Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Chapter 6

How much does a "lid" (an ounce of marijuana) cost on the street?

$200-$400

Magic Mushrooms: Effects

- Cause nausea - Visceral sensations; changes in sight, hearing, taste and touch - Altered states of consciousness

Marijuana: Describe Physical Effects

- Physical relaxation - Some pain control - Small to moderate loss in coordination - Blood-shot eyes - Coughing from lung irritation - Impairs tracking ability - Trailing phenomena (after-image of moving object) - Increases hunger Mental: - Mentally separated from environment - Drowsiness - Strong variations can cause giddiness, increased alertness and major distortions of time, color and sound - Exaggerates mood and personality and makes smokers more empathetic

LSD: Physical Effects

- Rise in heart rate and blood pressure - Higher body temperature - Dizziness - Dilated pupils - Reduced appetite - Sweating

LSD: Mental Effects

- Sensory distortions (synesthesia) - Dreaminess - Depersonalization - Altered mood - Impaired concentration and motivation

By whom and when was LSD extracted?

1938 by Dr. Albert Hoffman.

MDMA: Describe Mental/Emotional Effects

20-60 minutes after ingestion and continuing for 3-4 hours MDMA: - Induces feelings of happiness - Clarity - Peace - Pleasure - Altered sensory perceptions - Non-sexual empathy for others - More self-awareness and heightened self esteem - Open-mindedness - Acceptance - And intimacy

What are rave-goers actually taking?

30-50% of tablets sold as MDMA at raves actually contain no MDMA but rather other illicit drugs like PCP, amphetamines, PMA, or MDA.

When cannabis is smoked or ingested, the liver converts the psychoactive chemicals into how many metabolites?

60 metabolites

What practically guarantees a "bad trip"?

A bad trip is caused from a first time user that takes it without supportive experienced users around them are subject to the extremes of euphoria and panic.

Describe: C-Boom (25C-NBOMe)

A designer club drug that boosts serotonin, causing distortion in vision, time and space, and a whole-body high at higher doses especially when snorted as a liquid. Derived from phenethylamine

Indole Psychedelics: Describe Ibogaine

Comes from an African shrub and acts as a stimulant in low doses, but in higher doses produces longer acting psychedelic effects. The user may remain catatonic for up to 2 days! Although it is not often seen in the U.S., it is being researched as a treatment for opioid, alcohol and cocaine addiction.

Which part of the plant does Charas come from?

Concentrated resin

What chemicals do Anticholinergic Psychedelics plants contain, and how do they affect the body?

Contain the psychoactive and/or psychedelic chemicals hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine. They have been used to mimic insanity and as a narcotic, a diuretic, a sedative, an antispasmodic, a poison, and even a beauty aid.

What is "rolling"?

Ecstasy use is called rolling.

True or False: Federal laws focus more on heavy trafficking than on possession.

False

True or False: Following legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado, impaired driving arrests declined.

False

"Fry Daddies" are made with PCP. What are they?

Fry daddies are marijuana dipped in embalming fluid and adding PCP.

What kinds of flashbacks can one expect to experience?

Hallucinogenic-like visual and perceptual disturbances. LSD flashbacks appear to be similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. It is not addictive.

Describe Sativex:

Has more CBD than natural marijuana.

What can happen at high doses of MDMA?

High doses can result in acute anxiety reaction and cause flashbacks after cessation of use.

Describe the effects of PCP or "Angel Dust" at large doses:

Large doses produce seizures, respiratory depression, rigidity of muscles, cardiovascular instability and kidney failure.

Describe the effects of peyote/mescaline:

Lasts approximately 12 hours and are very similar to LSD with an emphasis on colorful visions and hallucinations.

Describe the effects of PCP or "Angel Dust" at low doses:

Low doses (2-5mg, 1-2 hours) produce mild depression then stimulation.

What is MDMA/Molly?

MDMA was a psychoactive drug with the highest profile in the 2000's. Molly is a refined, often crystalline, form of MDMA sold in capsules which seems to users to be stronger than the old ecstasy pills.

If mescaline (active ingredient of peyote) didn't appeal to the Spanish Conquistadors, to whom did it appeal?

Mescalero apache and other tribes of the American southwest.

What is "dabbing"?

Method for vaporizing hash oil by "dabbing" it onto a hot element connected to a glass pipe.

Contrast "sinsemilla" with commercial grade:

Sinsemilla is a method that increased potency of the plant. Commercial grade refers to marijuana that is not grown by sinsemilla method.

Which part of the plant does Bhang come from?

Stem and leaves

Which part of the plant does Hashish come from?

Sticky resin from cannabis plant

Which part of the plant does Ganja come from?

Stronger leaves

Describe Spice and similar products:

Synthetic cannabinoid-like chemicals sold over the internet. Produce marijuana like effects and can be four to 800 times stronger.

Describe marijuana's long-term effect on the Immune System:

THC can lead to enhanced growth of tumors, due to suppression of antitumor immune response

Who were the "merry pranksters"?

They were a group of counterculture advocates who traveled the country in the mid sixties in a converted school bus (the magic bus) popularizing psychedelics, particularly LSD.

Describe: STP

This is similar to MDA and a 12-hour experience of intense stimulation and psychedelic reactions. It is no longer used often due to negative experiences, but is still called "the peace pill."

What is butane hash oil (BHO)?

This method extracts the THC by spraying butane or another solvent through the buds or twigs and leaves of marijuana

What are ketamine's legitimate uses?

Treating alcoholism in a technique called ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

True or False: A person's mood, personality, experience, pre-existing mental illnesses, environment and previous experience with a psychedelic drug exert a powerful influence on the effects of these drugs.

True

True or False: Since 1977, the average marijuana THC concentrations have increased by more than 12%?

True.

Amanita Mushrooms: How has it been used, and how can it be obtained?

Used as psychedelics and can be purchased on the internet among few psychedelics sold legally in the U.S.

What is aggravated by LSD in such a way as to cause severe mental disturbances?

Users with preexisting mental illnesses or instability.

Marijuana: Describe Withdrawal

Withdrawal effects appear after a relatively long period of abstinence. Symptoms include anger, aches, depression, inability to concentrate sweating and craving. Everyone will experience some, especially craving

When cannabis is smoked, how much THC is absorbed?

about 20%

Describe marijuana's long-term Respiratory Effects:

causes coughing and other symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis. Phlegm production increased but not readily cleared from breathing passages

Define: Anandamide

endocannabinoid that fits into the cannabinoid receptor sites

Define: CB2 receptors

limit the immune system and a few other sites in lower body

Define: Ligand

molecule that binds to a receptor

Define: CB1 receptors

primarily found in the brain, particularly in hippocampus, amygdala

MDMA: Describe Physical Effects

similar to those of amphetamines. - Increased heart rate and respiration - Excess energy - Fainting - Sweating - Hyperthermal increased body temperature - Chills - And hyperactivity

Describe marijuana's long-term effects: Acute Mental

some people with mental illnesses use drugs to try and control their symptoms.

Describe Marinol:

synthetic THC. Patients prefer marijuana in its smokable form because it works faster than Marinol.

Describe marijuana's long-term effects: Hyperemesis

vomiting syndrome associated with long term high potency marijuana

Ketamine is also called "Special K." Define it:

A dissociative general anesthetic used in human and veterinary medical procedures; it produces effects very similar to those of PCP.

Ketamine: Effects at low doses

A dose of 100-200mg causes a mild, dreamlike intoxication, sensations of mind/body separation, dizziness, free-floating giddiness, slurred speech and impaired muscular coordination.

Ketamine: Effects at large doses

A dose of 300-500 mg is needed for the full psychedelic experience. Being in the "k-hole" is described as an out of body near death encounter with depersonalization, hallucinations, delirium and occasionally bizarre or mystic experiences.

Anticholinergic Psychedelics like belladonna, henbane, mandrake, datura (jimson weed, thornapple), and guafenesin have been used as what?

A drying agent used in some cold medicines.

What is LSD?

A semi-synthetic form of an ergot fungus toxin that infects rye and other cereal grasses

Define: Hallucination

A sensory experience that does not come from external stimuli

Indole Psychedelics: Describe Ayahuasca

Active ingredient is harmaline (indole alkaloid) that prevents deactivation of DMT. Comes from an Amazon jungle plant; causes intense vomiting & diarrhea followed by a 10-hour dreamlike state.

What is the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms"?

Active ingredients are psilocybin and psilocin.

Describe the effects of ibogaine in low or higher doses:

Acts as a stimulant in low doses and a long-acting psychedelic and a self-determined catatonic reaction.

Phenylalkylamine Psychedelics psycho-stimulant substances are chemically related to:

Adrenaline and amphetamine

Indole Psychedelics: Describe Foxy and AMT

Also known as "spirals," this psycho-stimulant was originally designed as an antidepressant. Effects can last 12 hours and bring on anxiety, tension, tachycardia, headaches, nausea, vomiting. Related drugs may cause illusions, formication, paranoia and emotional distress. Indole Psychedelics: Describe DMT (dimethyltryptamine) This psychedelic substance is similar to psilocin and causes intoxication, intense visual hallucina-tions, loss of awareness of surroundings for no longer than one hour! (from trees, mushrooms & toads).

Indole Psychedelics: Describe Morning Glory seeds

An LSD-like substance that is 1/10 as potent, but brings greater nausea. Effects last up to six hours and the user may have flashbacks. Sold commercially with an additive that causes vomiting.

Most hashish comes from Cannabis ____: a. sativa b. indica c. ruderalis

Answer: b

Of plants with psychoactive properties and their products, your text authors instruct that: a. there are more than 4,000 such plants, but only a few hundred have a history of such use. b. explorers and anthropologists found that every culture uses one or more psychedelic substances. c. they were rarely injected because the purpose was to alter consciousness rather than get a rush. d. other than marijuana, psychedelics have proven more popular among young White users than among others. d. all of the above are true of these plants and substances.

Answer: d

Salvia Divinorum: a. has an active ingredient that acts as a kappa opioid receptor agonist and can have effects stronger than LSD. b. has been described as similar to LSD, DMT, ketamine and PCP, but falling short of their full effects. c. is a member of the mint family that causes hallucinations, delirium and out-of-body sensations that include the inability to communicate or function effectively. d. all of the above.

Answer: d

How many chemicals in a cannabis plant are studied for their effects?

At least 30

What is the main psychoactive chemical in Cannabis resin?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC

Marijuana: Describe Addiction

Dependence is more likely to occur when use begins in adolescence. Today, many people smoke the drug in a chronic, compulsive way and have difficulty discontinuing its use.

How long does LSD take to take effect, peak, and for the user to return to a pre-drug state?

Effects appear 15-60 minutes after ingestion, peak at 2-4 hours and can last 6-8 hours overall

Marijuana: Describe its effect on Memory and Learning

Hippocampus is involved in short term memory and THC severely limits amount of hippocampal short-term memory. Marijuana slows learning and disrupts concentration

Of Illusion, Delusion and Hallucination, which are primarily created by LSD and most psychedelics?

Illusions and delusions.

What are Endocannabinoids and their receptor involvement in the body?

Increase or decrease the sensitivity of the mind to certain sensory inputs, particularly those involved in stress.

Marijuana: Describe Tolerance

Initially many smokers become sensitive, but tolerance occurs fairly rapid. Pharmacodynamic tolerance is more than reduced bioavailability.

Describe: 6 (Benzofury)

Is actually similar to ecstasy in its emotional and physical effects, bringing energy, euphoria, and empathy. Long term use results in damage to the heart and cardiovascular system.

What interesting use of ibogaine is being studied?

Is being studied to treat alcohol, cocaine, and particularly opioid addictions.

Describe: PMA

Is often sold as ecstasy but causes a spike in blood pressure after one hour, as well as after-images and a tingly feeling resembling goose bumps, and may also cause severe damage to brain & body.

Amanita Mushrooms: psychedelic effects

It can cause dreamy intoxication, hallucinations, or delirious excitement but its toxicity can be dangerous. Its anticholinergic activity can cause loss of muscle coordination, dangerous increase in body temperature, problems with vison, and can occasionally lead to seizures, coma and death.

Amanita Mushrooms: Describe them

It is a large mushroom with an orange, tan, red or yellow cap with white spots.

Is LSD addictive?

It is not physically addictive.

Amanita Mushrooms: What neurotransmitter do they most resemble?

It resembles the GABA neurotransmitter.

Define: Delusion

Mistaken idea or belief that is not swayed by reason or other contradictory evidence.

Define: Illusion

Mistaken perception of external stimulus

What is the potential hazard of "shroom" harvesting?

Mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms.

Describe the effects of PCP or "Angel Dust" at moderate doses:

Moderate doses (10-15mg, 4-6 hours) produce a more sensory deprived state. Dosages above 20 mg (up to 48 hours) can cause catatonia, coma and convulsions.

How many chemicals have been discovered in a single Cannabis plant?

More than 420

Describe: Bromo-dragonFLY

Much more potent and longer lasting than other phenethylamines. Causes visual distortion, muscle tension, memory loss, confusion, acute anxiety, depersonification and panic for six hours to four days.

What's a normal dose of LSD?

Normal dose is a square that is chewed or swallowed.

What is PCP?

PCP is intravenous anesthetic that is illegal and available only from street gangs.

Most hallucinogens stimulate the central nervous system. With which neurotransmitters do they interfere?

Physically, most hallucinogens stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The neurotransmitters that are interfered are: - Dopamine - Norepinephrine - Acetylcholine - Anandamide - Glutamate - Alpha psychosin - And especially serotonin

What was Delysid first used for?

Prescribed to enhance psychological insight in psychotherapy.

Describe: 2C-T-7

Results in delirium, heightened sensitivity, and increased awareness but can cause dangerous cardiovascu-lar effects or death in higher doses. Best known by the name "Blue Mystic." (other varieties less pleasant)

Marijuana: Describe it's "Novelty" Effect

THC stimulates the amygdala making even mundane objects and activities interesting. How the brain processes information is altered.

Marijuana: Describe its affect on users perception of time:

Temporal disintegration distorts a sense of time.

What else is stimulated by these drugs, and where does the overload occur?

The brainstem is stimulated and overload occurs in the sensory pathways

Describe the basic effect of Indole Psychedelics:

These psychedelics exert many of their effects through interactions with serotonin receptors, particularly those designated as 5TH_2 A. Serotonin influences areas of the brain that are the most likely to generate hallucinations and illusions.

What were the original MDMA/MDA uses/intentions?

Used at parties, raves and music clubs.

Dextromethorphan: Define it and describe the effects at a high (not recommended) dose

Used in cough syrups. High doses caused psychoactive and psychedelic effects.

How have Anticholinergic Psychedelics plants been used?

Used in magic, sorcery, witchcraft, and religious rituals. Used in army in case of nerve gas attack to counter Ach buildup or in synthetic form to treat side effects of antipsychotic drugs or Parkinson's.