Hallucinogens:
Hallucinogens include chemical substances like Ketamine, LSD and PCP. They also include a relatively wide variety of naturally occurring Mushrooms, Cacti, plant and animal toxins that can produce psychedelic effects in humans. Salvia is one plant that has recently made headlines for producing marijuana like symptoms.
The classic hallucinogens include Psilocybin (shown right), Peyote, and Mescaline. Hallucinogens are most commonly eaten or smoked. Effects can vary, but most commonly include disorientation, impaired judgement, a lack coordination and hallucinations. Due to the unique biochemical interaction between these drugs and the human body, users can experience sudden resurgences of the drug’s effects weeks and even months after they were taken.
Mescaline is the psychoactive ingredient found in the Peyote and Pedro cacti. It can also be produced synthetically. A single dose can produce effects that last for up to 12 hours. Psilocybin and Psilocin are the psychoactive ingredients found in hallucinogenic mushrooms. These substances can also be produced synthetically. A single dose can impair a person for 6 to 8 hours. Salvia is an herb that is grown in semitropical climates. It’s effects last approximately one hour, but in high doses, it has been known to render its user unconscious. Salvia is still legal in many states, and can be purchased over the counter inside some smoke shops.
Ketamine is an anesthetic used by veterinarians. It is also used to euthanize animals. It can either be purchased on the illegal market, or it can be stolen from veterinaries. Ketamine is prepared, and then smoked or snorted. Its effects last between 30 minutes and one hour.
Signs of Hallucinogen Use include an elevated pulse, blood pressure and body temperature. Pupils will be dilated. There are oftentimes noticeable distortions in thought processes and physical perceptions. Time, in particular, can become greatly distorted while under the influence of these drugs. Psychological effects can range from extreme pleasure to profound paranoia. Please refer to the Diagnosing Drug Use page for more information on this topic.
Hallucinogen Paraphernalia includes vibrant lights, visual art and fragrances that are used to exaggerate the psychedelic effects of the drug. In some cases, masks or respirators are used to concentrate things like Vicks Vapor Rub for inhalation. The large red and white mushroom has become an icon of hallucinogen users. Smoking pipes are commonly used to inhale the smokeable drugs. Various containers are used to transport them. Mushrooms are commonly placed in plastic sandwich bags, while liquid drugs like LSD are often dropped on sugar cubes or blotter paper. The vegetation or liquid chemicals can also be used in tea, baked into confectionaries or included in a cigarette. Mushroom spores can be sold in small containers and then left to grow in small dishes. They will look like growths of fungus left out in the open.
Preventing the Use of Hallucinogens can be pursued using the guidelines discussed in the Preventing Drug Use pages. In edition, parents should attempt to counter the perception that naturally occurring chemicals are safe for human consumption. Some teens are of the belief that little harm can come from ingesting a substance that occurs naturally in the environment. This is a potentially fatal misperception.
The following list of drugs are listed in the Hallucinogen Category. Click on a drug to visit it’s fact sheet:
