shapes and patterns, usually with intense colors and brightness Users report an altered sense of time, changes in the perception of their own bodies, and alterations of auditory input Synesthesia (“mixing of senses”), in which sounds may appear as visual images or visual pictures might alter in rhythm with music Enhanced emotionality Images may be perceived as beautiful and awe-inspiring or as intensely sad or frightening Typically last six to nine hours Autonomic responses occur over the first 20 minutes Alterations in mood, perception, and sensation begin in the next 30 to 40 minutes Full intoxication occurs within one hour Loss of self-awareness and loss of control of behavior may occur Unique and variable experiences Expansive and pleasant—user feels she or he is uncovering great secrets or profundities Constricted and negative—user experiences paranoia and feelings of persecution Form-constants May be combined with complex images Synesthesia Mixing of senses Each trip is a unique experience Impact on creativity Unlikely to be enhanced successfully Therapeutic usefulness? Phase 1: lasting 1 to 2 hours, is marked by euphoria and either crying or laughing Phase 2: 2 to 3 hours after ingestion, visual illusions and hallucinations appear Phase 3: 3 to 4 hours after ingestion, is characterized by distortion of time, ego disintegration, mood swings, and occasionally panic and depression Ergotism A condition resulting from ingesting a fungus that grows on grains; marked by muscle tremors, burning, mania, delirium, hallucinations, and eventual gangrene St. Anthony’s fire Burning sensations caused by ergot poisoning People during the Middle Ages would visit the shrine of St. Anthony in an attempt to cure it Altered senses Synesthesia Loss of control Flashbacks Self-reflection “Make conscious the unconscious” Loss of identity and cosmic merging “Mystical-spiritual aspect of the drug experience”
- #23 Impossible to determine true incidence of adverse reactions Some bad reactions may be due to impurities in street LSD and/or preexisting psychological conditions in the user Panic reactions Flashbacks Recurrence of symptoms weeks or months after an individual has taken LSD Rare, variable, and unpredictable in occurrence DSM-IV-TR classifies them as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder
- #29 Long history of use among natives of Mexico Psilocybe mexicana is the most well-known psychoactive mushroom Primary active ingredient is the indole psilocybin Dried mushrooms are 0.2 to 0.5 percent psilocybin Effects are similar to LSD and mescaline and cross-tolerance exists among the three Effects depend on dose Up to 4 mg causes relaxation and some body sensations Higher doses cause perceptual and body-image changes, with hallucinations in some individuals Sympathetic arousal symptoms May only be active after converted to psilocin Good Friday study (1962) by one of Timothy Leary’s followers Seminary students were given psilocybin or a placebo 90 minutes before attending a religious service Study looked at effect and magnitude of changes caused by the drug and at the durability of the changes Researchers concluded that under certain circumstances, the drug enhances mystical or religious experiences Most current production is from local, amateur growers “Shrooms” might be consumed at a party in combination with alcohol Psilocybin mushrooms Called teonanacatl by Aztecs In 1958, Albert Hofmann isolated the psychoactive ingredient Effects are similar to LSD, but not as intense Converted into psilocin by a stomach enzyme Has no current medical use Psilocybin Principle source is the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom. It is not very common on the street. Hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD. Cross-tolerance among psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline. Stimulates autonomic nervous system, dilates the pupils, increases body temperature.
- #30 Worldwide, an important naturally occurring hallucinogen found in many plants DMT is the active agent in Cohoba snuff, used in some South American and Caribbean Indian hunting rituals Usually snuffed, smoked, or taken by injection Ineffective when taken orally Effects are very brief, but tolerance does not develop to its psychological effects Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) From leaves, bark, and seeds of various plants grown in South and Central America First synthesized in 1931 (“businessman’s LSD”) Euphoric effects last 1 to 2 hours May result in a psychotic episode Tolerance does not develop Reduces heart rate and blood pressure Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) A short-acting hallucinogen. Trace amounts are found in the body. Found in seeds of certain leguminous trees and prepared synthetically. It is inhaled and is similar in action to psilocybin.
- #32 Peyote (from the Aztec peyotl) is a small, spineless, carrot-shaped cactus, Lophophora williamsii Lemaire Mostly subterranean, with only the pincushion-like top appearing above ground Long pre-Columbian history of use among Mexican Indians, who used the plant ceremonially Arthur Heffter isolated several alkaloids from peyote and showed that Mescaline was the primary psychoactive agent found in peyote. Peyote cult moved north and became widely established among Indians of the plains by the late 19th century Native American Church is an amalgamation of Christianity and traditional beliefs and practices of Native Americans, with peyote use incorporated into its ceremonies Peyote use In religious ceremonies As a treatment for illness Worn as a protective amulet Current laws governing the use of peyote as a sacrament vary from state to state Mescaline was isolated and synthesized by 1918 Peyote includes many other psychoactive alkaloids but mescaline has been identified as primarily responsible for the visual effects Users may experience bad trips as well as nausea and physical discomfort San Pedro cactus: Another mescaline-containing cactus, Trichocereus pachanoi, has also been used for thousands of years, but its recreational use is limited by frequent adverse side effects Rapidly absorbed if taken orally Half-life is about 6 hours Effects Low dose effects are primarily euphoric Higher doses cause the full set of hallucinogenic effects Most mescaline is excreted unchanged Psychoeffective dose causes sympathetic arousal LD50 is about 10 to 30 times the dose needed to cause behavioral effects Tolerance develops more slowly to mescaline than to LSD Cross-tolerance between LSD and mescaline Peyote A cactus containing the hallucinogen mescaline Used by Aztec Indians for religious rituals Mescaline Psychoactive agent derived from the peyote cactus Produces effects similar to norepinephrine In small doses, produces euphoria In larger doses, generates intense hallucinations Stage 1: Contentment and sensitivity Stage 2: Great calm, muscular sluggishness, and a shift of attention from external stimuli to introspection and meditation Medical uses: To treat patients with angina pectoris Respiratory stimulant for patients with pneumonia Peyote takes 30-90 minutes to take effect Stays in the body about 10 hours The hallucinogenic effect lasts about 2 hours Tolerance to mescaline forms quickly and there is a cross-tolerance between mescaline and LSD Mescaline (Peyote) Mescaline is the most active drug in peyote; it induces intensified perception of colors and euphoria. Effects include dilation of the pupils, increase in body temperature, anxiety, visual hallucinations, alteration of body image, vomiting, muscular relaxation. Street samples are rarely authentic.
- #33 Prior to the scheduling of MDMA, some psychiatrists used it in practice because it was viewed as having a special ability to promote empathy, aiding in therapy Effects Heightened sense of “closeness” with others Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Euphoria Increased sociability Other autonomic effects Some research has found that MDMA may cause brain damage Selective destruction of serotonin neurons Strong evidence from animal studies but limited evidence of long-term neurotoxic effects in humans Listed as a Schedule I drug but continues to be studied as a potential psychotherapeutic agent The phenylethylamine drugs are chemically related to amphetamines. They have varying degrees of hallucinogenic and CNS stimulant effects. LSD-like: predominantly release serotonin; dominated by their hallucinogenic action. Cocaine-like: predominantly release dopamine; dominated by their stimulant effects. Dimthoxymethylamphetamine (DOM or STP) “Designer” amphetamines 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy); referred to as an entactogen (in 2012 used by 3.8% of high school seniors)
- #34 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine hydrochloride Initially appeared to be a good anesthetic It does not depress blood circulation or respiration or produce heart rate irregularities as some anesthetics do Mechanism of action of PCP PCP alters many neurotransmitter systems Sigma receptor may be selective for PCP and similar drugs Effects: The psychological reactions to the drug were unpredictable By 1960, PCP had been characterized as An excellent anesthetic for monkeys A medically safe but psychologically troublesome anesthetic for humans A hallucinogen different from LSD and mescaline, with profound effects on body perception Currently, PCP is licensed for use as an animal anesthetic Has had brief, sporadic periods of popularity Relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture Sprinkled onto oregano, parsley, or alfalfa and sold as marijuana Called “angel dust” Joints made with PCP containing marijuana or another plant substance Called “killer joints” or “sherms” Some users develop psychological dependence on PCP Animal studies also indicate a dependence-producing potential A few but not all PCP users have been reported to behave violently Urban legends of superhuman strength among PCP users are most likely false, BUT Police attempting to arrest PCP users have had trouble subduing them due to the anesthetic effects of PCP Phencyclidine hydrochloride (PCP or “angel dust”) Developed in the 1950s as a surgical anesthetic Illegal in the US since 1978 Generates anesthetic, hallucinogenic, stimulating, or depressing effects depending on the dosage and method of administration Dissociative anesthetic Alters perception of pain without loss of consciousness Distributed under many names: angel dust, dust, rocket fuel, trank, crystal, PeaCe Pill, and hog Popularity declined because it induced bizarre, violent behavior Initially distributed in tablet or capsule form, but it also can be injected, snorted, or smoked Acute effects last 4 to 6 hours, but the user may be in a state of confusion for 8 to 24 hours Illegal use of PCP escalated toward the end of the 1960s and into the 1970s Frequently used in place of other drugs such as LSD, THC, mescaline, or amphetamines Because users are disoriented, paranoid, and violent, police and hospital personnel are wary of people who are using it Feelings of warmth Relaxation Poor concentration Depersonalization Nystagmus Agitation Muscle rigidity Sudden mood swings Faster heart rate Elevated blood pressure Euphoria Numbness Distorted body image Confusion Poor coordination Slow reaction time Excessive salivation Repetitive behavior Higher body temperature LARGE DOSES Anorexia Violent behavior Restlessness Suicide Seizures Paranoia Insomnia Amnesia Depression Coma Death Ketamine (K, Special K, or vitamin K) Used in veterinary medicine in place of PCP Effective for pain management in humans Considered a dissociative anesthetic Capable of producing confusion, hallucinations, delirium, excitement, irrational behavior, muscle rigidity, tremors, respiratory depression, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, skin rashes, nausea, and cardiac arrest Ketamine (general anesthetic; PCP-like) Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) High doses cause PCP-like effects Commonly abuse by adolescents (5.6% high school seniors used in 2012) Phencyclidine (PCP) Considered by many experts as the most dangerous of the hallucinogens although it has a host of other effects as well. It was developed as an intravenous anesthetic but was found to have serious adverse side effects. Phencyclidine (PCP) physiological effects Hallucinogenic effects, stimulation, depression, anesthesia, analgesia Large doses can cause coma, convulsions, and death PCP psychological effects Feelings of strength, power, invulnerability, perceptual distortions, paranoia, violence, and psychoses and users appear like schizophrenics
- #35 Active ingredient is atropine Name Atropa belladonna comes from two major historical uses As a deadly poison: Atropos, one of the Three Fates in Greek mythology, was responsible for cutting the thread of life 14 berries contain a lethal dose of atropine As a beauty aid: Belladonna, or “beautiful woman” Extract of the plant dilates the eyes, which is thought to improve appearance Some users report the sensation of flying Use of belladonna may have been tied to some early descriptions of witchcraft and the activities of witches Contains all three anticholinergic hallucinogen alkaloids Close association with love and lovemaking going back to Genesis The root is forked and can be said to resemble a human body Long thought to be endowed with magical and medical properties Henbane Contains scopolamine and l-hyoscyamine Long known and used as a poison Shakespeare’s Hamlet Contain all three anticholinergic alkaloids in varying amounts Long history of religious and medicinal use China: Used to treat colds and nervous disorders Ancient Greece: Oracle to Apollo in Delphi India: Worship of Shiva, ingredient in love potions Native Americans: Used Datura inoxia (loco weed or jimsonweed; see right) Belladonna (deadly nightshade) Found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia Member of the tomato and potato family Can be extremely toxic Datura (locoweed, Jamestown weed, or jimsonweed) Used in ancient China, Greece, India, and Africa Side effects are potentially harmful and noxious Recreational use is increasing Mandrake Derived from the nightshade family Used during the Middle Ages in connection with witchcraft and sorcery In large amounts, can cause coma and death Two psychoactive drugs: scopolamine and atropine Scopolamine has been used to treat motion sickness Atropine is used to dilate the pupils and lessen lung congestion Nutmeg and Mace From seeds and fruit of the Myristica tree Used without effect in food preparations Large quantities induce visual and auditory hallucinations Myristicin Substance found in nutmeg and mace Chemically similar to mescaline Unpleasant side effects The anticholinergic hallucinogens include naturally occurring alkaloid substances that are present in plants and herbs. The potato family of plants contains most of these mind-altering drugs. Three potent anticholingergic compounds in these plants: Scopolamine Hyoscyamine Atropine
- #36 Called “fly agaric” because it stupefies flies that suck its juice One of the most common poisonous mushrooms found in many parts of the world Can cause severe effects of intoxication Twitching limbs Raving drunkenness Agitation Vivid hallucinations Followed by hours of partial paralysis with sleep and dreams Hallucinogen is excreted unchanged Sacramental use mentioned in the poems of the Rig Veda (India) May have been the ambrosia (“food of the gods”) mentioned in the secret rites of the Greek god Dionysius May have been used by the cult that became Christianity Long use by Siberian nomadic tribes Used as a holy plant by several tribal groups in the Americas Researchers have studied a number of compounds: Muscarine Bufotenin Ibotenic acid Muscimol Muscimol can act as an agonist at GABA receptors Anticholinergic hallucinogens Found in datura and in Amanita muscaria mushrooms Interfere with the action of acetylcholine to produce hallucinations Have been used as medicines, poisons, and beauty aids Can be highly toxic in large doses Plants containing anticholinergic hallucinogens include belladonna, datura, henbane, and mandrake Amanita muscaria is one of the oldest and most common hallucinogens; derived from the fly agaric mushroom In India 3,500 years ago, the Rig Veda, an ancient Hindu book, called it soma Viking warriors ingested Amanita muscaria to make them feel more fierce This mushroom grows throughout the US, and can be lethal
- #37 Used for centuries in Oaxaca, Mexico, in religious ceremonies Traditional methods of use Chewing the leaves Drinking a tea made from the crushed leaves Smoking the dried leaves Produces a hallucinatory effect Recreational use reported in Mexico and the U.S. Not currently listed as a federally controlled substance in the U.S., but is outlawed in several states Mechanism of action Active ingredient is salvinorin A, a highly potent agent Salvinorin A binds selectively to the kappa opioid receptor, acting as an agonist (a unique pharmacological effect) Salvinorin A Relatively new hallucinogen derived from the sage family Not yet illegal in the US, but banned in some states When smoked, psychoactive effect lasts 15 minutes Research into the effects of long-term medical and recreational use of the drug is limited Salvia divinorum “Legal” hallucinogenic herb, used by 4.4% of high school seniors in 2012 Can cause intense hallucinations and short-term memory loss
- #38 Ololiuqui, seeds of the morning glory plant Rivea corymbosa Used as psychoactive agents in Mexico in the sixteenth century Religious significance Seeds contain several active alkaloids, including d-lysergic acid amide Seeds from the Hawaiian baby woodrose, Argyreia nervosa, have also been used recreationally Seeds contain d-lysergic acid amide Outer coating of seeds contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides, which can make a user sick