Mind-AlteringMind-Altering DrugsDrugs

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Mind-Altering DrugsMind-Altering DrugsMind-Altering DrugsMind-Altering DrugsMind-altering drugs or hallucinogens as they are often called affect the brain in such a way as to alter perception of reality

Four different kinds of hallucinogenic drugs include• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) • Psilocybin and Psilocin• Mescaline • Cannabis (Marijuana & its active ingredient THC)

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Indole Ring StructureIndole Ring StructureThe indole ring (or a modification of it) is the basic structure present in almost all hallucinogens including:

• LSD• Psilocybin• Psilocin• Mescaline (Lacks the

complete ring.)

The indole structure

Mescaline – a partial indole structure 3

A Neuron SynapseA Neuron Synapse

Neurotransmitter chemicals such as serotonin transmit electrical impulses

Hallucinogenic drugs affect the transmission of neural impulses particularly in the brain.

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Discovery of LSDDiscovery of LSD

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Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) was discovered in 1938 by a Swiss scientist named Albert Hoffman.

Hoffman tested some on himself, not knowing the limits of a safe dosage.

He believed that the mind-altering properties of LSD could be used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of psychological disorders.

This research was discontinued when it was discovered that LSD lead to a very high incidence of psychosis.

LSD LSD (Lysergic Acid (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)Diethylamide)

The discovery resulted from an investigation of partially synthetic amides of Lysergic acid.

LSD does not occur naturally but is derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on wheat

LSD was synthesized with the intention of obtaining an analeptic

Methergine was developed as a result of LSD research. It is used to stop hemorrhages.

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LSD LSD (Lysergic Acid (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)Diethylamide)

Note the similarities of the LSD structure to the Note the similarities of the LSD structure to the neurotransmitters: serotonin and L-Dopamine. neurotransmitters: serotonin and L-Dopamine. Each structure has an Each structure has an indole ringindole ring.. 7

LSD LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)(Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

LSD is believed to disrupt the way that serotonin is used by the brain

Small doses, as little as 0.028 mg will produce a noticeable effect.

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LSD LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)(Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

LSD is a large relatively non-polar molecule.

It is membrane soluble and able to enter the brain easily.

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Immediate Effects of Immediate Effects of LSDLSD

The immediate effects occur in about 20 minutes and usually last about 12 hours

Symptoms include restlessness, dizziness, and alterations in vision and audio perceptions and hallucinations.

Changes in body temperature and heart rate

Time becomes meaningless Feeling is often described

as flying. In some cases despair and

suicidal thoughts. 10

Longer Term Effects of Longer Term Effects of LSDLSD Long-term mental health

problems after using LSD are common.

Significant potential for “flashbacks” or latent psychosis

Users may re-experience early memories, pre-birth memories, or flashbacks

Bad trips can be triggered Highly addictive. Depression leading to

suicide is a long-term effect of using LSD, and addiction. 11

Longer Term Effects of Longer Term Effects of LSDLSD

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• Link to major birth defects when taken during pregnancy

• Brain deterioration• Flashbacks

MescalineMescaline

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MESCALINEMESCALINE

(Peyote)(Peyote)Mescaline is found in a small, Mescaline is found in a small, spineless cactus (known spineless cactus (known botanically as botanically as Lophophora Lophophora williams iiwilliams ii) which grows in the ) which grows in the deserts of Mexico and the deserts of Mexico and the American Southwest. American Southwest.

When the crown is sliced off and When the crown is sliced off and dried, it forms a hard, brownish dried, it forms a hard, brownish disc known as a "button," which disc known as a "button," which is chewed for its hallucinogenic is chewed for its hallucinogenic properties.properties.

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MESCALINEMESCALINE

(Peyote)(Peyote) Mescaline is of the oldest Mescaline is of the oldest hallucinogens knownhallucinogens known

Peyote buttons were chewed for Peyote buttons were chewed for religious purposes in Mexico centuries religious purposes in Mexico centuries before the Conquistadors even knew before the Conquistadors even knew Mexico existed.Mexico existed.

Early tales of peyote rituals among Early tales of peyote rituals among the Aztec and Toltec Indians date the Aztec and Toltec Indians date ceremonial use back some 3,000 ceremonial use back some 3,000 years.years.

1560 Spanish explorers described the 1560 Spanish explorers described the effects on Mexican Indians as having effects on Mexican Indians as having “terrible visions that lasted for 2-3 “terrible visions that lasted for 2-3 days”days”

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MESCALINEMESCALINE

(Peyote)(Peyote)The Spaniards quickly outlawed "peyotism," The Spaniards quickly outlawed "peyotism," which they linked with cannibalism and which they linked with cannibalism and witchcraft, and enacted the first set of anti-drug witchcraft, and enacted the first set of anti-drug laws in the Western Hemisphere, all aimed at laws in the Western Hemisphere, all aimed at wiping out Indian use of the plant.wiping out Indian use of the plant.

During the American Civil War, peyote use During the American Civil War, peyote use began spreading north from Mexico on a large began spreading north from Mexico on a large scale. scale.

11 states have enacted laws to ban religious 11 states have enacted laws to ban religious use of peyote. Federal courts have affirmed use of peyote. Federal courts have affirmed the right to sacramental use by Native the right to sacramental use by Native American religious useAmerican religious use

A 1990 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, A 1990 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirmed the right of states to control ritual affirmed the right of states to control ritual peyote usepeyote use 16

MESCALINEMESCALINE

(Peyote)(Peyote) Peyote was also believed to be a Peyote was also believed to be a

god-powerful medicine, capable of god-powerful medicine, capable of giving sight to the blind and giving sight to the blind and healing incurable diseases. healing incurable diseases.

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MESCALINEMESCALINE (Peyote)(Peyote)

The chemical structure of mescaline contains three ether groups and a partial indole ring

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MESCALINEMESCALINE

(Peyote)(Peyote) Peyote contains more than fifty Peyote contains more than fifty psychoactive ingredientspsychoactive ingredients

The most powerful of which is The most powerful of which is mescaline (3,4,5-mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylaminetrimethoxyphenethylamine) )

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The hallucinogenic effects of the mescaline related compounds is believed to be related to the similarities of their structures to amphetamine.

Effects of MESCALINEEffects of MESCALINE

(Peyote)(Peyote)Mescaline triggers increased Mescaline triggers increased

heart rate, body temperature, and heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure and dilation of blood pressure and dilation of the pupils.the pupils.

Normal coordination and reflexes Normal coordination and reflexes are reduced, and the skin may are reduced, and the skin may feel dry and itchy. feel dry and itchy.

Peak effects hit 2-3 hours after Peak effects hit 2-3 hours after ingestion, and run their course in ingestion, and run their course in 6-12 hours. 6-12 hours.

Not as potent as LSDNot as potent as LSD20

Effects of MESCALINE Effects of MESCALINE (Peyote)(Peyote)

Other effects can include :Other effects can include : Rapid changes in moodRapid changes in moodFeelings of empathy and Feelings of empathy and

kinship kinship Distortions in perceptionDistortions in perceptionExasperates conditions of Exasperates conditions of

anxiety and depressionanxiety and depression

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Psilocybin and PsilocinPsilocybin and Psilocin

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PSILOCYBIPSILOCYBINN Certain types of naturally occurring mushrooms contain hallucinogenic chemicals known as psilocybin and psilocin.

Psilocybin and Psilocin are found in the liberty cap mushroom (Psilocybe semilanceata (Magic Mushroom)

Dried mushrooms contain about 0.4 % psilocybin and trace amounts of psilocin.

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PSILOCYBIN & PSILOCYBIN & PSILOCINPSILOCIN Psilocybin and psilocin belong to

the tryptamine family and their effect is similar to the natural neurotransmitter serotonin,

Psilocybin and psilocin are both alkaloids which means they are nitrogenous substances that appear in nature. .

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Structure of Structure of PSILOCYBINPSILOCYBIN

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The structure of Psilocybin has an indole structure shownin the diagram at the right.

Structure of PSILOCINStructure of PSILOCIN

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The structure of Psilocin has an indole structure shown in the diagram at the right.

The hydroxy phosphate structure is replaced with a hydroxyl group

Effects of Psilocybin and Effects of Psilocybin and PsilocinPsilocin

Within 30 minutes of taking small amounts (i.e. 1-2 grams) of mushroom, there is nausea, sweating, feeling hot and shaky, heart racing, lightheadedness, or anxiety.

A relaxed feeling and a sharpening of senses sometimes follow

With larger amounts (2-14 grams) they may experience time distortion, euphoria, seeing brilliant colors, flashing lights and even shapes and images. 27

Long Term Effects of Long Term Effects of Psilocybin and PsilocinPsilocybin and Psilocin

Long term effects unknown Danger of mushroom poisoning by

inability to distinguish from poisonous varieties

Poisoning occurs when there is excessive vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, chest pain, pounding and racing heart, fear, anxiety, paranoia, and seizures.  

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MARIJUANAMARIJUANA (cannabis) (cannabis)

MARIJUANAMARIJUANA (cannabis)(cannabis)Marijuana is a drug made from the stems, flowering tops, leaves and seeds of the hemp plant (cannabis sativa).

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MARIJUANAMARIJUANA (cannabis)(cannabis) The active ingredient in

Marijuana is a compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Structurally THC contains multiple carbon rings, with several methyl groups attached, and –OH group on a benzene ring, as well as a five carbon chain.

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MARIJUANAMARIJUANA (cannabis)(cannabis)

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The concentration of THC is the determines the potency and effects of the drug.

Other Other CannabinoidsCannabinoids

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Other hallucinogenic compounds found in marijuana

MARIJUANAMARIJUANA (cannabis)(cannabis) Generally marijuana has a THC

content of 1-3% with specialized breeding making contents of slightly higher possible.

Hashish, made from the resin of the hemp plant is much more potent with concentrations between 10 to 15%.

The THC content of any of the products of the hemp plant depends greatly on the environment in which the plant is grown. 34

Effects of Effects of Cannabis/THCCannabis/THC Feelings of relaxation

Enhanced visual and auditory perceptions

Confusion and emotional distress

Has been used to relieve pain in some terminally ill patients

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Long term effectsLong term effects

Lethagy and apathy Lowering of fertility Decreased mental capacity Gateway drug Potential for abuse Illegal activities associated

with Marijuana

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1.Addictive properties are not entirely known.

2.Some experts believe that marijuana is less addictive than alcohol or nicotine, both of which are legal.

3.Risk of long term brain damage is not entirely known

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Long Term UseLong Term Use

1. It is known that THC affects and influences the activity of cells at specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells in the brain.

2. Some areas of the brain have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none.

3. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.

Impact of THC on the Impact of THC on the BrainBrain

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1. Recent studies in Australia indicate that prolonged use of Marijuana leads to reduction of brain capacity

2. Brain scans showed the hippocampus and amygdala were smaller in men who were heavy marijuana users compared to nonusers

Impact of THC on the Impact of THC on the BrainBrain

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Legalization of Legalization of MarijuanaMarijuana

Arguments in FavorArguments in Favor1.Marijuana is alrerady available medically to many terminally ill patients as well as for some other conditions

2.Legalization would allow police to focus there efforts on more important matters

3.Taxes on marijuana would possibly generate large amounts of revenue

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Legalization of MarijuanaLegalization of MarijuanaArguments AgainstArguments Against

1. Increased costs to society: especially from cancer and heart disease from smoking

2. Increased danger from people driving under the influence

3. Marijuana abuse would increase4. Marijuana’s status as a gateway

drug would lead to increased addiction to more dangerous drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin

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““Can a thorough understanding of the use and Can a thorough understanding of the use and chemical composition of these drugs lead to the chemical composition of these drugs lead to the discovery of new pharmaceutical tools for discovery of new pharmaceutical tools for psychiatric treatment or experimentation?”psychiatric treatment or experimentation?”

““Hallucinogens must be classed as Hallucinogens must be classed as a toxic. They induce unmistakable a toxic. They induce unmistakable intoxications. In a broad sense they intoxications. In a broad sense they are narcotics.” are narcotics.”

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““In all things there is a poison, and In all things there is a poison, and there is nothing without a poison. It there is nothing without a poison. It depends only upon the dose whether depends only upon the dose whether something is poisonous or not.” something is poisonous or not.”

-- Paracelsus -16-- Paracelsus -16thth Century Century

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