|
Please note - inclusion of this
page (like the others) does not condone or recommend the use of mind
altering substances. It's here to inform only!
Herbal or Legal Highs refer to legal plant
or chemical
substances that are sold in 'head shops' and herbalists as well as
on the internet.
However, just because something is 'natural',
it does not mean it is safe! (Think of alcohol and tobacco!)
Herbal or
legal highs
generally are the seeds, leaves, roots or stalks of legal plant
substances that are reported to have similar effects to illegal
drugs. Certain chemicals not covered by the misuse of drugs act are
also used to make certain legal pills. Until recently the ‘legal’ highs sold were no more
than psychedelically packed mixtures of herbs with no more effect
that a bit whiffy when smoked, but
things have moved on. The active ingredients used to be no more than minor stimulants such as
ephedrine or caffeine but now times are changing with the market for
'party pills' similar to the effects of Ecstasy. The problem with
that is you still don't know what you're buying chemically, effects
can be similar and just as strong and people can still have problems
with such drugs.
The properties of most plants and substances available at reputable
head shops are at such a low dosage, in comparison to illegal
substances, they are unlikely to lead users into difficulties (i.e.
being arrested of ripped off) - but like all substances you will
never know the real dosage.
Using substances from head shops are not
'safe' just because they are legally sold - there are risks will all substance use and buyer beware as with all drugs you
will not know how the substance will effect you until it has been
taken.
Some people associate ‘natural’ as harmless but as with any substance
there are always risks involved - lots of these products are dried
and smoked – smoking anything effects the lungs so in that sense it
is not safe. The effects of anything that alters a persons
perceptions (i.e Hallucinagenic) will depend on the user, their
state of mind, past experiences, who they are with etc... no two
experiences will be the same, and for some this can be disastrous. Anyone
suffering anxiety or past or present depression would be wise to
avoid any of hallucinogens or 'party pills' that claim to be Central
Nervous System stimulants.
Below
is a list of popular choices known for their hallucinogenic
properties or other effects and considered ‘herbal’ highs.
SALVIA
DIVINORUM
Though many types
of salvia exist (do not raid the garden as there are many different
types!) – the potent form is salvia divinorum.
The leaves of this plant are dried & smoked. It is also swallowed
as herbs, pills or capsules. Effects range from mild to strong and
depend on dose and individuality. It is a hallucinogenic stimulant &
effects may last a few minutes with disorientation and dissociation
from reality occurring - visual disturbances and time distortions.
ANGELS TRUMPET (DATURA STRAMONIUM)
This
hallucinogenic wildflower contains atropine, though it is the
ingredient scopolamine which produces the hallucinogenic effects.
The user may
feel drowsy, drugged up and detached form reality. Doses are
difficult to judge and can cause unconsciousness and death. Again
not a recommendation - if you have a history of depression or
other mental health problems are not yourself at the moment -
steer clear of any hallucinogenic herbal or manufactured drugs.
KRATOM
A resin
obtained from the leaves of this plant from Thailand, is used for
a tea preparation. The dominant effects seem to be similar to
opiate drugs and are describes as both stimulation and sedation.
Effects can last up to 6 hours. There is little potential for
harm. See detailed information link from
HERE
EPHEDRA
Another name is
Ma-Huang. Generally sold in capsules, this plant is a source of
ephedrine – a stimulant with effects similar to amphetamine and
therefore has some risks (see link). It is
banned in USA and will probably soon be banned in the UK. Effects
can last between 2 – 3 hours. See detailed information link from
HERE
NOTE: Some
people have reported a dependency on ephedrine.
PEYOTE
A Mexican
cactus, peyote produces Mescaline - not to be confused with man
made mescaline. Initially stimulating it then slows down reflexes
and makes concentration difficult. It then becomes similar to LSD,
a trip of which can last up to 12 hours.
Whilst peyote is legal - the
Mescaline
extract itself is a class A drug in the
UK and is illegal to possess or supply. For further detailed
info on Peyote & Mescaline click
HERE
GUARANA
SEEDS
From the Brazilian plant paullina
cupana. The powdered seeds have
stimulant and caffeine-like effects. Often
mixed with other stimulants in ‘herbal ecstasy’ products.
IPOMOEA
(MORNING GLORY SEEDS, ARGYERIA NERVOSA)
The seeds of several varieties of Morning Glory (Ipomoea
violacea) contain a naturally
occurring tryptamine called Lysergic
Acid Amide (LSA) which is closely related to LSD. Seeds are taken
orally, and can be eaten whole or the active alkaloids can be
extracted. Psychedelic effects last 6 – 10
hours. The seeds are NOT TO BE CONFUSED with those bought to grow
in the garden.
BABY HAWAIIAN WOOD ROSE SEEDS
As
a legal high product, seeds are also available as an extract or
mixed with other similar products to create a psychedelic.
Seeds contain LSA which increases euphoria and is a hallucinogenic
stimulant. Effects last between 4 – 8 hours.
OTHER
HERBAL HIGH'S LINKS
DRUGSCOPE
EROWID
|
