Mind Altering Drugs Hallucinogens LSD Mescaline Psilocybin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol in marijuana)

Hallucinogens - LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol in marijuana) Hallucinogenic compounds found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) have been used—mostly during religious rituals—for centuries. Almost all hallucinogens contain nitrogen They are classified as alkaloids.

Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to those of natural neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine-, serotonin etc). Research suggests that these drugs work, at least partially, by temporarily interfering with neurotransmitter action or by binding to their receptor sites. Hallucinogens - LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol in marijuana)

LSD LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It was discovered in 1938 and is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.

Peyote Peyote is a small, spineless cactus in which the principal active ingredient is mescaline. This plant has been used by natives in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States as a part of religious ceremonies. Mescaline can also be produced through chemical synthesis.

Psilocybin Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N- dimethyltryptamine) is obtained from certain types of mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5 percent psilocybin plus trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance.

Mescaline and Psilocybin LSD and Serotonin

Effects LSD, peyote, psilocybin cause hallucinations, which are profound distortions in a person’s perception of reality. Under the influence of hallucinogens, people see images, hear sounds, and feel sensations that seem real but are not.

LSD ; Effects-1 Powerful hallucinogen Effect depends on: – Dose – Physiological condition – Psychological condition – Expectations Magnifies perception Destroys sense of judgment Produces flashbacks without taking LSD Does not produce physical addiction but can produce tolerance and psychological addiction

LSD; Effects-2 LSD causes dilated pupils; can raise body temperature increase heart rate and blood pressure; can cause profuse sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.

Mescaline - Effects Produces color hallucinations Lasts approximately 12 hours

Psilocybin - Effects It can produce muscle relaxation or weakness, ataxia, excessive pupil dilation, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Magnified perception Low doses produce relaxation, high doses produce effects similar to LSD

Structural similarities LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin all contain a benzene ring (6 carbon); LSD and psilocybin contain an indole ring (6 carbon benzene ring fused to a 5-membered ring containing a secondary nitrogen) LSD is fat-soluble and easily diffuses into the brain Psilocybin mimics the structure of the brain hormone serotonin

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol in marijuana) Marijuana is the herbal form of cannabis, and comprises the flowers, the subtending leaves, and the stalks of mature, pistillate female plants. Hashish is the resinous, concentrated form of cannabis. Chemically, the major psychoactive compound in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC) THC is one of 400 compounds in the plant, including other cannabinoids, such as – cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV),

THC (marijuana)- Effects Mild hallucinogen Causes silliness and excitement at low doses As dosage increases, perception changes and hallucinations result Can cause extreme anxiety, depression, uneasiness, panic attack and fearfulness in high doses Driving and other tasks requiring thinking are difficult Psychological dependence is possible

Legalization Of Cannabis - 1 – cannabis sativa, contains pharmacologically active compounds (cannabinoids) – Legalization is a hotly contested issue Arguments for: – Relieves symptoms from AIDS, – Useful for cancer patients (allows for weight gain by suppressing nausea), and – Treatment of glaucoma (alleviates harmful pressure in the eye) – Effective in slowing down Alzheimer’s disease

Legalization Of Cannabis -2 Arguments against: – Leads to respiratory ailments – Suppresses immune system – Decreases fertility – Causes brain damage and chromosomal damage leading to birth defects – slowing down motor tasks and resulting in short term memory loss. – “ Gateway drug ” – Users of marijuana and other drugs obtain them by illegal sources, leading to a host of crimes (prostitution, theft, murder, etc.)

Legalization Of Cannabis -3 Historical evidence: legalization of drugs does not always work if it is not thought over and implemented in a manner that will be productive to society. – For example, opium was legalized in China in the earlier 19th century; Result: approximately 90 million addicts, and it took decades to repair the damage.

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