Psychedelic drug
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The psychedelic (from the Greek words for "mind," ψυχη psyche, and "manifest," δηλειν delein) drugs are classified as those whose primary action is that of enhancing or amplifying the thought processes of the brain. This is thought to result from the disabling of filters which block or suppress signals unrelated to mundane functions from reaching the conscious mind. These signals are presumed to originate in several other functions of the brain, including but not limited to the senses, emotions, memories and the unconscious (or subconscious) mind. This effect is sometimes referred to as mind expanding, or consciousness expanding as your conscious mind becomes aware of (or sometimes assaulted by) things normally inaccessible to it. At high levels this can overwhelm the sense of self and can result in a dissociative state.
Psychedelics have a long history of traditional use in native medicine and religion, where they are prized for their perceived ability to promote physical and mental healing. Native American practitioners using peyote have reported success against alcoholism, and Mazatec practitioners routinely use psilocybian mushrooms for healing and divination.
Classic psychedelics include LSD (acid), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline (peyote), LSA (morning glory seeds) and also Ayahuasca. Some of the synthetic "club drugs" such as MDMA (ecstasy), 2C-B (nexus), DOM (STP) and 5-MeO-DIPT (Foxy Methoxy) which have much more specific action to particular aspects of the psyche are also classed as psychedelics. Some also include cannabis (marijuana).
Some psychedelics (namely LSD, psilocybin and cannabis) are non-toxic, making it impossible to ingest a lethal dose.
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Pharmacological classes of psychedelics, and their general subjective effects
Entries marked with a # are naturally occurring.
Classic Psychedelics (serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists)
- Tryptamines
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) #
- 5-MeO-DMT #
- Bufotenine #
- Alphamethyltryptamine (AMT)
- 5-MeO-AMT
- Dipropyltryptamine (DPT)
- DIPT
- 5-MeO-DIPT
- Psilocybin # and Psilocin #, the active constituents of magic mushrooms (Psilocybe spec.)
- 4-HO-DIPT
- Harmala # blanket term for the active beta-carboline constituents of Ayahuasca, usually with Dimethyltryptamine
- Ibogaine # (also an NMDA receptor antagonist with dissociative effects)
- Lysergamides
- LSD, acid
- Ergine (LSA) #, from Morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds
- Ergonovine #
- Phenethylamines
The tryptamines, LSD, and phenethylamines cause more or less identical effects despite their different chemical structure. At lower doses, these include sensory distortions such as the warping of surfaces, shape suggestibility, and color variations. Users often report intense colors that they have not previously experienced, and repetitive geometric shapes are common. Higher doses often cause intense and fundamental distortions of sensory perception such as synaesthesia or the experience of additional spatial, temporal, or time dimensions. Some compounds, such as 2C-B, have extremely tight "dose curves," meaning the difference between a non-event and an overwhelming disconnection from reality can be very slight.
Empathogens and/or Entactogens (serotonin releasers)
- Substituted amphetamines (phenethylamine family)
The primary effects of the empathogens include openness, euphoria, empathy, love, and heightened self-awareness. Its initial adoption by the dance club sub-culture is probably due to the enhancement of the overall social and musical experience.
Cannabinoids (CB-1 cannabinoid receptor agonists)
Some effects may include: general change in consciousness, mild euphoria, feelings of general well-being, relaxation or stress reduction, increased appreciation of humor, music and other art, introspection, enhanced recollection of episodic memory, increased sensuality, loss of inhibition, increased awareness of sensation, creative or philosophical thinking, disruption of linear memory, paranoia, agitation, and anxiety, potentiation of other psychedelics, increased awareness of patterns and color.
Other (psychedelic activity questioned)
- Myristicin # and Elemicin #, from nutmeg
Effects reported are similar to that of cannabis, moreso of the cannabidiol component rather than THC, but with a much longer duration, slow onset, and undesirable side effects.
- Cryogenine (Vertine) #, the active constituent of sinicuichi
Although vertine has anticholinergic properties, use of sinicuichi tends to produce psychedelic effects rather than that of a deliriant (this could possibly be dose related). The primary noted effects include auditory distortions, improved memory and relaxation.