I've decided to ask all you knowledgable people to help out with my little project. I'm compiling a list of legal (by US law), psychoactive chemicals. Are there any not listed here? Help me out. Note that I didn't include nutmeg on purpose.Guarana (Paullini cupana)
Use: Stimulant
Side effects: No known side effects
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Guarana contains caffeine and other methylxanthines, theobromine and theophylline, which have similar but slightly differing effects and strengths from caffeine. Theophylline is present in smaller amounts than caffeine and is a greater diuretic, more toxic, and is less speedy although it has a stronger effect on the heart and breathing (medicinally it is used for treating asthma, bronchitis and emphysema). Theobromine is a considerably weaker stimulant than caffeine and its major effects are on the kidneys, as a diuretic, and it is practically devoid of toxicity. The drug produces no tolerance, meaning approximately the same amount can be taken repeatedly with the same potency.
Morning Glory (Ipomea violacea)
Use: Hallucinogen
Side effects: Extremely mild nausea after ingestion, countered by ingesting with sirium oxilate. Those with liver diseases should not take lysergic acid amides.
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Morning Glory seeds contain d-Lysergic Acid amide and ergometrine, resulting in a pleasant hallucinations, such as changes in perception, the brightening of colors, and macroscopia (size changes).
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
Use: Hallucinogen
Side effects: Calamus oil may contain beta-isoasarone, a known carcinogen associated with kidney damage, tremors, and convulsions.
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Native Americans and Europenas used Sweet Flag for medicinal and ceremonial purpose for centuries. The Cree Indians of Northern Alberta chew it for oral hygiene; however, in large quantities, they say it makes one "walk a foot above the ground.," as it supposedly made them achieve out of body experiences. Asarone and beta-asarone, both of which are metabolized into TMA-2, the basic building block of methamphetamines. TMA-2 has psychedelic effects at high doses, and at extremely high doses, out of body experiences are reported.
Salvia divinorum
Use: Hallucinogen
Side effects: Triggers psychological problems in people prone to them. Not suitable for those with adverse heart conditions or those using MAOI medicines. It would be irresponsible to reccomend Salvia to those with any medical condition, or those taking any medicines, without first consulting a doctor. Should not be mixed with alcohol or any other drug.
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Salvia is a sage from the mint family. It has been used for many hundreds of years by the Mazatec Indians for divination. The Mazatecs used the drug whenever they needed to travel to the supernatural world to discover a cure for a disease.
Salvia's visions are real and particularly convincing. Hallucinations experienced when on Salvia are divided into six "levels":
* Level 1 - Subtle effects. A feeling that something is happening, although it is difficult to say what. Relaxation and increased sensual appreciation may be noted. This level is useful for meditation and may facilitate sexual pleasure.
* Level 2 - Altered perception. Colours and textures are more pronounced. Appreciation of music maybe enhanced. Space may appear of greater or lesser depth than usual. Thinking becomes less logical and more playful, there maybe some short term memory loss.
* Level 3 - Light visionary state. Closed eye visuals (clear imagery with eyes closed: fractal patterns, vine like and geometric patterns, often two-dimensional)
* Level 4 - Vivid visionary state. Complex 3D realistic appearing scenes occur. With eyes open, reality will not be entirely lost but when you close your eyes you may forget about consensus reality and enter completely into a dreamlike scene. Shamanistic journeying to other lands - foreign and imaginary; encounters with beings or travels to other ages may occur. This is the 'Dream Time'
* Level 5 - Immaterial existence. At this level one may no longer be aware of having a body, one becomes completely involved in inner experience and all contact with consensual reality has gone. Identity is lost and many people have experienced bizarre fusions such as merging with a wall or a piece of furniture. For this reason a sitter is essential to ensure the safety of someone voyaging to these deep levels. To the person experiencing this the phenomenon may be terrifying or exceedingly pleasant; but to an outside observer the individual may appear confused or disoriented.
* Level 6 - Anethsesia. This only occurs when you have taken a dose far too high. Consciousness is lost for up to several minutes. The individual may fall, or remain immobile or trash around. Injuries can be sustained without pain being felt; on awakening, the individual will have no recollection of what he/she did, experienced or said. This is NOT a desirable level and is in no way recommended.
Hawaiin Baby Woodrose (Argyrha nervosa)
Use: Hallucinogen, downer.
Side effects: Stimulates uterus; should not be taken when pregnant. Those with liver diseases should not take lysergic acid amides.
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Hawaiin Baby Woodrose seeds contain d-Lysergic acid amide, an LSD derivative. Other LSA compounds are present, although in lesser concentration. LSD like experience is reported, as well as extreme lethargy and tranquil feelings. Intoxication can last more than 12 hours.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Use: Aphrodisiac
Side effects: None
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Saw Palmetto aids in prostrate function and increases its potency. The berries of the plant act as a tonic for the glandular tissues; they build and strengthen healthy body tissue very rapidly and tend to normalize body weight. When taken regularly, Saw Palmetto increases the production of sperm in males.
L-Arginine
Use: Aphrodisiac
Side effects: None
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
L-Arginine is an amino acid crucial to sperm production and mobility, and the synthesis and release of the pituitary gland's growth hormone. A supplement of this amino acid can increase sperm counts and is essential for adults after the age of 30, when there is almost a complete cessation of its secretion from the pituitary gland. It acts by increasing the amount of nitrous oxide in the body which signals the penis to expand and leads to longer lasting and quicker erections.
Chocolate (Theobroma cacao)
Use: Sedative
Side effects: None
Addictive qualities: Monthly chocolate carvings are noted in 30% of women and 15% of men, making chocolate a mildly physically addicting drug.
The cannabinoid anadamide is found in chocolate, as well as theobromine and tryptophan. Chocolate works as a very subtle sedative, and makes an excellent coat for other, more powerful sedatives.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
Use: Sedative
Side effects: Restful sleep
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
Kavalactones, the active ingredient of Kava, cause slight tounge numbing, mild talkative and euphoric behavior, calming, sense of well being, clear thinking, and relaxed muscles. Kava ingestion also leads to restful sleep the night of ingestion.
Betel Nut (Areca catechu)
Use: Sedative, appetite-suppressor
Side effects: Betel nut is a known carcinogen, and oral submucous fibrosis. Asthma exacerbation, hypotension, and tachycardia are also noted. Betel nut is among the least safe legal psychoactive chemicals available.
Addictive qualities: Physically addictive
Alkaloids and arecoline create an effect comparable to nicotine, and equally dangerous. The negative effects of Betel Nut far outweigh any positive effects.
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)
Use: Stimulant
Side effects: None
Addictive qualities: Not addictive
"Yerba Mate contains xanthines, which are alkaloids in the same family as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, well-known stimulants also found in coffee and chocolate. Mate also contains other elements, such as Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese" Wikipedia. Yerba Mate has almost identical effects to caffine, although the negative effects associated with caffeine are not reported.
This document is for informational use only, and the author takes no responsibilty for actions of the reader based on the information provided.
