What Are Hallucinogens?
Many of these drugs come from plants, and some have been used by indigenous people throughout the world to aid in spiritual rituals. When consumed, the alkaloids in these drugs mimic neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, and make you see or hear things. It may seem like hallucinogens went out of style in the 1970s, but they are still around, and some have even made a comeback. Here are some of the most common hallucinogens on the market:- LSD stands for d-lysergic acid diethylamide and it comes from a fungus that grows on rye. LSD causes trips lasting up to 12 hours.
- This compound comes from some kinds of mushrooms that grow in North and South America. Users call these magic mushrooms and their effects last up to six hours.
- The crown of the peyote cactus has been used by Native Americans for millennia. Typically made into a tea, the effects of peyote last about 12 hours.
- Also known as angel dust, this is a synthetic compound that can cause serious mood disturbances in addition to hallucinations. It is more likely to cause bad reactions and violent outbursts than other hallucinogens.
