CHAPTER 6 ALL AROUNDERS I.

Classification

A. Uppers stimulate; downers depress; all arounders stimulate or depress but generally distort perception. B. Historically, such diverse substances as amanita mushrooms, belladonna, marijuana, and peyote have been used and abused. C. In the twentieth century, the majority of psychedelics are used in the Americas and Africa, substances such as peyote, psilocybin, yage, morning glory seeds, etc. D. E. Recently, use of LSD, MDMA, and psychedelic mushrooms has increased. The main classes of psychedelics are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. II. Indole psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) Phenylalkylamines (mescaline, "ecstasy") Anticholinergics (belladonna) Others (PCP, etc.) Cannabinols

General Effects

A. The problems in determining effects include the lack of scientific documentation of effects because of the illegal status of psychedelics, the lack of standard doses, contamination or misrepresentation. 1. Psychedelics alter the functioning of numerous neurotransmitter systems. 2. The effects of psychedelics, particularly the mental effects, depend on the size of the dose, past experience with the drug, emotional makeup, mood, and surroundings. B. C. Physical effects include increased pulse rate, blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and sensitivity to sensory stimulation. Emotional/mental effects include illusions (mistaken perceptions), delusions (mistaken ideas or beliefs) and hallucinations (sensory experiences not related to reality).

III.
A. 1.

Indole Psychedelics
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) LSD-25 History a. Dr. Albert Hoffman was the first to synthesize this synthetic form of an ergot fungus toxin. He discovered its hallucinogenic properties in 1943 by accident. It was investigated as a therapy tool for mental illness in the late In the early 50s the CIA conducted mind-control and truth serum experiments in a program code-named MK-ULTRA.

b. c.

d. Popularized by Dr. Timothy Leary in the '60's ("Tune in, turn on, drop out") e. 2. Made illegal on February 1, 1966 under Federal Drug Abuse Control Amendments

Manufacture a. b. c. Most LSD is still manufactured in the San Francisco Bay area of northern California although recently some labs have sprung up in the Midwest. Quantities produced are smallthe nations annual consumption is 11 lbs. Synthesis is tedious and dangerous. Crystalline LSD is dissolved in alcohol and drops are put on blotter paper, pills, powders, microdots. Each drop usually contains 10 to 50 g (micrograms or mics). A major bust of rural Kansas lab reduced the U.S. supply by 95%. Prices jumped from $1 to $5 a hit to $20 or more.

d. 3.

Pharmacology a. b. Effects of LSD are dose dependent - lower doses (30-50 micrograms) act more as a stimulant with mild euphoria (laughter and giddiness). Larger doses of 150-300 micrograms produce true hallucinations.

c. d. e. 4. 5.

LSD stimulates a specific subset of serotonin receptors, the 5HT2A receptors. Effects begin 15 to 60 min after ingestion, peak at 2 to 4 hrs, and last 6 to 8 hrs. Tolerance to psychedelic effects occurs rapidly (within a few days).

Physical effects include rises in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and dilated pupils. Mental effects a. Sensory distortion including synesthesia (mixing of the senses) b. Dreaminess, depersonalization c. Altered mood, impaired concentration d. Difficulty in expressing oneself e. Loss of judgment; diminishment of self-preservation instincts Bad trips (acute anxiety reactions) usually occur with new users who don't know what it expect or experienced users who take too large a dose. Reactions include anxiety, fear, and paranoia. Mental illness and LSD a. Proponents of its use in psychotherapy claim that LSD-induced insights can provide a shortcut through extended psychotherapy. b. It is very unusual for the one-time use of LSD to induce a permanent psychotic or schizophrenic disability; however, users with a pre-existing mental illness could aggravate symptoms, or provoke a relapse. Flashbacks of a bad trip can be triggered by stress or situations that c. induce anxiety and fear. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is the long-term intermittent experience of visual and perceptual disturbances long after LSD has been is gone from the body. Flashbacks and HPPD are more common in regular heavy abusers and may have a strong hereditary component.

6.

7.

B. 1. 2.

Magic mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocin) Psilocybin and psilocin are the active ingredients The mushrooms were used ceremonially in Pre-Columbian America and are

still used today. 3. 4. Life Magazine article Seeking the Magic Mushroom in 1957 introduced psychedelic mushrooms to Americans. Pharmacology -- about 75 species of mushrooms in which the strength varies from plant to plant. Doses of 10 mg to 60 mg produce sensory distortions that can last for 3 to 6 hours. Effects include, initially nausea then changes in visceral sensations, changes in sight, hearing, taste, and touch and altered states of consciousness, sensations similar to LSD but with less disassociation and panic. Sources include home-growing kits and the potentially dangerous practice of harvesting wild mushrooms.

5.

6.

C. Ibogaine is produced by the African Tabernanthe iboga shrub. It is a longacting psychedelic in high doses and a stimulant in low doses. It is used in western and central Africa. D. Morning glory seeds (ololiuqui) contain a mild LSD-like substance, but several hundred seeds are needed to obtain an effect. Today the seeds are dipped in a toxic substance when sold commercially. E. DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in South American trees, vines, and shrubs (yopo beans). Stomach acid destroys it so the plant material is dried, chopped and snorted or smoked to produce short-term (30 minute) hallucinations. The venom of the Sonoran Desert toad also contains a variant of DMT. F. Yage is psychedelic drink made from an Amazonian vine. dreamlike state lasting up to 10 hrs. It produces a

IV.

Phenylalkylamine Psychedelics

A. This class is chemically related to adrenalin and amphetamines, and their effects take longer to appear then LSD or other indole psychedelics. B. 1. Mescaline (peyote) Mescaline is the active component of Peyote and San Pedro cacti

2. 3. 4. 5.

The Peyote cactus has been used for thousands of years in Central and South America. In the 1800s its use spread to North American tribes and the Comanche, Kiowa and Ute still use it today. In 1996 the Supreme Court ruled that the use of peyote during religious ceremonies by Native Americans is protected by the Constitution. Derived from the tops ("buttons") of the peyote cactus cut at ground level. About 2 million buttons are harvested each year for use by the Native American Church of North America. Effects a. Seven to eight buttons is average dose b. Effects last twelve hours and are similar to LSD. Very colorful visions and hallucinations are common. c. Each use is accompanied by severe vomiting. Ceremonial use is accompanied by singing, drumming, chanting. The goal is to converse with a spiritual leader for guidance and understanding. Designer psychedelics (MDA, MDMA, 2c-B, 2c-T-7, 2c-T-2, etc.) These classes of synthetic drugs are variants of the amphetamine molecule. They produce feelings of well-being, euphoria and stimulatory effects. Over 150 have been synthesized to date. MDA (methylene-dioxyamphetamine) was the first of these compounds to be used and abused in the late 1960s to early 1980s. MDMA has taken over as the drug of choice. MDMA or 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, (street name "ecstasy") has been manufactured illegally since it was banned as a Schedule I drug in 1988. a. When it was legal the manufacturer sold 50,000 tablets a week. b. In 2006, a Dutch trafficker was sentenced to 20 years for smuggling 1.7 million tablets into the U.S. c. In 2006, 1.3% of high school students said they used MDMA on a monthly basis, down from the peak of 3.6% in 2000.

6.

7. C. 1.

2.

3.

d. The term rolling was coined by Gen Xers who concealed tablets in rewrapped Tootsie Rolls. e. Dosages in a tablet or capsule range from 75 to 125 mg ($10 to $40, but higher during shortages). The DEA reported that 30 to 50% of tablets at rave parties dont contain any MDMA.

sold 4.

Physical effects Stimulant effects resemble those of amphetamines and begin in about 30 minutes. Higher doses increase the physical effects. 1. increased heart rate and respiration 2. sweating 3. hyperactivity 4. bruxism (clenching of the teeth) As users become tolerant to the mental effects, they begin taking higher doses. High doses lead to more serious problems: malignant hyperthermia, water toxicity, seizure activity. 5. Mental effects Effects last 3 to 4 hours and include feelings of happiness, increased empathy, more self-awareness, heightened self-esteem, clarity, and mild distortions of perception, but no illusions or hallucinations.

MDMA works by causes a massive release of serotonin from pre-synaptic vesicles. After serotonin supplies are depleted, taking more ecstasy produces limited mental effects. It can take a week to restore serotonin levels to normal and users report feelings of depression and confusion the day after use. 6. Neurotoxicity Experiments in rats and monkeys have shown damage to the axon terminals of serotonergic neurons after high dosages and the damage remained for 12 to 18 months.

V.
A. 1. 2. 3.

Anti-cholinergic Psychedelics
Belladonna, henbane, mandrake, datura Their history goes back to ancient Greece through theMiddle Ages and Renaissance. Used in magic, sorcery, witchcraft, and religion, as a poison and even a beauty aid. Induce delirium and hallucinations and deep sleep.

4. 5. 6.

Used to treat Parkinson's disease and asthma. Work by blocking acetylcholine receptors Jimson weed contains similar anti-cholinergic chemicals and grows wild in U.S. It has been tried by some teenagers leading to emergency room visits

VI.
A.

Other Psychedelics
Ketamine (Special-K) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ketamine is an animal and human anesthetic. It is diverted from medical and veterinary supplies for illegal use. The liquid is heated and evaporated to form solid crystals which can be smoked, snorted, or mixed with drinks. It produces a dreamlike state with a mild euphoria and illusions which last for about 6 hours. Pain sensation is reduced and it is has used by mosh pit dancers.

B.

Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, "peep," "KJ," "Shermans,") 1. 2. 3. 4. Once used as a human and veterinary anesthetic, its use was discontinued due to toxic side effects. It is now illegal and is only manufactured in street labs. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected. Effects a. b. c. Toxic effects are frequent and severe Mental effects include sensory deprivation and "mind-body" separation Can also induce stimulation (low dose), depression, high blood pressure, combative behavior (moderate dose), catatonia, coma, convulsions (high dose) Does not impart super human strength, but does reduce response to painful stimuli and users fight violently because their paranoid state leads them to believe people want to kill them.

5. 6.

Effects can last up to 48 hours and emotional trauma occasionally recur in flashbacks Not widely used because of bad trips, but it is often sold as THC or mescaline.

C.

Salvia Divinorum
1. 2. 3. It is a member of the sage family and has been used for centuries by medicine men of the Sierra Madre in northeastern Mexico. Active ingredient is salvinorum A. Hallucinogenic effects last 7 to 10 minutes when smoked.

VII. Cannabinols
A. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Marijuana The marijuana plant, also called Cannabis or hemp, is used to make a variety of useful products and can be smoked or eaten to alter physical and mental states. Potency of street varieties in '90's is greater than it was in the '60's. Epidemiology: by 1979 68 million in the U.S. had tried it; in 2005 14.6 million were using it on a monthly basis. It is used globally by 200-300 million people. Historically, it was used as a medicine, fiber sources, and intoxicant in India, China, and the American colonies Pharmacology: 360 different chemicals have been identified, 30 of which have psychoactive effects. 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most potent. Recent scientific discoveries: a. b. In 1992, specific receptors that bind THC were discovered in the brain. In 1995 the first endogenous neurotransmitter that binds these receptors was discovered and named anandamide. Other compounds have been identified and all of the chemicals that bind THC receptors are classified as endocannabinoids. Recent research has identified two receptor subtypes. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain in areas that regulate short term memory (hippocampus),

c.

ones sense of novelty (amygdala), and the sensory appeal of food (hypothalamus). CB2 receptors are found in the immune system.

7.

Botany: a. There are three species of the plant, the most common of which is Cannabis sativa. Cannabis indica is a shorter, bushier plant and a variety of this is sometimes called "skunk weed" because of its strong odor. Cannabis ruderalis grows in Siberia and contains very little THC. The sinsemilla (without seeds) growing technique, increases the THC content since unfertilized female buds produce more resin. Male plants are removed from growing area. In the '60's and '70's, the concentration of THC was 1-3%, now it can be 14-18%. In India leaves, stems, and flowers are used to produce different potencies. Bhang is made from leaves and stems with lowest potency Ganja is made from stronger leaves and flowering tops Hashish is made from the resin and is the richest in THC

b.

c. d.

8.

Drug testing Drug tests for THC metabolites are usually set to detect 50ng/ml in urine. Someone who is not a frequent user would test negative 24-72 hours after smoking a joint. It would take chronic users a month to pass the test and another month to get to 0 metabolites in urine. Synthetic THC in a pill is marketed as Marinol, is used in medicines to reduce nausea and stimulate appetite. It also reduces intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Physical Effects a. b. Sedation, bloodshot eyes, increase in appetite, increase in heart rate, loss of muscular coordination and decreased tracking ability. Since there are few anandamide receptors in the brain stem physical overdose is extremely rare.

9. 10.

c. Smoking it damages lungs and breathing passages and increases risk of lung cancer, bronchitis, and emphysema.

11.

Mental effects a. In moderate doses it produces a sense of detachment from the environment, feelings of dj vu, giddiness, and increased alertness. These feelings are often followed by quiet introspection, hunger, and sedation. Very strong doses can produce feelings of movement under the feet, visual illusions, sensory distortion, and feelings of paranoia. Effects are very dependent on mood and surroundings. Marijuana exaggerates the emotional state of the user. A loss of a sense of time can make repetitive jobs go by faster

b. c. d. 12.

Marijuana and Learning a. b. c. d. Slows learning and disrupts concentration. Impairs short-term memory; no effect on long-term memory. Can delay or impede emotional development since users avoid solving life problems and become stoned to counteract emotional pain. Called "the mirror that magnifies" because it exaggerates natural or habitual tendencies in the user, such as not really wanting to study

13.

Tolerance and withdrawal a. Tolerance increases rapidly

b. Chronic users experience withdrawal symptoms but the onset is delayed for 3 to 7 days. Symptoms include craving, irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite and inability to concentrate. 14. 15. Addiction Because of increased potency and compulsive use patterns, the addictive potential is being reevaluated. A gateway drug? Though earlier education exaggerated the negative consequences of the drug, it is a gateway drug in the sense that it often leads people to associate with those who use other drugs; however, tobacco and alcohol seem to be the true gateway drugs.

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