Hallucinogens Research Paper

There have been hundreds of cases involving various hallucinogens ranging from petty theft to murder. Why a few of these individuals are able to attain a lesser charge, be acquitted, or be placed into a psychiatric ward may be better understood with background of how these drugs impact the human brain and body.

Hallucinogens stem from extracts and parts of some mushrooms and plants. These compounds have been used for centuries, if not longer, for religious rituals, recreational use, and sometimes as filler in other drugs. The most known commonly used hallucinogens include LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide), PCP (phencyclidine), and peyote. Although it is still debated how they trigger their effect, it is believed that these drugs interfere

It was developed originally as a stimulant for circulation and respiration. This drug mainly affects dopamine, serotonin, and adrenergic receptors. It can cause dilated pupils, a raise body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sweating, and sleeplessness. The main receptor that causes the hallucinations is 5 - HT 2A, (PNAS) which is found in the visual cortex. While researchers know which receptor causes the hallucinations and where they are located, it is unknown why. It was theorized by Jack Cohen that lines and patterns seen are due to the human brain’s ability to find and make patterns. (Youtube) Another cause was found when researchers from the UK did fMRI test on thirty LSD users, it was found that the regions of the brain that control consciousness are muted causing the user to have an influx of thought. They found this to be an over stimulation of

Peyote is developed from a cactus using mescaline as an active ingredient. This ingredient can also be made using chemical synthesis. The cactus has disc-shaped pieces that are cut from the roots and dried. The long term effects are not well understood by scientist and it is typically used for religious ceremonies. It has many of the same side effects as LSD, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, ataxia, sweating, and flushing. It may also be associated with fetal abnormalities.

PCP, phencyclidine, was developed around the 1950s. Its original use was an anesthetic, however, in today's age it is used mostly recreationally. PCPs use as an anesthetic ended in 1965 when those being treated with it were found to be irrational, agitated, and delusional. Many of the side effects mimic that of schizophrenia. This can cause serious long term impacts on the human psych. PCP can interact with hormones causing a stunt in growth. (Nhtsa) Depending on the dosage the physiological impacts vary. In low doses it can cause a small increase in breathing, a rise in blood pressure, a rise in pulse, flushing, sweating, numbness, and loss of muscular coordination. In high doses it can cause blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration to drop. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the eyes, drooling, loss of balance, dizziness,