Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are considered the most complex drugs. Mescaline, psilocybin, and LSD belong to the first-order hallucinogens.
Mescaline
Section titled “Mescaline”Mescaline is a water-soluble alkaloid from the Mexican peyote cactus, which also grows in the southern United States.
History
Section titled “History”The cactus was consumed by Native American tribes in fresh form or as dried cactus slices and served as a religious sacrament.
- 1918: First chemical synthesis
- 1927: First extensive work on mescaline by Aldous Huxley: “The Doors of Perception”
Chemistry and Effects
Section titled “Chemistry and Effects”Mescaline resembles norepinephrine or dopamine.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Onset of action | approx. 20 minutes |
| Duration of effect | up to 12 hours |
| Effective dose | 5 mg/kg body weight |
Mescaline is rapidly and completely absorbed and excreted unchanged.
Psilocybin (Psilocin)
Section titled “Psilocybin (Psilocin)”These mushrooms — also called “magic mushrooms” — grow on cow dung. They are consumed fresh or dried.
Species
Section titled “Species”There are about 15 different species, the most well-known being Psilocybe mexicana. The mushrooms were first described by Gordon Wasson.
Effects
Section titled “Effects”Since these are plant-based drugs, the active substance content can vary greatly.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Potency | 2x stronger than mescaline, 200x weaker than LSD |
| Onset of action | approx. 30-40 minutes |
| Effective dose | approx. 20 mg of mushrooms |
Psilocybin resembles serotonin. The actual hallucinogenic active substance is only produced in the intestine when psilocybin is converted to psilocin.
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Section titled “LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)”LSD is a derivative of lysergic acid, which occurs naturally as a component of ergot alkaloids.
History
Section titled “History”- 1938: Accidental discovery by Albert Hofmann (who was actually trying to develop a gynecological medication)
- 1943: Hofmann accidentally gets a trace of LSD in his mouth — the first trip. He describes his experiences in “LSD: My Problem Child”
- 1948: First LSD study in humans
- 1950s: LSD samples are sent out for research purposes
- Early 1960s: Spread of LSD use, especially at universities
Administration
Section titled “Administration”LSD is taken orally:
- Pills (stronger effect)
- Blotters (weaker effect)
- Liquid acid (liquid LSD)
Pharmacokinetics
Section titled “Pharmacokinetics”| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Normal dose | 200 µg/kg body weight (today approx. 150 µg) |
| Onset of action | approx. 30-40 minutes |
| Duration of effect | approx. 6-8 hours |
| Peak blood level | after 3 hours |
LSD is extremely lipid-soluble and has its highest concentration in the liver. It can hardly be detected using standard methods.
Medical Uses of Lysergic Acid
Section titled “Medical Uses of Lysergic Acid”In medicine, lysergic acid is used to promote labor contractions and to treat migraines.
Effects of Hallucinogens
Section titled “Effects of Hallucinogens”All three hallucinogens have analogous effects but different structures.
Neurobiological Effects
Section titled “Neurobiological Effects”Hallucinogens disable the feedback loops in the brain:
- The emotional response to sensory stimuli is altered (the limbic system takes different pathways)
- The thalamic filter is shut off
- The right brain hemisphere is more active than usual (normally the left is more dominant)
Perceptual Changes
Section titled “Perceptual Changes”- Perceptions are altered and intensified
- Many impressions must be processed simultaneously
- Optical illusions and distortions
- Time dilation — periods of time seem longer, time seems infinite
- Facial expressions and gestures are perceived more intensely
- Access to the subconscious opens up
Psychological Effects
Section titled “Psychological Effects”- Enhanced empathy
- Strong alteration of the sense of self (altered consciousness)
- Paradoxical feelings — euphoric and sad simultaneously
- Synesthesia — co-activation of one sense organ when another is stimulated (e.g., hearing music and seeing images)
Additional Effects
Section titled “Additional Effects”- Stimuli are particularly intensified, especially the pain stimulus
- Psychological habituation occurs
- Effects are inarticulate — cannot be put into words
- Words suddenly have different meanings
- Transition to nonverbal communication (one thinks faster than one speaks)
Second- and Third-Order Hallucinogens
Section titled “Second- and Third-Order Hallucinogens”These are less psychedelic and not consciousness-expanding.
Second Order
Section titled “Second Order”- Witch herbs
- Atropine
- Mandrake
- DOM (amphetamine compound)
- DMT (exotic plants used to produce snuff powder)
Third Order
Section titled “Third Order”- Ololiuqui (seeds of a morning glory plant)
- Ayahuasca (bark of a vine)
- Ketamine (anesthetic)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- So-called “designer drugs”