Hallucinogens is a collective name of drugs which mainly affects peoples perception and have similar chemical origin. They all produce some kind of hallucination, affecting the sense of time ans space. The intake of these kinds of drugs may give a surprise trip at a later time, even when no drug has been used (called a “flashback”).

LSD

LSD (Lysergic acid Diethylamide), also called acid, is a chemically produced synthetic drug, all though it is derived from Lysergic acid found in some mushrooms and flower seeds. As a drug it became popular in the 60s, with the Flower Power movement in the U.S.

LSD is usually swallowed in form of pills, stamps/papers with added drops of LSD, sugar cubes or as a liquid. Because the strong effect, very small doses are used. 25-45 micrograms may often be enough for a trip.

Effects

The main effect of LSD is different kinds of hallucinations. One or more effects may occur under the influence (may vary):

• Distorted reality (for example visual color hallucinations)

• Increased energy

• Rapid changes of mood

• Gazing eyes

• Dry mouth

The drug user will feel the first effects after about 30 – 90 minutes, which will continue for about 10-12 hours.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy (3,4-MetylenDioxyMetAmfetamin (or MDMA)), is like LSD, a synthetic drug. It has both hallucinogenic and central stimulating effects. There’s also other variants of Ecstasy – MDA, MDE, and others – but MDMA still seems to be the most popular.

Ecstasy is mainly used among the techno/rave culture for increasing the music and dance experience. Among these users it’s nicknamed “E”. It’s mainly sold as a pill in all kinds of shapes. Some of them may be stronger than other and/or different have mixtures with other drugs (such as amphetamine). It is also available in the more unusual powder form.

Effects

Generally, the drug gives affects the excretion of serotonin, which gives an overall sense of happiness, but also gives a stimulant effect. These are some of the effects under the influence of Ecstasy:

• Increased energy

• Increased perception (sounds and lights)

• Euphoria – cuddly, loving, forgiving

• Uncontrolled tension in the cheeks

The effect will occur after about 30 – 60 minutes and will last for about 4-6 hours. Ecstasy is rumored to have low negative effects and no addiction, which of course is wrong.

One known negative effect is the mental hangover. Because of the high production of serotonin during the trip, the user may experience a depression like condition a few day after the use. Taking Ecstasy may temporary remove this effect, but usually returns even worse a few days later – creating a different kind of addiction.

Phenethylamines

These drugs are generally “designer drugs”, basically meaning that the chemical structure of an illegal drug has been modified, practically making it a new substance. Because of that, some of them may still be legal in some countries. There’s a lot of them, but these are 2 Phenethylamines drugs.

• 2C-B
  2C-B belongs to the chemical group Phenethylamines and is a “designer drug”. It’s usually available as a pill, all though powder is possible.
  The effect is similar to the Ecstasy at higher doses, giving hallucinogenic effects. A big difference, however, is the time of the effect. It occurs after about one hour and lasts for about 4-6 hours.
  

• DOB
  DOB is also a Phenethylamines, similar to 2C-B, but 10 times stronger and much longer effect. The effect (same as 2C-B, similar to LSD) will kick in after about 1-3 and last for 7-23 hours.

Other hallucinogenic drugs

Magic Mushrooms

Mushrooms, nicknamed “Magic Mushrooms”, containing the hallucinogenic substance Psilocybin and Psilocin, grows wildly all over the world. In some countries they may be classed as a drug and in some not. How it’s legally classed (for example illegal if dried) may also differ.

The mushrooms may be eaten raw, dried, cooked or brewed as tea. The dose of the substances is usually about 2-3 grams. The effects are similar to LSD (above). It kicks in after about 20 minutes and last for about 6 hours.

Peyote Cactus

Similar to the “Magic Mushrooms”, there’s a cactus growing in Mexico – Peyote – containing the hallucinogenic substance Mescaline. Consuming pieces of this cactus will give a LSD-like effect. The effect will kick in after about 45 – 60 minutes and lasts up to 11 hours.

Learn more about drugs

• Cannabis – Marijuana, Hashish, Hash oil

• Central Depressive Drugs – Benzodiazepines, GHB

• Central Stimulants – Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Khat

• Inhaled Drugs – Butane Gas, Poppers

• Opiates – Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Methadone, Subutex, Subuxone, Fentanyl

• PCP and Ketamine – Fencyklidin, Ketamine

• How to see signs of drug addiction