Hallucinogens Fact Sheet 

Many drugs can produce hallucinations at high doses. Drugs in the hallucinogen classification can produce the effects at "normal" doses. Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, are drugs which affect a person's perceptions, sensations, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions. A wide variety of drugs are classed as hallucinogens. Some come from natural sources while others are manufactured synthetically.

Those made synthetically and structured similarly to serotonin include LSD ( d-lysergic acid diethlyamide), PCP (phencyclidine), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). Those with an amphetamine chemical structure include MDA (3,4 methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and STP or DOM (2,5 dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine). Hallucinogens obtained from plants include mescaline from the peyote cactus, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Other plants such as jimson weed, morning glory, and nutmeg can produce hallucinations. Cannabis (marijuana), though not necessarily classed in this drug group, may in large doses, produce hallucinations. Hallucinogens are usually taken orally but are sometimes smoked, sniffed, or injected.

Over the years they have been used for their "mind-expanding" effects or to produce mystical or religious experiences. Also, in the past, a small number of therapists have suggested that hallucinogens may have value in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

The effects of hallucinogens are unpredictable and depend on the amount taken, the user's personality, mood, and expectations as well as the surroundings in which the drug is used. Previous drug use experiences, routes of administration and concurrent use of other drugs also influence the drug effects.

Typically, the user feels the first effects of the drug 30-90 minutes after taking it. The physical effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. Although research in the past has focussed on legitimate medicinal uses of hallucinogens, to date there is no evidence that drugs such as LSD can be employed safely with humans in a beneficial way.

In addition to the physical effects, sensations and feelings also change. The user may experience several different emotions at once or swing rapidly from one emotion to another. The person's sense of time and self changes. Sensations may seem to "cross over", giving the user the feeling of "hearing" colours and "seeing" sounds. These may be pleasant experiences for some. At other times, the same user may find them unpleasant - for some the result is considerable distress and panic - a "bad trip".

"Flashbacks" are recurrences of previous drug experience without taking the drug again. They can occur days, weeks, or even months after last use. Prolonged serious depression, anxiety, and even psychotic reactions, may result from hallucinogen use. Sometimes use of a hallucinogen can unmask mental or emotional problems that were previously unknown to the user.

It is not unusual for dealers to sell one kind of hallucinogen as another. For example, a user may be given PCP and told it is acid, or given acid and told it is mescaline or psilocybin. Because effects and potency can differ from one hallucinogen to another, the user may be at greater risk of an adverse physical/psychological reaction.

d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, acid, cid, blotter, dot, cartoon, domes, trips, california sunshine, windowpane, flats, wedges)

Commonly called "acid", LSD is made from lysergic acid which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Most street "acid" is prepared synthetically in illicit laboratories. It is the most potent mood-altering chemical known. LSD is odourless, colourless, and tasteless and is sold on the street in tablets, capsules, or occasionally in liquid form. The usual route of use is by mouth but it may be inhaled or injected. Often it is added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper and divided into small decorated squares with each square representing one dose. The usual dose or "hit" is 40-100 micrograms, but can be as high as 700 micrograms.

The general effects outlined in the previous section apply to LSD. The initial effects are felt in less than an hour and generally last 2-12 hours, peaking in 2-3 hours. Physical effects appear first and include numbness; muscle weakness, and trembling; increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; dilated pupils; impaired motor skills and coordination; nausea, and rarely, seizures. In addition to the acute effects on perception, thought, and moods, chronic LSD use may result in prolonged depression and anxiety. Repeated use can also lead to prolonged psychosis resembling schizophrenia. The condition requires psychiatric therapy and may take weeks or months to clear completely.

phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, horse tranquillizer, hog)

PCP was first used in the 1950's as an anesthetic for surgery. Because it produced such highly undesirable side effects as delirium and convulsions, its use was quickly discontinued. In the 1960's, it was marketed as an animal anesthetic and tranquillizer. It was at this time that it began to be abused as a mood-altering drug. It is no longer used by veterinarians and is produced today only in illicit laboratories for street use.

Pure PCP is a white powder. It is sold on the street as a powder, liquid, capsule, or tablet and is often passed off as LSD, THC, mescaline, or other drugs. It is also found in many street drugs as an adulterant (additive to the mix). The drug can be taken by mouth, "snorted" (sniffed), smoked in joints of marijuana or tobacco, or injected.

PCP is difficult to classify accurately since different doses produce different effects. Effects may be that of stimulants, hallucinogens, anesthetics, or analgesics. Not all people react the same way to the drug, even after taking the same amount.

The strength or potency can vary markedly from one street product to another. Short term effects of a low dosage appear soon after taking the drug and disappear within a few hours or days. Physical effects include rapid breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, a marked rise in temperature, and numbness of arms and legs. At higher doses of 10 mg or more, a rapid drop of blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration occurs with nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness, and decreased awareness of pain. Larger doses can cause convulsions, coma, and death. The user's ability to concentrate, think logically, and speak become impaired. Marked changes in perception, thought, and moods similar to those produced by LSD may occur. High doses can cause delusions, hallucinations (primarily auditory) and a sensation of distance from one's environment. Psychosocial disorganization and psychosis may result.

Effects of high doses can last from 10 days to 2 weeks. Long-term effects of PCP are not well-documented as it is not often used on a regular basis, "Flashbacks" can occur as well as persistent speech problems, memory loss, severe anxiety and depression, and social withdrawal.

3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)

The structure of MDA is similar to that of norepinephrine. It is sold loose as a brown or white powder, in capsules, or as an amber liquid. Produced for the illicit drug market, there is at present, no accepted medical use for the drug.

The effects of MDA occur in 30 to 60 minutes and last about 8 hours. Users report a sense of well-being along with heightened tactile sensations and emotions. At higher doses, effects are similar to LSD including hallucinations or sensory distortions. Physical effects resemble those of the amphetamines and include dilated pupils, high blood pressure, and dry nose and throat. The unpleasant side effects most often noted are nausea, periodic tensing of neck muscles, jaw tightening, grinding of teeth, and dilation of pupils. An overdose can result in death.

3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy, XTC, 3, Adam)

MDMA has a structure similar to norepinephrine. It is sold as a white or off-white powder with oral ingestion the preferred method. Produced in laboratories for the illicit drug market, there is no medical use for MDMA. The usual dosage ranges from 100 to 150 mg. The effects of MDMA are like those of MDA but milder and of shorter duration (½ to 2 hours). Like MDA it exerts strong amphetamine-like effects on the body, including dilated pupils, dry mouth, lower jaw tension, grinding of teeth, and overall stimulation. The attraction to use MDMA may be due to its alleged aphrodisiac qualities. Researchers have noted that MDMA enhances the pleasure of touching but interferes with erections in men and inhibits orgasms in both men and women. Users may feel affectionate, serene, joyful, and empathetic. High dosages of MDMA have been reported to cause extremely high body temperatures, cardiovascular difficulties, jaundice, and convulsions.

trimethoxyphenethylamine (mescaline, peyote)

Mescaline can be prepared from the Mexican peyote cactus or synthesized chemically. Canada has no legal use but the Native American Church of North America uses it legally as a sacrament. Mescaline is usually taken by mouth, can be smoked, or rarely, may be injected. The usual dosage ranges from 300 mg to 600 mg. Within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion, mescaline reaches a maximum concentration in the brain; the drug may remain in the brain for up to 10 hours.

Physical effects include dilated pupils, fever, nausea, and vomiting. High doses can cause headaches, dry skin, and low blood pressure as well as lowering of heart rate and respirations. Reports of mystical or religious experiences are common.

psilocybin (magic mushrooms)

Psilocybin, and the related chemical psilocin, are the active ingredients in several species of mushrooms which grow throughout Canada. Structurally related to LSD, psilocybin is sold as mushrooms or in capsules containing powders of various colours. The effects of psilocybin are usually felt after 30 minutes and last up to 6 hours. Low doses produce mild psychedelic effects; higher dose effects are similar to those of LSD, but less intense. Physical effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, abdominal discomfort, numbness of the tongue and mouth, nausea, anxiety, and shivering.

dimethyltryptamine (DMT)

DMT is a synthetic chemical resembling psilocin. DMT is not active when taken by mouth; it is taken either as snuff, by smoking, or by injection. Marijuana or parsley may be soaked in a solution of DMT, then dried and smoked.

The effects of DMT occur rapidly and last only 30-60 minutes, hence the street name "businessman's lunch". Besides dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, it may cause anxiety or panic states possibly because of the rapid onset of the potent effects.

2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, STP - super terrific psychedelic)

The effects of DOM resemble a combination of amphetamine and LSD. Doses of less than 3 mg produce increase in heartbeat, pupil dilation, increase in blood pressure, and temperature. It causes mild euphoria that may last from 8 to 12 hours, peaking at 3 to 5 hours. Higher dosages (10 mg) will cause a "trip" lasting from 16 to 24 hours.

paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA)

Rarely seen on the street, PMA is a very dangerous hallucinogen and may be sold as MDA. The hallucinogenic effects of PMA are similar to LSD. Physical effects include racing pulse, high blood pressure, increased and laboured breathing, high fever, erratic eye movements, muscle spasm and vomiting. High doses may cause convulsions, coma, and death.

Other hallucinogens (morning glory seeds, nutmeg, jimson weed)

Morning glory seeds contain lysergic amide which is related to LSD but less potent. Effects similar to LSD begin 30-90 minutes after 100 or more seeds are chewed. Most seeds are now coated with insecticides/herbicides which can cause considerable discomfort if ingested.

Nutmeg powder can be eaten and sometimes "snorted" for the psychedelic effects. Low doses produce mild euphoria, lightheadedness, and stimulation. Larger doses may cause rapid heart beat, agitation, vomiting, and hallucinations. Recovery is slow and can often involve an unpleasant hangover.

Jimson weed and deadly nightshade both contain atropine and other belladonna alkaloids. Eating the leaves or berries causes marked dryness of the mouth, dilated pupils, hot dry skin, rapid heart beat, constipation, and difficult urination. Larger doses may produce hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation and even convulsions.

Regular use of LSD during pregnancy appears to heighten risk of spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormality in an infant. Little is known about the effects of PCP or other hallucinogens. The drug passes through the placenta to the fetus and is also excreted in the milk of nursing mothers. At present there are no studies which prove a link between fetal damage and use of other hallucinogens.

Tolerance is usually defined as needing more of the drug to achieve the "high". Tolerance to hallucinogens is not well understood. A ceiling effect is common with some drugs. With hallucinogenic drugs, often after daily use for as little as three or four days, no amount of the drug will produce the desired effect. The exception may be PCP since regular users do increase the amount taken to maintain the "high". There is some evidence of cross-tolerance with marijuana. After a few days of non-use tolerance decreases and the hallucinogenic effects of the drugs will again be experienced after ingestion.

Although withdrawal symptoms are unlikely, psychological dependence contributes to continued use. Psychological dependency is suggested by the compulsive intake of these drugs by some users.

Figures on drug use frequency for clients of NS Drug Dependency Services for the year ended March 31, 1996 show that more than 10% used hallucinogens. The 1996 Student Drug Use Survey showed an increase in prevalence of use (since 1991) of hallucinogens. Survey figures show:

According to the survey information, acid use is more likely as students get older - use in grade 7 was reported at 5.3 % compared to use in grade 12 at 18.1 %.

Most hallucinogens are covered under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Hallucinogens are considered to have no known medical use and therefore possession and sale are completely prohibited except for experimental purposes.

Charges for possession, tried by summary conviction carries a penalty of a fine up to $1000 and/or six months imprisonment for a first offence. Subsequent offenses carry a penalty of a fine up to $2000 and/or up to one year imprisonment. More serious charges carry a penalty of up to three years imprisonment. Trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking, when tried by summary conviction, carry a maximum penalty of 18 months and when tried by indictment, up to 10 years' imprisonment.

Unlawful possession of PCP is a criminal offense under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The penalty for summary conviction of a first offense is a fine up to $1000 and/or six months' incarceration and for subsequent offenses, $2000 and up to two years' imprisonment. The penalty is up to seven years when tried by indictment. Trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking is an indictable offence punishable by imprisonment for life. Importing and exporting is an indictable offence and liable to life imprisonment.

Drug Dependency Services, Central Region, 1999