90% OF TOTAL BODY SEROTONIN IS FOUND IN GUT.

8% OF TOTAL FOUND IN PLATELETS

1-2% OF TOTAL FOUND IN PINEAL GLAND (WHICH IS NOT REALLY PART OF CNS)

< 1% LIVES IN THE RAPHE NUCLEI IN RETICULAR REGION OF BRAIN STEM.

RAPHE INNERVATES SPINAL CORD AND ASCENDS INTO THE CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES

SEROTONIN

From Raphe

Active

Quiet

SWS

REM

RAPHE NEURONS HAVE REGULAR SLOW SPONTANEOUS FIRING RATE (0.5 TO 2.5 SPIKES/SEC)

FUNCTION: NO INFORMATION TRANSFER, ONLY MODULATION OF OTHER SYSTEMS.5HT APPLIED TO RAPHE NEURONS DECREASES FIRING. SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY IS ELIMINATED DURING REM SLEEP.

Serotonin Production

Tryptophan is a precursor from diet.

Uptake depends upon level of other amino acids in blood/diet.

High carbohydrate diet enhances tryptophan uptake.

Low intake of tryptophan leads to low levels of serotonin in CNS – this can produce irritability, aggressive behaviors and depression

1% of ingested tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain.

Uptake into CNS is via active, high‑affinity transport.Metabolism: converted to 5HTP by tryptophan hydroxylase.

SYNTHESIS OCCURS IN TERMINALS. TH IS NOT SATURATED WITH SUBSTRATE.

5HTP CONVERTED TO SEROTONIN BY DECARBOXYLASE. 

Dietary tryptophan depletion leads to symptom relapse in recovered depressed patients

TERMINATION OF ACTION PRIMARILY BY RE-UPTAKE

5HT1-A RECEPTORS ARE AUTORECEPTORS ON RAPHE NEURONS MORE SENSITIVE TO LSD THAN TO 5HT! THESE RECEPTORS ARE TARGETED TO RELIEVE ANXIETY

5-HT1-A receptors control the release of serotonin and activity of 5HT neurons via intracellular signaling mechanisms

Genetic deletion of the 5-HT1A receptor increases anxiety-like behavior in mice

Ratings of religiosity & spirituality inversely correlated with the number of Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in humans American Journal Psychiatry 160:1965-1969, November 2003

Stimulating 5HT-1A receptors with BuSpar relieves anxiety

Hallucinogens, e.g. LSD, Turn Off Serotonergic Neurons in the Raphe Nuclei by Stimulating

Serotonin Receptors

Neuronal circuits implicated in the responses induced by psychoactive chemicals. 5-HT2A–Glutamate receptor complex expressed by cortical pyramidal neurons represents the target of LSD-like psychoactive drugs that will dysregulate the signaling properties of cortical pyramidal neurons and affect cognition and perception processes in the brain cortex. TINS, 2009.

Serotonin contains an indole ring with a carbon chain attached

TH

How is LSD able to do this?

LSDPsilocybin

….So do these hallucinogens

Hallucinogens produce synesthesia.

Synesthesia: a remarkable, rare condition where an individual has multimodal perceptual experiences

from a unimodal sensory event.

The ability of hallucinogens to induce synesthesia may be related to their

ability to influence serotonergic control over the frontal lobes.

“Using diffusion tensor imaging, we have shown for the first time that the extraordinary sensory experiences in synesthesia are associated with

abnormalities in white matter structure.”

Increased structural connectivity in grapheme-color synesthesiaRomke Rouw & H Steven Scholte

Nature Neuroscience - 10, 792 - 797 (2007)

 

                                                                                                                                  

                                   

Increased brain activation and increased anisotropy in the inferior temporal cortex in grapheme-color synesthetes.

HALLUCINOGENS

"IT IS REMARKABLE THAT ONE CHARACTERISTIC WHICH SEEMS TO SEPARATE MAN FROM THE ALLEGEDLY LOWER ANIMALS IS A RECURRING DESIRE TO ESCAPE FROM REALITY" C.H.W. HORNE, 1963.

IN 1990, A NIDA SURVEY REVEALED THAT BETWEEN 17 AND 21 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US HAD USED A HALLUCINOGEN AT LEAST ONCE THAT YEAR.

"A PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE IS A JOURNEY TO NEW REALMS OF CONSCIOUSNESS.  THE SCOPE AND CONTENT OF THE EXPERIENCE IS LIMITLESS, BUT ITS CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES ARE THE TRANSCENDENCE OF VERBAL CONCEPTS, OF SPACE‑TIME DIMENSIONS, AND OF THE EGO AND IDENTITY."  TIMOTHY LEARY, 1964.

One function of consciousness is to filter out the overwhelming and confusing mass of sensory input our brain receives.

The use of hallucinogens therefore usually occurs in structured and protected settings.

It should come as no surprise when I occasionally describe how strict religious and social rules have been drawn around the use of agents that alter perception.

HALLUCINOGENS

These drugs produce a surprisingly similar consensus of seeing geometric images accompanied by altered feelings.

There were four consistent geometric images reported: 1)a lattice or grating2)a cobweb structure3)a tunnel or funnel alley4)spiral images.

Though colors varied, participants consistently reported brightness intensification. Moreover, the apparent size, geometrical shapes, and symmetry were strikingly similar from participant to participant (Kluver, 1928).

62-72% of 500 participants tested with LSD reported similar simple forms at low doses.

72% reported religious symbols and images

49% reported small animals and humans.

Images tended to pulsate and move toward a center tunnel or away from a bright center (a phenomenon similar to reported near death experiences).

Unlike psilocybin-induced hallucination, these visions could not be consciously controlled.

In Central and Southern America, use of psilocybin mushrooms was a common religious practice. The mushroom is known as a sacred mushroom and was considered a religious path to the spirit world.

Mushroom art and sculptures exist from 1000 BC on stones that had religious meaning.

HALLUCINOGENS AND RELIGION

The Codex Vienna Mixtec manuscript (13th century) depicted the ritual use of the

mushrooms by the Mixtec Gods.

PSILOCYBIN

CAN BE FOUND IN MORE THAN 75 DIFFERENT SPECIES OF MUSHROOMS.PSILOCYBE MEXICANA IS THE MOST FAMOUS

ORAL DOSE: 2 TO 4 MUSHROOMS (DEPENDS UPON WHICH MUSHROOM IS THE SOURCE OF THE DRUG).

 LATENCY: 30 MIN. PEAKS AT 90 MIN. 

EFFECTIVE DOSE: 4 MG P.O.; 1/100 AS POTENT AS LSD.

DURATION: 6 HOURS.

MINOR PHYSICAL CHANGES: DRY MOUTH, SLIGHT NAUSEA, DILATED PUPILS.

VIOLENT NAUSEA AND VOMITING

WELL ABSORBED FROM GI TRACT.

1570'S FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ DOCUMENTED CENTRAL AM. INDIANS USE OF THESE MUSHROOMS (THEIR CORNUCOPIA INCLUDED USE OF 1200 HERBAL REMEDIES).

TEONANACATL "GOD'S FLESH" "SACRED MUSHROOM"

ALBERT HOFMANN 1958 ISOLATED ACTIVE INGREDIENT. (ALSO OF LSD FAME). HE INGESTED 32 DRIED MUSHROOMS TO DETERMINE THEIR EFFECTS. HE CLAIMED THAT THE EXPERIENCE WAS SIMILAR TO HIS LSD EXPERIENCE.

PSILOCYBIN IS CONVERTED INTO PSILOCIN WHICH IS MORE LIPID SOLUBLE AND THE ACTUAL PSYCHOACTIVE AGENT.

MUSHROOMS ARE EATEN RAW, COOKED INTO ANY RECIPE THAT CALLS FOR MUSHROOMS OR STEEPED INTO A TEA.THE POWDER IS EATEN, INSUFFLATED (BREATHED THROUGH THE NOSE) OR SWALLOWED IN GELATIN CAPSULES.

MECHANISM: AGONIST AT 5HT-1A AND 5HT-2A RECEPTORS. EXPERIENCE: RELAXATION, EUPHORIA, INTROSPECTION, DETACHMENT. 

HIGH DOSES: LSD‑LIKE CHANGES. ALTERED PERCEPTION OF SENSORY STIMULI.AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS. ELEVATED MOOD, GREAT HILARITY. 

UNREAL HALLUCINATIONS ARE RECOGNIZED AS SUCH BY USERS.

Side Effects: PHOTOSENSITIVITY, MUSCLE WEAKNESS, VERTIGO

OVERDOSE: HYPERTHERMIA, FLUSHING, CONVULSIONS, ANXIETY, PANIC REACTIONS, PARANOIA.DEATH CAN OCCUR FROM INGESTING ABOUT 2000 TIMES THE NORMAL DOSE.

25% OF DOSE IS EXCRETED UNCHANGED BY KIDNEYS INTO URINE.

INACTIVE METABOLITES REMAIN IN BODY FOR MANY DAYS.

DEPENDENCE: NO PHYSICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL SEEN.

TOLERANCE: NOT LIKELY DUE TO OCCASIONAL USE

TIMOTHY LEARY'S GOOD FRIDAY TEST IN 196220 SEMINARIANS, DRUG/NO DRUG (30 mg PSILOCYBIN) ATTENDED RELIGIOUS SERVICE.  CLAIMED THAT THE USING THE WOULD ENHANCE MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE. 

“psilocybin occasioned experiences similar to spontaneously occurring mystical experiences … which were evaluated by volunteers as having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance.

The ability to [induce] mystical experiences should permit rigorous scientific investigations about their causes and consequences, providing insights into underlying brain mechanisms…”

Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance.

R. R. Griffiths &W. A. Richards & U. McCann & R. Jesse, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Psychopharmacology (August, 2006)

LSD IS ERGOT DERIVATIVE OR INDOLE ALKYLAMINETHE HALLUCINATIONS PRODUCED BY THIS DRUG CAN BE ATTENUATED BY 5-HT-2 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS. THEIR HALLUCINOGENIC POTENCY IN HUMANS CORRELATES WITH THEIR AFFINITY FOR A FEW DIFFERENT 5HT SITES.

HALLUCINOGENS ACT AS AGONISTS AT MANY DIFFERENT RECEPTORS.

INGESTED ORALLY; LSD IS RAPIDLY ABSORBED.DOSE: 100 UG,P.O. IS HALLUCINOGENIC. 0.3 UG/KG IS SUBJECTIVELY DETECTABLE; 50 UG, I.V. EFFECTIVEONLY ABOUT 1% REACHES THE BRAIN: CONCENTRATES IN VISUAL CORTEX, LIMBIC SYSTEMS, RETICULAR FORMATION.

METABOLIZED RAPIDLY BY LIVER; EXCRETED BY KIDNEYS AS 2‑OXY‑LSD.TOLERANCE AND CROSS‑TOLERANCE DEVELOPS WITHIN 3‑4 DAYS WITH CONTINUAL USE.  PSYCHODELIC EFFECTS SHOW TOLERANCE AS WELL.

DEPENDENCE: NO PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL DUE TO TYPICALLY INFREQUENT USE

D‑LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE, LSD

Latency is about 30 - 90 min. Half‑life is about 3 hrs. Psychic effects are maximal at 1 to 3 hours. At which time virtually no radioactively-labeled LSD is in the brain!

The drug sets in motion a cascade of events that may involve entire brain. Serotonergic system may act as trigger.

Duration: 8 to 12 hours.Metabolized by the liver almost entirely. Metabolites are excreted in the bile and feces.

Physiological effects: sympathomimetic ‑due to Raphe cell projections to spinal cord onto pre‑ganglionic autonomic nervous system cells. 

LSD

USE CORRELATES WITH DECREASED RAPHE CELL FIRING AND INCREASED LEVELS OF 5HT AND DECREASED LEVELS OF THE METABOLITE 5HIAA. Why? Do we see more 5HT and less 5HIAA?

BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS GREATLY OUTLAST THE SLOWING OF RAPHE FIRING.

BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS SHOW TOLERANCE - SLOWING OF RAPHE FIRING DOES NOT.

DESTRUCTION OF 5HT NEURONS ACTUALLY ENHANCES LSD'S EFFECTS.

using LSD with MDMA (candy-flipping).

candy flips - home-made capsules containing LSD + MDMA

hippy flipping - pairing psychedelic mushrooms

kitty flipping - ketamine and ecstasy

candy flipping on a string – cocaine + LSD + MDMA.

Hallucinations - mechanism?? Unknown... But...Releases post‑synaptic cells in cortex and subcortical areas from inhibition. Many of these cells are in visual processing systems, e.g. Lateral geniculate and limbic structures. 

Perceptual effects are like watching own private TV.User is aware that he is seeing hallucinations, that they are not real, but is powerless to stop them.

Synesthesia – sensory system cross-over of information processing. Vivid swirling colors, sounds have colors, intensification of visual perception. 

Lowered pain sensitivity.  Possibly due to changes in activity of the 5HT fibers that descend into the spinal cord.

Withdrawal.No serious withdrawal symptoms.

Adverse effects. Chromosome damage. Original studies were performed badly, poorly controlled,

experimenter bias, populations observed were too small. Chromosome breakage rates may be higher in LSD users or else people who have endogenously high breakage rates

like to take LSD.  Most recent studies show no effect of LSD on chromosomes.

Acute panic reactions.Bad experience with LSD; problem is that it cannot be

terminated by user... Leads to panic. Increased suicides associated with use, however no cause

and effect is believed to exist. Adverse reactions more often seen with poorly adjusted users.

Flashbacks.  Sudden and "unexpected" recurrences of aspects of earlier drug experience.  2256 army enlisted men, 23% reported flashbacks, compared to 5% for amphetamine and 1% for marijuana. 

Not dangerous, are often self‑induced!Occurs during high stress, e.g. Driving Or just before going to sleepSuggests that some permanent changes in brain function occurred

Effects on temperature and time estimation.LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin all elevate body temperature (sympathetic side effect).  All are associated with overestimation of time (time moves faster for them.) Expt. Count to 60, one count each second. 

These drugs cause faster counting.  Infrared lamps cause faster counting in un-drugged subjects. 

D‑lysergic acid monoethylamide (a less lipid version of LSD) may be responsible for Salem witchcraft crisis that began in December of 1691. Eight girls suffered with distempers = Disorderly speech, odd postures and gestures & convulsive fits.

POISONING IS CALLED ERGOTISM AND CAUSES A BURNING IN THE EXTREMITIES DUE TO VASOCONSTRICTION OF BLOOD VESSELS. CAN LEAD TO LIMB DEATH. 40,000 DEATHS IN AD 944 EUROPE “SAINT ANTHONY’S FIRE.”

Lacking a reasonable explanation the New England puritans saw this as the work of Satan brought about by the practice of witchcraft by “some women of ill repute.” By September 1692 19 men and women were hung, one man was pressed to death and two died in prison.

Ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea) growing on corn

MORNING GLORY 

RIVEA CORYMBOSA: KNOWN AS OLOLIUQUI BY THE AZTECS. DRAWINGS FROM THE 16th CENTURYSUGGESTED THE MORNING GLORY WAS OLOLIUQUI. BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL A PLANT WAS DISCOVERED STILLGROWING IN 1939 IN A ZAPOTEC INDIAN GARDENIN OAXACA MEXICO WAS THIS CONFIRMED.

CONTAINS D‑LYSERGIC ACID MONOETHYLAMIDE; ONE‑TENTH AS POTENT AS LSD. WHY?

DISCOVERED BY ALBERT HOFMANN. 

ORALLY EFFECTIVE. REQUIRES 100‑150 MORNING GLORY SEEDS TO GET HIGH. CAUSES A DREAMY STATE WITHIN ABOUT 20 MINUTES, FOLLOWED BY SLEEP.

Does not produce the visual hallucinations seen with LSD.Often taken while alone.

16th century Mexico: morning glory seeds had most religious signi ficance.A.K.A. Mexican bindweed or "flower of the virgin"Other variations on this plant that became popular in US in 1960's include "Heavenly blue, pearly gates & wedding bells"

HAWAIIAN WOOD‑ROSE SEEDS (Argyreia Nervosa)

BIOCHEMISTRY: SAME AS MORNING GLORYREQUIRES 4 TO 8 WOOD‑ROSE SEEDS TO GET HIGH

Many experience nausea and gas. WHY?

The fuzzy husk of the seed is often removed and not ingested because it seems to worsen the nausea. Seeds contain D‑LYSERGIC ACID MONOETHYLAMIDE

DMT.  N,N‑DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE LSD‑LIKE DRUG.SHORTER DURATION OF ACTION. ALSO HAS MAO-I ACTION.DMT DETERIORATES RAPIDLY, ESPECIALLY IN THE STOMACH

LATENCY: 10 ‑ 15 MIN WITH I.M. DOSE.; 2 ‑ 3 MIN WITH INHALATION. 

DURATION: 10 MINUTES.  "BUSINESSMAN'S TRIP". 

EFFECTIVE HALLUCINOGENIC DOSE ‑ 1 MG INHALATIONPRODUCES EUPHORIA, BEHAVIORAL EXCITEMENT AND HALLUCINATION WITH EYES OPEN OR CLOSED!

MACROPSIA IS COMMON (APPARENT MAGNIFICATION OF OBJECTS).

SE‑ TACHYCARDIA, HYPERTENSION, MYDRIASIS, ACUTE ANXIETY ATTACKS, PANIC REACTIONS

TOXICATION: NUMBNESS OF LIMBS, TWITCHING OF THE FACE, LACK OF MOTOR CONTROL, NASAL DISCHARGES, NAUSEA, VOMITING.

NO EVIDENCE FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCETOLERANCE NOT LIKELY; NO CROSS‑TOLERANCE WITH LSD

DMT FIRST SYNTHESIZED IN 1931, ABUSE BEGAN IN 1956.DMT: WORLDWIDE, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT NATURALLY OCCURRING HALLUCINOGENIC AGENT.  [S. AM. INDIANS USE IT AS COHOBA OR VIROLA SNUFF.]

A BLOOD-RED RESIN IS BOILED OUT OF THE BARK OF THE VIROLA TREE (FOUND IN JUNGLE)

THEORYONCE BELIEVED TO BE AN ENDOGENOUS SCHIZOPHRENIC AGENT.

ENZYME THAT CONVERTS TRYPTAMINE TO DMT IS FOUND IN THE HUMAN BRAIN. BUT...NO EVIDENCE THAT IT HAPPENS YET.

LOW LEVELS OF DMT HAVE BEEN FOUND IN BRAIN OF NORMALS AND SCHIZOPHENICS.

DMT AND DET NOT ORALLY ACTIVE.

PHENCYCLIDINE PIPERIDINE HCL. (PCP, ANGEL DUST)

SYNTHESIZED: 1957, USED AS DISSOCIATIVE ANESTHETIC, HAD LIMITED RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION. EMERGENCE PSYCHOSIS IN PATIENTS!ABUSE BEGAN IN 1965.

ORALLY ACTIVE. PCP IS USUALLY SMOKED ON CIGARETTES THAT HAVE THICK WRAPPERS TO ABSORB THE PCP LIQUID.

USE LEADS TO PSYCHOTIC STATE. 

CNS DEPRESSANT‑ DEATH BY CARDIAC ARREST.

DOSE: 2 ‑ 10 MG P.O. HIGH DOSE - SEDATIVE; LOW DOSE - STIMULANT = IN RATS.

LATENCY 1 HR., PEAK EFFECTS IN 5 HRS.

DURATION: 12 HRS.FOLLOWED BY DEPRESSION THAT MAY LAST UP TO 24 HOURS.

METABOLISM: ALMOST ENTIRELY BY LIVER, EXCRETED BY KIDNEYS.

EXPERIENCE: CHANGES IN BODY IMAGE, RELAXATION, TINGLING FEELING, FEELINGS OF ISOLATION AND FLOATING IN SPACE, SLOWING OF MENTAL PROCESSES. MORE INTENSE THAN LSD, BUT MUCH SHORTER. 

PHARMACOLOGY CNS DEPRESSANT, ANESTHETIC, TRANQUILIZER, PSYCHEDELIC. 

RESEARCH SUGGESTS AND ENDOGENOUS PCP RECEPTOR AND LIGAND. "ANGELDUSTIN"HAS SOME AMPHETAMINE-LIKE BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS.

TOLERANCE. DEVELOPS IN CHRONIC USERS.  MILD WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. INCLUDING, DIARRHEA, SLEEPINESS, RARELY CONVULSIONS.

PCP blocks Calcium ion entry via the NMDA glutamate receptor channel

Dysregulation of the signaling processes of cortical pyramidal neurons impairs cognition and normal perception in the cortex.

ADVERSE EFFECTS. CONSTIPATION, DECREASED APPETITE. PROLONGED DAILY USE: MEMORY AND SPEECH DIFFICULTIES UP TO 1 YEAR LATER.

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PARANOIA.

CLAIMS OF INCREASED VIOLENT BEHAVIOR.  NO SYSTEMATIC EVIDENCE FOR THIS HOWEVER.

DOES NOT TURN A NORMAL PERSON WITH GOOD MENTAL HEALTH INTO A VIOLENT PERSON. RESEMBLES SCHIZOPHRENIA.

DEATHS ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO ITS USE, UNLIKE OTHER HALLUCINOGENS.

DEATH ESPECIALLY BY DROWNING IN CALIF., LOST ORIENTATION WHILE SWIMMING, COULDN'T FIND SURFACE; 1 PERSON DROWNED IN SHOWER), MANY DEATHS ARE RELATED TO SUICIDE

OVERDOSE: (GREATER THAN 20 MG) GRAND MAL SEIZURES, COMA, CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE.

POSITIVE EFFECTS 60% OF USES; ADVERSE EFFECTS 100% OF TIME. WHY BOTHER?

CHRONIC USE. PERMANENT ORGANIC BRAIN DAMAGE.FLASH BACK PSYCHOSIS IN SOME PEOPLE WHEN THEN QUIT.

POSITIVE EFFECTS. 80% OF CHRONIC USERS ENJOYED FIRST TIME. "EXHILARATING AND EUPHORIC", "PERFECT DREAM WORLD". VERY INTENSE EXPERIENCE!USERS AND ANIMAL STUDIES SUGGEST THAT PCP EFFECTS IN BRAIN ARE NOT LIKE ANY OTHER DRUG OF ABUSE.

KETAMINE

SIMILAR TO PHENCYCLIDINE, BUT 1/10 AS POTENT, SHORTER ACTIN. DEVELOPED AS SURGICAL ANESTHETIC. 

USED EXTENSIVELY IN VIETNAM. 

EMERGENCE REACTIONS INCLUDED VIVID HALLUCINATIONS 1 ‑ 2 MG/KG I.M. GIVES INTENSE EXPERIENCE. 

DURATION: 1 ‑ 2 HOURS. 

EXPERIENCE: FLOATING, EUPHORIA, RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: ATAXIA, SLURRING OF SPEECH, DIZZINESS.DOSE-DEPENDENTLY CAN ACT A STIMULANT, DEPRESSANT OR HALLUCINOGEN.METABOLISM IS EXTREMELY SLOW, SO ITS EFFECTS CAN BE CUMULATIVE.

DOES NOT DEPRESS CIRCULATORY OR RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS!DOES APPEAR TO BE ADDICTIVE.

KNOWN AS VITAMIN K OR SPECIAL K ON STREET.USUALLY OBTAINED AS LIQUID FROM VETS OFFICES, DRIED BY COOKING AND GROUND INTO A POWDER. JOHN LILLY, THE SCIENTIST WHO PIONEERED COMMUNICATION WITH DOLPHINS, BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE HAD BROKEN THROUGH INTO A HIGHER REALITY INHABITED BY BEINGS THAT CONTROLLED OUR OWN VERSION OF THE UNIVERSE.

KNOWN AS VITAMIN K OR SPECIAL K ON STREET.USUALLY OBTAINED AS LIQUID FROM VETS OFFICES, DRIED BY COOKING AND GROUND INTO A POWDER. JOHN LILLY, THE SCIENTIST WHO PIONEERED COMMUNICATION WITH DOLPHINS, BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE HAD BROKEN THROUGH INTO A HIGHER REALITY INHABITED BY BEINGS THAT CONTROLLED OUR OWN VERSION OF THE UNIVERSE. IN 1997, AT THE HAIGHT ASHBURY FREE CLINIC (SAN FRANCISCO) ONE CHRONIC VIT K USER BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE WAS THE MESSAIH AND BEGAN GATHERING APOSTLES (WHO WERE NOT DRUG USERS- JUST VERY NAIVE!).

KNOWN AS VITAMIN K OR SPECIAL K ON STREET.USUALLY OBTAINED AS LIQUID FROM VETS OFFICES, DRIED BY COOKING AND GROUND INTO A POWDER. JOHN LILLY, THE SCIENTIST WHO PIONEERED COMMUNICATION WITH DOLPHINS, BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE HAD BROKEN THROUGH INTO A HIGHER REALITY INHABITED BY BEINGS THAT CONTROLLED OUR OWN VERSION OF THE UNIVERSE. IN 1997, AT THE HAIGHT ASHBURY FREE CLINIC (SAN FRANCISCO) ONE CHRONIC VIT K USER BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE WAS THE MESSAIH AND BEGAN GATHERING APOSTLES (WHO WERE NOT DRUG USERS- JUST VERY NAIVE!). A COUNSELOR AT THE CLINIC CONVINCED HIM THAT IF HE REALLY WAS WHO HE THOUGHT HE WAS, HIS DIVINE IDENTITY WOULD CONTINUE WITHOUT HIS USING KETAMINE.

KNOWN AS VITAMIN K OR SPECIAL K ON STREET.USUALLY OBTAINED AS LIQUID FROM VETS OFFICES, DRIED BY COOKING AND GROUND INTO A POWDER. JOHN LILLY, THE SCIENTIST WHO PIONEERED COMMUNICATION WITH DOLPHINS, BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE HAD BROKEN THROUGH INTO A HIGHER REALITY INHABITED BY BEINGS THAT CONTROLLED OUR OWN VERSION OF THE UNIVERSE. IN 1997, AT THE HAIGHT ASHBURY FREE CLINIC (SAN FRANCISCO) ONE CHRONIC VIT K USER BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE WAS THE MESSAIH AND BEGAN GATHERING APOSTLES (WHO WERE NOT DRUG USERS- JUST VERY NAIVE!). A COUNSELOR AT THE CLINIC CONVINCED HIM THAT IF HE REALLY WAS WHO HE THOUGHT HE WAS, HIS DIVINE IDENTITY WOULD CONTINUE WITHOUT HIS USING KETAMINE. AFTER DETOXING, THE CLIENT RECOGNIZED HIS DELUSIONAL STATE FOR WHAT IT WAS AND DISBANDED HIS DISCIPLES, TELLING THEM THAT HE HAD MADE “TERRIBLE MISTAKE.”

KNOWN AS VITAMIN K OR SPECIAL K ON STREET.USUALLY OBTAINED AS LIQUID FROM VETS OFFICES, DRIED BY COOKING AND GROUND INTO A POWDER. JOHN LILLY, THE SCIENTIST WHO PIONEERED COMMUNICATION WITH DOLPHINS, BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE HAD BROKEN THROUGH INTO A HIGHER REALITY INHABITED BY BEINGS THAT CONTROLLED OUR OWN VERSION OF THE UNIVERSE. IN 1997, AT THE HAIGHT ASHBURY FREE CLINIC (SAN FRANCISCO) ONE CHRONIC VIT K USER BECAME CONVINCED THAT HE WAS THE MESSAIH AND BEGAN GATHERING APOSTLES (WHO WERE NOT DRUG USERS- JUST VERY NAIVE!). A COUNSELOR AT THE CLINIC CONVINCED HIM THAT IF HE REALLY WAS WHO HE THOUGHT HE WAS, HIS DIVINE IDENTITY WOULD CONTINUE WITHOUT HIS USING KETAMINE. AFTER DETOXING, THE CLIENT RECOGNIZED HIS DELUSIONAL STATE FOR WHAT IT WAS AND DISBANDED HIS DISCIPLES, TELLING THEM THAT HE HAD MADE “TERRIBLE MISTAKE.” MOST OF HIS DISCIPLES REFUSED TO BELIEVE THAT HE WAS NOT THE MESSAIH AND BECAME VERY ANGRY AT THE CLINIC FOR “CORRECTING” HIS MISTAKE. (REPORTED BY R.B. SEYMOUR, DIRECTOR OF CLINIC)

MESCALINE

Many cacti contain hallucinogenic alkaloids. Many can be bought in nurseries. Chief psychoactive ingredient of cactus (Lophophora williamsii). The drink prepared from this cactus was called peyote. 60 diff alkaloids contribute to its effects. Catecholamine‑related agent may be derived from phenylethylamine.

ORALLY EFFECTIVE. MAXIMUM BRAIN LEVELS 1 ‑ 2 HRS AFTER INGESTION.Effective Dose: EUPHORIA 3 MG/KG; HALLUCINATIONS 5 MG/KG.

HALF‑LIFE - ABOUT 6 HRS.

DURATION: 5‑12 HRS.

EFFECTS: FIRST 1 TO 2 HOURS ARE VERY UNPLEASANT.HANGOVER BEFORE THE HIGH.  NAUSEA, TREMOR,ELEVATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE, PERSPIRATION, PUPIL DILATION, INCREASED PULSE RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE (EXCITATION OF SYMPATHETIC).

DEATH BY RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION.PRIMARY EFFECTS ARE ON VISION = BRIGHTLY COLORED LIGHTS AND GEOMETRIC DESIGNS. "COLOR COMING FROM A WOVEN RUG"EUPHORIA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ENERGY. 

"THESE SHOWS ARE EXPENSIVE...THE EXPERIENCE, HOWEVER, IT WAS WORTH ONE SUCH HEADACHE AND INDIGESTION, BUT IT WAS NOT WORTH A SECOND."

TOLERANCE PROBABLY CAN BE PRODUCED, BUT LITTLE PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE OR PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE DEVELOPS WITH USE.

CROSS‑TOLERANCE WITH LSD AND PSILOCYBIN.

EXCRETED UNCHANGED FROM KIDNEYS. 

MECHANISM: MAY ACT UPON 5HT SYSTEMS IN BRAIN FOR HALLUCINOGENIC EFFECTS.

SPICES: NUTMEG & MACE. Autobiography of Malcolm X describes use of nutmeg in prison as hallucinogen.

Nutmeg and mace (a red sheet of material that surrounds the inner nut) come from nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, active agent (myristicin-nutmeg or clemicin-mace) is an aromatic ether similar to mescaline. 

Also found in parsley and carrots!!

Tree found in spice (or nutmeg) islands of South Pacific in Indonesia.

Dose: nutmeg- 10 to 30 gms dissolved in juice or water.

Reactions vary considerably from nothing at all...most of the time – to euphoria at low doses, to marijuana‑like or LSD‑like experiences at higher doses.

Latency 10 min to 4 hours.  Lasts up to 2 days! 

Causes nausea, dizziness, headaches, anxiety and delirium.Ends with severe hangover.

Most people never try nutmeg again!Chronic use can produce a psychotic reaction similar to stimulant psychosis.

Other spices:Spices such as saffron, fennel, dill, cinnamon, and anise contain similar psychoactive ethers, such as safrole, eugenol and myristicin.

Clove cigarettes contain eugenol - produces milder marijuana-like effects

HARMALINE AND HARMINE: LSD‑like drugs that are also MAO-inhibitors. Thus they stimulate serotonin receptors and enhance Dopamine – producing both hallucinations and euphoria!

Originate from many thick vine plants (e.G., Peganum harmala) found in the amazon rain forest.  Drink called yage (made from Haemadictyon amazonia), caapi, or ayahuasca, a vine of the souls (Both from Banisterocopsis caapi) 

Harmaline and Harmine are indole alkaloids derived from tryptophan.

METHYLATED HARMAN MOLECULES CAN BE FOUND IN HUMAN BRAIN AT AUTOPSY

LATENCY OF ONSET WITH ORAL DOSE IS 5 MIN! 

DURATION: 4 - 8 HOURS

SYMPTOMS: NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA, STOMACH CRAMPS FOLLOW THE EXPERIENCE.

HALLUCINATIONS: REGARDLESS OF BACKGROUND, VISIONS OF PANTHERS, JAGUARS, AND OTHER LARGE CATS!

CALLED A PSYCHIC SEDATIVE.

IBOGAINE

PSYCHOACTIVE AGENT OF AN AFRICAN SHRUB TABERNANTHE IBOGA 

ACTS AT NMDA RECEPTORS, DOPAMINE RE-UPTAKE TRANSPORTERS, K-OPIOID RECEPTORS AND SEROTONIN RECEPTORS.

EXTRACTS OF PLANT USED BY AFRICAN NATIVES WHILE STALKING GAME, TO ENABLE THEM TO REMAIN MOTIONLESS FOR AS LONG AS 2 DAYS WHILE REMAINING ALERT.

Ibogaine and several iboga alkaloids (tabernanthine, R- and S-coronaridine, R- and S- ibogamine, desethylcoronaridine, and harmaline) reduced cocaine self-administration in humans and rats; these effects were seen the day after injection.

"A little over an hour after taking ibogaine, a strong desire to lie down occurs and a feeling of dizziness. Then a television or movie screen appears and the person pictorially reviews his or her life. This view of events seems emotionally dissociated from the present time, and past errors and poor decisions are recognized and assimilated impartially. People wake up believing they have a new understanding and control of their life."

Hallucinations are interesting: childhood imagery, frequent explosions of rage directed at incidents that occurred in childhood.  Effects last 8 to 12 hours. 

Sorcerers of the Bwiti African tribe use it to speak with ancestors and spirits. Initiation into the tribe hinges on one’s having a vision of the god plant Bwiti via the use of iboga plant extracts.

Popular among street addicts in Europe for treatment of heroin and cocaine dependence.

Currently patented for treatment of opiate, amphetamine, cocaine and ethanol addition.

BufoteninFound in low quantities in fish (rudder fish, off Norfolk Island) dream fish: claimed to produce vivid dreams after ingestion of fish. 

Also found in skin and glands of a S. Am. Toad. Cohoba snuff‑ contains bufotenin

Also found in Acacia niopo Central Am. MimosaUse‑ as snuff or enema. Produces purple face, numbness, vomiting and visual hallucinations (macropsia). The tree also contains b-carboline MAO-I.

BUFOTENIN

In Orinoco basin, seeds from Piptadenia peregrina are ground mixed with lime, and used as snuff called "yopo". Using a forked tube made from chicken bones, the boys blow it into each others nostrils.

May also be found in themushroom Amanita muscaria.

Salvinorin A is the main active psychotropic molecule in Salvia divinorum, a Mexican plant which has a long history of use by Mazatec shamans. Salvinorin A is a hallucinogenic compound.

It is structurally quite distinct from other naturally occurring hallucinogens.

It is the most potent naturally occurring psychoactive drug known to date, with an effective dose in humans in the 200- to 1,000-µg range when smoked.

It acts as a kappa opioid receptor agonist and is the first known compound acting on this receptor that is not an alkaloid.

Salvinorin A has no actions at the 5-HT2A receptor.