Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens
According to Myers, hallucinogens distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input (which is why these drugs are also called psychedelics, meaning “mind-manifesting”). Some, such as LSD and MDMA (Ecstasy), are synthetic, meaning that they are made in laboratories. Others, including the mild hallucinogen marijuana, are natural substances. “Hallucinogenic plants are among the oldest drugs used and abused by mankind. Hallucinogens naturally occur in spore-forming plants, such as mushrooms, in cacti and a variety of other flowering plants. ” (EMA). Hallucinogens affect the brain and nervous system through neurotransmitters that affect the processing of information.
An example of a hallucinogen is LSD.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was created in 1943 by Albert Hoffman, a chemist. LSD is a clear or white, odorless water-soluble material synthesized from lysergic acid. Small doses can produce effects that last 6 to 12 hours depending on the amount taken. Myers describes how LSD and other powerful hallucinogens are chemically similar to (and therefore block the actions of) a subtype of the neurotransmitter. As the hallucination peaks, people frequently feel separated from their body and experience dreamlike scenes so real that they may become panic- stricken or harm themselves. (Myers, 121) Physiological effects of LSD are increased heart rate, dizziness, loss of appetite, sweating, nausea and increased blood pressure. LSD also affects our senses. Colors, smells, sounds and other sensations are heightened.
Another example of a hallucinogen is Marijuana.
“Marijuana consists of the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which for 5000 years has been cultivated for its fiber. Whether smoked or eaten, marijuana’s major active ingredient, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), produces a mix of effects. (Smoking gets the drug into the brain in about 7 seconds, producing a greater effect than does eating the
According to Myers, hallucinogens distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input (which is why these drugs are also called psychedelics, meaning “mind-manifesting”). Some, such as LSD and MDMA (Ecstasy), are synthetic, meaning that they are made in laboratories. Others, including the mild hallucinogen marijuana, are natural substances. “Hallucinogenic plants are among the oldest drugs used and abused by mankind. Hallucinogens naturally occur in spore-forming plants, such as mushrooms, in cacti and a variety of other flowering plants. ” (EMA). Hallucinogens affect the brain and nervous system through neurotransmitters that affect the processing of information.
An example of a hallucinogen is LSD.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was created in 1943 by Albert Hoffman, a chemist. LSD is a clear or white, odorless water-soluble material synthesized from lysergic acid. Small doses can produce effects that last 6 to 12 hours depending on the amount taken. Myers describes how LSD and other powerful hallucinogens are chemically similar to (and therefore block the actions of) a subtype of the neurotransmitter. As the hallucination peaks, people frequently feel separated from their body and experience dreamlike scenes so real that they may become panic- stricken or harm themselves. (Myers, 121) Physiological effects of LSD are increased heart rate, dizziness, loss of appetite, sweating, nausea and increased blood pressure. LSD also affects our senses. Colors, smells, sounds and other sensations are heightened.
Another example of a hallucinogen is Marijuana.
“Marijuana consists of the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which for 5000 years has been cultivated for its fiber. Whether smoked or eaten, marijuana’s major active ingredient, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), produces a mix of effects. (Smoking gets the drug into the brain in about 7 seconds, producing a greater effect than does eating the