This document provides information on various herbal highs and psychoactive substances, including their history, effects, risks, and legal status. It discusses substances like cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, magic mushrooms, cannabis, and new synthetic drugs sold as legal alternatives. The document notes that while some natural substances like cannabis have a long history of traditional use, new synthetic drugs and extremely potent strains lack research on long term safety. It also discusses issues around legal regulation and harm reduction approaches for psychoactive substances.
Reviews types of stimulants including decongestants, side effects and effects on sports performance.
NBCC, NAADAC, CAADAC, and California Board of Behavioral Sciences approved Mental Health continuing education and addictions counselor training series. Narrated versions and CEUs available at http://www.allceus.com
Pharmacotherapy of Drug Abuse or Addiction (Intoxication and Withdrawal Syndr...Sawsan Aboul-Fotouh
. Addiction Circle (Abuse, Dependence, Addiction)
2. Pathophysiology of Addiction and Reward or pleasure pathway
3. Mechanism of addictive Drugs on Reward System
4. Signs and Symptoms of intoxication and Withdrawal of different Drugs
5. Table List of most common Addictive drugs classified according to action
6. treatment of intoxication
7. Treatment of Withdrawal Syndrome
A brief overview of designer drugs, their categories, their structures ; their toxicities and the management of their toxicities. A brief note on the concerns regarding designer drugs
A seminar presentation I made as part of my residency. The drugs covered are Synthetic Cathinones, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Ecstacy/MDMA, GHB, Ketamine and Mephedrone.
Reviews types of stimulants including decongestants, side effects and effects on sports performance.
NBCC, NAADAC, CAADAC, and California Board of Behavioral Sciences approved Mental Health continuing education and addictions counselor training series. Narrated versions and CEUs available at http://www.allceus.com
Pharmacotherapy of Drug Abuse or Addiction (Intoxication and Withdrawal Syndr...Sawsan Aboul-Fotouh
. Addiction Circle (Abuse, Dependence, Addiction)
2. Pathophysiology of Addiction and Reward or pleasure pathway
3. Mechanism of addictive Drugs on Reward System
4. Signs and Symptoms of intoxication and Withdrawal of different Drugs
5. Table List of most common Addictive drugs classified according to action
6. treatment of intoxication
7. Treatment of Withdrawal Syndrome
A brief overview of designer drugs, their categories, their structures ; their toxicities and the management of their toxicities. A brief note on the concerns regarding designer drugs
A seminar presentation I made as part of my residency. The drugs covered are Synthetic Cathinones, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Ecstacy/MDMA, GHB, Ketamine and Mephedrone.
Drug abuse is the excessive, maladaptive, or addictive use of drugs for nonmedical purposes which could create harmful effects on human health and society.
Purpose:
The purpose of this webinar is to raise awareness among the people about the demerits of such chemicals, their causes , their effects and preventive measures. The illegal use of drugs not only anguishes the persons mental and physical health but it destroys his family's life as well. The ignorance about the after effects of drugs could lead to destruction of society economically , ethically and health wise. Our collaborative movement towards this issue will help us eliminate the illegal usage of drugs. So , become a part of this movement by attending the session.
Background: The Gateway Drug Theory suggests that licit drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol, serve as a "gateway" toward the use of other, illicit drugs. However, there remains some discrepancy regarding which drug-alcohol, tobacco, or even marijuana-serves as the initial "gateway" drug subsequently leading to the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The purpose of this investigation was to determine which drug (alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana) was the actual "gateway" drug leading to additional substance use among a nationally representative sample of high school seniors.
Methods: This investigation conducted a secondary analysis of the 2008 Monitoring the Future 12th-grade data. Initiation into alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use was analyzed using a Guttman scale. Coefficients of reliability and scalability were calculated to evaluate scale fit. Subsequent cross tabulations and chi-square test for independence were conducted to better understand the relationship between the identified gateway drug and other substances' use.
Results: Results from the Guttman scale indicated that alcohol represented the "gateway" drug, leading to the use of tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit substances. Moreover, students who used alcohol exhibited a significantly greater likelihood of using both licit and illicit drugs.
Conclusion: The findings from this investigation support that alcohol should receive primary attention in school-based substance abuse prevention programming, as the use of other substances could be impacted by delaying or preventing alcohol use. Therefore, it seems prudent for school and public health officials to focus prevention efforts, policies, and monies, on addressing adolescent alcohol use.
Background: The Gateway Drug Theory suggests that licit drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol, serve as a "gateway" toward the use of other, illicit drugs. However, there remains some discrepancy regarding which drug-alcohol, tobacco, or even marijuana-serves as the initial "gateway" drug subsequently leading to the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The purpose of this investigation was to determine which drug (alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana) was the actual "gateway" drug leading to additional substance use among a nationally representative sample of high school seniors.
Methods: This investigation conducted a secondary analysis of the 2008 Monitoring the Future 12th-grade data. Initiation into alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use was analyzed using a Guttman scale. Coefficients of reliability and scalability were calculated to evaluate scale fit. Subsequent cross tabulations and chi-square test for independence were conducted to better understand the relationship between the identified gateway drug and other substances' use.
Results: Results from the Guttman scale indicated that alcohol represented the "gateway" drug, leading to the use of tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit substances. Moreover, students who used alcohol exhibited a significantly greater likelihood of using both licit and illicit drugs.
Conclusion: The findings from this investigation support that alcohol should receive primary attention in school-based substance abuse prevention programming, as the use of other substances could be impacted by delaying or preventing alcohol use. Therefore, it seems prudent for school and public health officials to focus prevention efforts, policies, and monies, on addressing adolescent alcohol use.
Background: Given ever-reducing budgets of community and school substance use prevention programs, there is a call for identifying the first substance in the sequence leading to polydrug use.
Methods: Examining data from a nationally representative sample of 2835 United States 12th graders, we sought to determine (1) the first substance adolescents use; (2) order in which adolescents progress through alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use; and (3) impact of age of initial substance use on lifetime and frequency of illicit substance use.
Results: Alcohol is the most commonly used substance, and the majority of polysubstance using respondents consumed alcohol prior to tobacco or marijuana initiation. Respondents initiating alcohol use in sixth grade reported significantly greater lifetime illicit substance use (M = 1.9, standard deviation [SD] = 1.7, p < .001) and more frequent illicit substance use (M = 6.0, SD = 6.5, p < .001) than those initiating alcohol use in ninth grade or later. Overall, effect sizes for these differences were large (eta squared = 0.30 and 0.28, respectively).
Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of screening for substance use, even among youth enrolled in elementary/middle school. In addition, schoo
This presentation aims to discuss the reason why Recreational drugs (also known as legal highs) were created and the problems and consequences behind these drugs.
PHP Frameworks: I want to break free (IPC Berlin 2024)Ralf Eggert
In this presentation, we examine the challenges and limitations of relying too heavily on PHP frameworks in web development. We discuss the history of PHP and its frameworks to understand how this dependence has evolved. The focus will be on providing concrete tips and strategies to reduce reliance on these frameworks, based on real-world examples and practical considerations. The goal is to equip developers with the skills and knowledge to create more flexible and future-proof web applications. We'll explore the importance of maintaining autonomy in a rapidly changing tech landscape and how to make informed decisions in PHP development.
This talk is aimed at encouraging a more independent approach to using PHP frameworks, moving towards a more flexible and future-proof approach to PHP development.
Dr. Sean Tan, Head of Data Science, Changi Airport Group
Discover how Changi Airport Group (CAG) leverages graph technologies and generative AI to revolutionize their search capabilities. This session delves into the unique search needs of CAG’s diverse passengers and customers, showcasing how graph data structures enhance the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated search results, mitigating the risk of “hallucinations” and improving the overall customer journey.
The Art of the Pitch: WordPress Relationships and SalesLaura Byrne
Clients don’t know what they don’t know. What web solutions are right for them? How does WordPress come into the picture? How do you make sure you understand scope and timeline? What do you do if sometime changes?
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Communications Mining Series - Zero to Hero - Session 1DianaGray10
This session provides introduction to UiPath Communication Mining, importance and platform overview. You will acquire a good understand of the phases in Communication Mining as we go over the platform with you. Topics covered:
• Communication Mining Overview
• Why is it important?
• How can it help today’s business and the benefits
• Phases in Communication Mining
• Demo on Platform overview
• Q/A
Generative AI Deep Dive: Advancing from Proof of Concept to ProductionAggregage
Join Maher Hanafi, VP of Engineering at Betterworks, in this new session where he'll share a practical framework to transform Gen AI prototypes into impactful products! He'll delve into the complexities of data collection and management, model selection and optimization, and ensuring security, scalability, and responsible use.
LF Energy Webinar: Electrical Grid Modelling and Simulation Through PowSyBl -...DanBrown980551
Do you want to learn how to model and simulate an electrical network from scratch in under an hour?
Then welcome to this PowSyBl workshop, hosted by Rte, the French Transmission System Operator (TSO)!
During the webinar, you will discover the PowSyBl ecosystem as well as handle and study an electrical network through an interactive Python notebook.
PowSyBl is an open source project hosted by LF Energy, which offers a comprehensive set of features for electrical grid modelling and simulation. Among other advanced features, PowSyBl provides:
- A fully editable and extendable library for grid component modelling;
- Visualization tools to display your network;
- Grid simulation tools, such as power flows, security analyses (with or without remedial actions) and sensitivity analyses;
The framework is mostly written in Java, with a Python binding so that Python developers can access PowSyBl functionalities as well.
What you will learn during the webinar:
- For beginners: discover PowSyBl's functionalities through a quick general presentation and the notebook, without needing any expert coding skills;
- For advanced developers: master the skills to efficiently apply PowSyBl functionalities to your real-world scenarios.
Unlocking Productivity: Leveraging the Potential of Copilot in Microsoft 365, a presentation by Christoforos Vlachos, Senior Solutions Manager – Modern Workplace, Uni Systems
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Sudheer Mechineni, Head of Application Frameworks, Standard Chartered Bank
Discover how Standard Chartered Bank harnessed the power of Neo4j to transform complex data access challenges into a dynamic, scalable graph database solution. This keynote will cover their journey from initial adoption to deploying a fully automated, enterprise-grade causal cluster, highlighting key strategies for modelling organisational changes and ensuring robust disaster recovery. Learn how these innovations have not only enhanced Standard Chartered Bank’s data infrastructure but also positioned them as pioneers in the banking sector’s adoption of graph technology.
Why You Should Replace Windows 11 with Nitrux Linux 3.5.0 for enhanced perfor...SOFTTECHHUB
The choice of an operating system plays a pivotal role in shaping our computing experience. For decades, Microsoft's Windows has dominated the market, offering a familiar and widely adopted platform for personal and professional use. However, as technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of innovation, alternative operating systems have emerged, challenging the status quo and offering users a fresh perspective on computing.
One such alternative that has garnered significant attention and acclaim is Nitrux Linux 3.5.0, a sleek, powerful, and user-friendly Linux distribution that promises to redefine the way we interact with our devices. With its focus on performance, security, and customization, Nitrux Linux presents a compelling case for those seeking to break free from the constraints of proprietary software and embrace the freedom and flexibility of open-source computing.
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Monitoring and observability aren’t traditionally found in software curriculums and many of us cobble this knowledge together from whatever vendor or ecosystem we were first introduced to and whatever is a part of your current company’s observability stack.
While the dev and ops silo continues to crumble….many organizations still relegate monitoring & observability as the purview of ops, infra and SRE teams. This is a mistake - achieving a highly observable system requires collaboration up and down the stack.
I, a former op, would like to extend an invitation to all application developers to join the observability party will share these foundational concepts to build on:
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Climate Impact of Software Testing at Nordic Testing DaysKari Kakkonen
My slides at Nordic Testing Days 6.6.2024
Climate impact / sustainability of software testing discussed on the talk. ICT and testing must carry their part of global responsibility to help with the climat warming. We can minimize the carbon footprint but we can also have a carbon handprint, a positive impact on the climate. Quality characteristics can be added with sustainability, and then measured continuously. Test environments can be used less, and in smaller scale and on demand. Test techniques can be used in optimizing or minimizing number of tests. Test automation can be used to speed up testing.
GraphSummit Singapore | The Art of the Possible with Graph - Q2 2024Neo4j
Neha Bajwa, Vice President of Product Marketing, Neo4j
Join us as we explore breakthrough innovations enabled by interconnected data and AI. Discover firsthand how organizations use relationships in data to uncover contextual insights and solve our most pressing challenges – from optimizing supply chains, detecting fraud, and improving customer experiences to accelerating drug discoveries.
GraphSummit Singapore | The Art of the Possible with Graph - Q2 2024
Legal highs cardiff lecture
1. Herbal Highs: Effects and
Consequences
Andrea Zangara
Flordis Natural Medicines
Medicinal Plant Research Centre (Newcastle University, UK)
Brain Science Institute (Swinburne University, AU)
andrea@flordis.com
Embracing Diversity, Drugs and Differences
15th October 09
Marriott Hotel, Cardiff
2. Classification of
Psychoactive Drugs:
drugs which alter
mood states and
consciousness
drugs used in the
treatment of
psychopathology
stimulants
hallucinogens
depressants anxiolytics
anti-depressants
antipsychotics
3. Cocaine: background
• isolated from coca plant (Erythroxylon coca)
• historical use in Colombia and Bolivia (largely
to aid strenuous manual work)
4. Cocaine: history
• cocaine itself isolated in
mid nineteenth century
• historical use in various
beverages and tonics
advertisement 1885
6. Cocaine: properties
• 0.6 - 1.8% in coca leaves
• usually administered as powder (cocaine
hydrochloride) or crystalline rocks
7. Administration
• oral ingestion
–slow rate of absorption
–relatively steady state
• onset from other routes
–snorting - 3 mins
–injection - 15 secs
–smoking - 5 secs
‘rush’ ‘crash’
8. Acute behavioural effects
• increased confidence, exhilaration and
alertness
• decreased fatigue and boredom
• delays onset of REM sleep
• facilitates sustained effort
• enhances athletic performance
9. Cocaine risks and damages
• psychological addiction, compulsion
• breathing troubles, risk of stroke, heart attack,
seizures
• insomnia, weight loss, depression, irritability,
exhaustion, incoherence, delusions aggression
• toxic psychosis (similar to paranoid psychosis)
• symptoms caused by ‘crack’ may be more persistent
• large doses can directly damage neurons
• physical damage
10.
11. Cocaine mix
• Alcohol: cocaethylene extends effects and increases
cardiovascular toxicity
• Amphetamines: rare, similar effects; increase
toxicity and cardiac stress
• Cannabis: smoked to relax (might increase blood
pressure and heart rate)
• Ecstasy: popular mix as ‘dance drug’; increases
physical and mental stress
• Heroine: ‘speedball’, the 2 drugs amplify each other
and the heart can ‘lose rhythm’
• Ketamine: popular mix for dancing
• Viagra: can be dangerous (cardiovascular)
12. Amphetamine: background
• 1924 ephedrine isolated from Chinese ma
huang (Ephedra vulgaris)
• replaced by synthesised amphetamine in
1927
– rediscovered from 1887 as ephedrine substitute
• chemical structure related to adrenaline and
noradrenalin
• widely used in military scenarios (to this day)
• popular recreational drug in certain
subcultures
14. Amphetamines: effects
• snorted, injected, smoked, ingested
• administration influences onset
• effects similar to cocaine but longer
• CNS continually stimulated
• suppression of appetite, sleep,
increased concentration, confidence
• grinding teeth
• ‘crash’, in 3-8 hours
15. Amphetamines: risks and
consequences
• risk of overdose (injection)
• chronic use: paranoia, tension, depression,
fatigue, total exhaustion
• chronic use and large acute intake can trigger
amphetamine psychosis (paranoia,
obsessions)
• highly addictive
• tolerance is rapid
• withdrawal = opposite symptoms
16. Amphetamines mix
• Additional strain on the heart and increased blood
pressure
• Alcohol: very popular, can drink more
• Cannabis: to relax
• Cocaine: similar effects, increase cardiovascular risk
• MDMA: extend and intensify; body temperature up
• Heroine: popular mix, decreases paranoia
• Ketamine: perception changes (time)
• Magic mushrooms: more paranoia
• Tobacco: more cigarettes
17. LSD (acids, trips)
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
• Synthetic, with profound effects on perception and
cognition at very low doses (40-150 mcg)
• LSD has main effects on 5-HT (serotonin) neurons
• Colourless, odourless, tasteless: generally LSD is
typically delivered orally, usually on a substrate such
as absorbent blotted paper, sugar, or gelatine
• Difficult to understand quality and quantity as it
rapidly degrades
18. Effects
• effects appear from 20 mins to 2 hours
• initially euphoria, goose bumps, increase in heart
rate, jaw clenching, perspiration, pupil dilation,
hypothermia, nausea
• between 30-45 minutes to reach their peak
• profound modification of consciousness,
synaesthesia
• 8-12 ore in total
• after effect: tiredness, positive or negative feelings
• set e del setting very important
20. MDMA (Ecstasy)
(3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
• Related to both amphetamines and hallucinogenic (DA e
5HT)
• Empathogens as first ‘designer drugs’
• MDMA, MDA, MDE, 2CB, 2CT, 4-MTA, DOB....
• In pills and powder form (md)
• Effects starts after 20-40 mins, and last 4-5 hours
• Physiological effects similar to amphetamine
• Positive feelings of elation, euphoria, and closeness to
others, appreciation of music and touch; replaced by
depression and lethargy in the days afterwards
• Regular use may be neurotoxic, with prolonged
serotonergic damage
21. Self-reported memory deficits in
recreational drug users:
findings from web-based studies
Andrew Scholey, Jacqui Rodgers, Tom Buchanan,
Tom Heffernan, Jonathan Ling and Andy Parrott
1Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, University of Northumbria
2Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Newcastle
3Department of Psychology, University of Westminster
4Psychology Department, Keele University
5Department of Psychology, University of Swansea
Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit www.hcnu.com
Sydney ICOM July 2006
22. Summary
• self-report data are consistent with laboratory
studies of memory deficits and other
impairment
• internet provides insights into perceived
problems and motivations
• future studies should include
– online cognitive testing
– use of PRMQ
– relationship between subjective and objective
measures
– prospective longitudinal studies starting in
schools?
23. Gender effects
• Recent reports have
suggested that women
are more susceptible
than men to acute and
sub-acute effects of
ecstasy
• We found no gender
differences
– chronic effects equivalent
in males and females?
– chronic effects lead to
poorer calibration?
males females
REPORTEDERRORS
0
1
2
3
males females
ERRORS
0.0
0.5
1.0
PMQ-LT
ERRORS COMPLETING FORM
Rodgers et al (2003) J Psychopharmacology 17, 379-386
24. Heat, ecstasy and LT-PM
• animal literature
indicates contribution
of hyperthermia to
MDMA serotonergic
toxicity
• here individuals who
stated that they
danced and became
hot while on ecstasy
reported more PM-LT
difficulties
Parrott et al (2006) Hum Psychopharmacology In press
25. Chronic physiological
effects of MDMA
• Demonstrated to
cause serious 5-HT
neurodegeneration
• In humans regions
of destruction
– Hippocampus
– Frontal cortex
26. Ketamine
• Dissociative anaesthetic : sense of
detachment from one's physical body
• Appearance: powder, tablets, liquid
• Effects last 45-60 minutes: from mild
stimulation to out-of-body and near-death
experiences
• Ketamine blocks glutamate activity, the result
is a temporary shut down of some brain areas
(K-hole)
27. Ketamine: risks and
consequences
• ketamine can be extremely habit forming
• relatively safe
• dangerous in combination with other
depressants
• danger of physical harm
• chronic use: troubles in digesting properly,
urinating, memory weakening, alienated and
dissociated states
• tolerance develops quickly, but no withdrawal
(restlessness)
28. The use of psychoactive
plants
Humans have a natural drive to pursue
ecstatic experiences
All cultures have developed methods
for inducing such experiences
Every culture in the world (has) used
psychoactive plants
29. Cannabis
• The most used drug (illegal)
• Hashish 10-20% THC
• Marijuana 5-15%
• Smoked
• Ingested
30. • Over sixty active cannabinoids identified
• most prominent intoxicant
- D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC)
– also e.g. D8-THC (relatively little)
• up to 20% of dry weight leaf
• also cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD)
– not themselves active
– may alter potency of active ingredients
• burning also modifies CBD into THC
• content is variable and changing historically
• Modern strains contains up to 3 times THC
Active ingredients
31. Cannabis and psychosis
• International Cannabis and Mental Health
Conference (2007): CBD as anti psychotic;
THC seems to interact with brain areas
related to paranoia and anxiety
• amisulpride and CBD in 42 psychotic
patients: improvement of symptoms and less
side effects with CBD (Leweke, 2007)
• CBD modulates THC?
• New strains unbalanced?
32. Legal / Herbal Highs
• Legal mind-altering substances, which cause similar
effects to illegal drugs
• Processed and unprocessed psychoactive
herbal/vegetable products (mushrooms, plants, cacti,
seeds, roots etc…)
• Synthetic products
• Various mixes and extracts (5x…)
• Categories:
– Energy (stimulants)
– Relaxant
– Aphrodisiacs
– Psychedelics
– Detox/ Prepare/ Repair
33. Contexts and Typologies
Contexts
• Prohibition
• Harm reduction
• Globalisation
• New musical trends
• Other contexts without music
Typologies
• Sensation seeker (psychonauts)
• Experimental drug users attracted by media
• Those wanting a legal alternative to illegal drugs
• Poli drug users
•Curious
34.
35. Smart Drugs and Smart Shops
• Eighties: nootropics
• Nineties: detox, prepare and repair,
herbal ecstasy, ‘herbal highs’
• Smart shops: from Netherlands to EU
• Today: synthetic legal highs, increasing
strength, Internet
36. Number of the total identified online shops
by country
selling legal alternatives to illegal drugs
Country Number of sites
Austria 3
Ireland 1
Portugal 1
Germany 4
Netherlands 25
UK 35
Total 69
7 out of 27 selected for further analysis offered more than one language version
A total of 8 different European languages were covered by the 27 online shops
Source: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
(EMCDDA) 2008
37. How Safe?
• NZ: Survey of patients and relatives
presenting to an emergency department
(n=1043)
• 11.9% had taken herbal party pills (30%
among 14-25 year olds)
• 84.8% had felt effects from party pills
• 50.4% described effects as “good”
• 4.8% had sought medical attention for effects
Source: Nicholson, T.C. (2006), Prevalence of use, epidemiology and Toxicity of “herbal
party pills” among those presenting to the emergency Department.
39. Herbal Highs: Policies
• ‘Herbal highs’ — pose a range of difficult questions
for drug control policies:
• Conceptual: how to define which products are of
interest
• Practical and methodological: how to monitor the
products sold, identify the synthetic compounds that
they may contain and assess their health risks
• Little knowledge about the pharmacology, toxicology
and safety profile in humans, the type and amount of
synthetic substances added may vary considerably
40. The Smart Alternative (harm
reduction)
• Herbal XTC → MDMA/Stimulants
• Magic mushrooms → LSD
• GHB → Opiates
The ban on them had as consequence:
BZP – Amanita muscaria – Synthetic
cannabinoids – Research chemicals
41. Herbal ecstasy (ephedra/ ma
huang/ sida cordifolia /sinephrine)
• Sympathomimetic amine acting on adrenergic
receptor system
• Similar in structure and effects to the synthetic
derivatives amphetamine and methamphetamine
• Euphoria, stimulant, appetite suppressant,
bronchodilator, thermogenesis
• Can cause insomnia, nervousness, heart-problems
and high blood pressure, stroke, and seizures
• Cardiovascular risk increases when combined with
other stimulants
• Can increase tolerance to alcohol effects
43. Not so smart ingredients
(little or unknown long term risks)
• Butylone
• Methylone
• Methedrone
• Mephedrone
• Methcathinone
• Dimethylcathinone
• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Piperazine
• Benzylpiperazine
• 3-Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine
44. Benzylpiperazine (BZP)
• Piperazines, not herbal but sold due to
amphetamine-like effects and legal
• Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is the most common
derivative
• Piperazine was originally used as an
antihelmintic to treat round worm
• Derivatives were further investigated in the
1970’s but trials stopped when abuse
potential was clear
45. Benzylpiperazine (BZP)
The effects
• Loss of appetite, increased heart rate, tingling skin and flushing ,sense of
euphoria and increased alertness;
• Sense of taste, sound and colour may be enhanced;
• Such effects can last between four to eight hours, depending on the amount
taken, the user's mood, metabolism and environment.
The risks
• Users report an inability to sleep for as long as 10 hours after the effects have
subsided
• Can leave users with symptoms similar to a hangover, such as headache,
fatigue, reduced appetite and nausea
• Possibility of slight memory loss
• BZP has been linked to cases of seizure, renal failure and acute psychosis in
some studies. Mixing BZP with other drugs, including alcohol, may increase risk
of negative effects.
• The law:
• At present, a loophole in the UK law allows BZP to be sold as a soil fertiliser.
46. Containing 180mg of BZP
and TFMP. Plus lots of
other nutrients and
minerals
• The combination of BZP and TFMPP has been associated with
a range of side effects (insomnia, anxiety, nausea and vomiting,
headaches and muscle aches similar to migraine, seizures,
impotence, rarely psychosis), as well as a prolonged and
unpleasant hangover effect similar to that produced by alcohol.
These side effects tend to be significantly worsened when the
BZP/TFMPP mix is consumed alongside alcohol (Wilkins C. Et
al., 2007)
47. Doves
• LONDON UNDERGROUND INVITES YOU TO GROW WITH LOVE!!
Get ready for London Undergrounds latest addition to our NON BZP range.
Doves are the crème de la crème of London Undergrounds pills and its best kept secret.
• Now available BZP & TFMPP free.
Doves Feeder encourages healthy leaf growth and
strong root development. Doves Feeder is suitable for use on indoor and outdoor plants.
DOVES are available to customers outside USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Doves are available in 2 packs and 5 packs.
• Recommended dosages
DIRECTIONS: Use one Dove feeder per square meter around garden beds. For potted plants use half a Dove
feeder toward outer edge of the pot. Use half this amount for Violets and ferns.
ALWAYS WATER IN WELL AFTER APLICATION.
•
Do not contain methylone/ethylone
NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SOLD AS PLANT FOOD The Dove pills are a state of the art product.
They don't contain the DOMS but a beta ketone.
Structurally this ketone is very similar to MDMA, but while that is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act
1971 the ketone isn't. Nor does it fall into any of the Analogue Laws or sub clauses of the Misuse Act. It is not
a phenethylamine
•
48. Magic
Mushrooms
• Active ingredients: psilocybin and psilocin (varies)
• Both mimic serotonin action - so effects may be
through serotonin receptors.
• Over 90 species of magic mushrooms worldwide
• Similar effect to LSD, but shorter, less intense
• Eaten (fresh or dry) or drank as tea
• Dose: 2 gr (dry), 20 gr (fresh)
• Modification of perception dose-dependent
• Effects after 20 mins, peak at 30-45 for 1-2 hours,
total 4-6 hours
49. Risks and consequences
• Exaggerate negative feelings
• Wrong setting
• ‘Bad trip’: fear, nausea, anxiety, confusion, fainting
• Memory impairment
• Latent or pre existent psychosis
• Poisonous mushrooms
• High turnover UK Treasury sales tax on
hallucinogenic mushrooms: 255,000 Euro per year on
a turnover of approx. 1.46 million Euro per annum
(estimations)
50. Fly Agaric (Amanita
muscaria)
• Ibotenic acid converted to muscimol on
drying or in the body; same effects, but
muscimol is 5-10 times more potent
51. Effects
• Psilocybe and Amanita are not chemically related
with regard to their psychoactive properties: markedly
different psychoactive effects
• Effects can be felt 30-120 minutes after ingestion.
The peak will start 1-3 hours after ingestion and can
last 6-10 hours. After effects can last another 1-6
hours. Alcohol can intensify intoxication
• Marijuana can ease any feelings of nausea and
intensify intoxication.
52. Effects cont.
• Low dose = 1-5 grams dried (1-2 fresh mushrooms)
medium dose = 5-10 grams dried (2-4 fresh
mushrooms) high dose = 10-30 grams dried (4-10
fresh mushrooms)
• Visual distortions, mood changes, euphoria,
relaxation, delirium, inebriation, spasms.
• High doses give swollen features, high rage and
madness, characterized by bouts of mania, followed
by periods of quiet hallucination.
• Fatal dose = 10 mushrooms (ca. 100 g fresh
mushroom).
• No antidotes! - stomach pumped
53. Synthetic Cannabinoids
(Spyce)
• Herbal blend that claims to be a legal substitute for
cannabis
• Advertised as an ‘exotic incense blend which
releases a rich aroma’ and ‘not for human
consumption’
• Some of the declared ingredients are plants
traditionally known as ‘marijuana substitutes’
• Most of the ingredients listed on the packaging are
actually not present in the Spice products
• It is assumed effects described by users are due to
added synthetic cannabinoids
Information fom Dr. R. Sedefov, Lisbon, 15 June 2009
54. Synthetic Cannabinoids
(Spyce)
• In 2008 a new psychoactive substance JWH-018 a
cannabinoid receptor (CB) agonist identified in Spice
products in Austria
• Chemical structure differs substantially from THC, but
it produces similar effects and more potent
• Several synthetic cannabinoids discovered
afterwards across EU
• No pharmaceutical product has emerged, no human
studies carried out
• Little is known about metabolism and toxicology. The
health risk of the inhaled smoke is unknown
55. Synthetic Cannabinoids
(Spice)
• In the case of JWH-018 it can be assumed that due to
structural features there may be a certain carcinogenic
potential?
• Active in low doses; accidental overdosing with a risk of
severe psychiatric complications because the type and
amount of cannabinoid may vary considerably
• In general, there may be a risk for the appearance of a full
CB receptor agonists; leading to life threatening conditions
if overdosed?
• Seems that tolerance may develop fairly fast; arguably this
might be associated with relatively high potential to cause
dependence
56. Salvia divinorum
• The Salvia genus is part of the Lamiaceae family
(more commonly called the Mint family). The Mint
family contains over 200 genera and 3,500 species
• Salvia has a long history of use by the by the
Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico for divination,
entheogenic, and healing purposes
• Dried leaves: smoked (bong), chewed; solid or liquid
extracts (5x-100x)
• The main active chemical in Salvia divinorum is
called salvinorin A
57. Salvia: Effects and
Consequences
• Salvinorin A is an extremely powerful consciousness
altering compound
• When the herb is consumed either by smoking the
dried leaf or chewing the fresh leaves the effects are
usually (but not always) pleasant
• When the dose goes above 500 - 1000 mcg the
effects can be excessive –always need a ‘sitter’
• Hallucinogenic – psychedelic effect, but short (3’5
min), powerful, immediate; not a ‘dance drug’
• May trigger latent psychological and mental problems
• Illegal from 2005 in some EU
58. Salvia: Effects and
Consequences
• Most harms resulting from the use of psychoactive
drugs like salvia occur as a result of people injuring
themselves when under the influence of the drug
• There is some concern that salvia could trigger
psychotic episodes particularly in young people and
vulnerable individuals with latent mental health
problems
59. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
(Argyreia nervosa)
• LSA, simile a LSD (also Ipomoea)
• Medical use: bronchitis, cough, diabetes,
syphilis, tuberculosis, and other maladies. Also
as aphrodisiacs, tonics, cognitive enhancer
• Dose: 3-8 seeds in little pieces
• Effect similar to LSD but more narcotic
• Nausea (remove coating)
• Overdosing is rare
• Trigger psychosis or psychotic states
60. Kratom
• Mitragyna speciosa is the botanical name of the
plant
• From South East Asia; Kratom has been used as
medicine in Thailand since ancient times
• The primary active chemicals in kratom are
mitragynine
• At lower doses, has physically stimulating effect. At
larger doses it is more sedating, with a relaxed,
euphoric cerebral sensation, with some pain relieving
properties (similar to those of a mild opioid like
codeine)
61. Effects and Consequences
• Can ease the discomfort of withdrawl from opium and
opium based substances like heroin, morphine
• There is a chance of becoming addicted (if only
psychologically) to kratom if abused
• When taken orally, the effects of kratom can be felt
about 30-60 minutes after ingestion, and the peak
lasts 2-3 hours. When smoked, the effects start
quicker and last about 60-90 minutes
• The only common negative comment about kratom is
that it causes nausea at high doses
62. Other natural psychedelics
• Cacti: Peyote / San Pedro (mescaline)
• Ayahuasca (dmt / armaline)
• Yopo (dmt)
• Iboga (ibogaine)
• Generally not considered ‘trendy’ and
used only by experienced people
63.
64. RESULTS
Sample characteristics
The average age of the interviewees was 24±5
years, 65 (64.4%) of whom were males, 36 (35.6%)
females. Female smartshop customers were
significantly younger than males (22.6±3.6 vs.
24.9±4.7, p=0.014). The average age at first visit to
a smartshop was 20±3.8.
80.2% of the interviewees had bought energy
drinks from a smartshop, 76.2% magic mushrooms,
58.4% herbs, 49.5% herbal XTC, 47.5% smart
nutrients, 33.7% nootropics, and 20.8% strong
psychoactive herbs. The strongest the product, the
more the customer tend to be older and informed
on the effects and consequences
65. Conclusions: a missed
chance?
• Psychedelic herbs when out of their context or in forms different
from traditional use may produce dangerous and unwanted effects
• Smartshops should be honest source of information and literature
on the contents, effect and safety of legal highs, never instigate or
push use of anything
• The original concept was not to provide completely safe products,
but safer than illegal drugs and identifiable, and to give enough
information for the safest use
• The smart concept should include health and safety monitoring,
quality and purity of products, liaison with health and regulatory
authorities
• Today’s trend seems only to get easy and fast money, and trick the
law with new and potentially dangerous synthetic molecules,
representing a serious hazardr to public health
• A new and effective legal framework is urgently needed