Being ill-advised is one of the key ways people make inadequate decisions when using illegal substances. Here are key facts for the more popular chemicals on the market today. Stay informed when using drugs.
Edible marijuana
Effects:
In large quantities effects may be similar to LSD or mushrooms (see below)
Relaxing and stimulating
Senses enhanced
Appetite increased
Mild hallucinations
Side effects:
Nausea
Anxiety
Paranoia
Dryness of mouth
Red eyes
Increased heart rate
Forms:
Prepared in butter and cooked directly into foods for ingesting
Cooked with the leaves rather than bud
Dosage:
Dependant on tolerance
Less is more for beginners
Wait before ingesting more, effects may take a while to kick in
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
Effects:
“Mood elevator” that produces euphoric, relaxed state
Releases the brain chemical serotonin
Takes 20–40 minutes to take effect
Rushes of exhilaration
Heightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth and self-acceptance
A sense of acceptance of others
Peak is reached after 60–90 minutes
Lasts between 3–5 hours
Side effects:
Potential nausea may occur
Some users have experienced depression following the use due to depleted serotonin in the brain supply
Some deaths have been linked to MDMA caused by heatstroke from dancing for long periods of time or not enough fluids in the body
Remember to stay hydrated if using MDMA
Ecstasy tablets often contain other adulterates (PMA, meth, cathinones, etc.) besides pure MDMA which can be harmful
Forms:
Tablet
Capsule
Powder
Dosage:
100–125 milligrams
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Effects:
Approximately 30 minutes to take effect after ingestion
Lasts around 8 hours, possibly 12 hours for some
Peak is between 2–5 hours
Hallucinations will occur
Colors appear, moving objects may leave a “trail” behind them, flat surfaces may seem as though they are “breathing”
After the second hour effects may become more intense
Imaginary visions may appear
Feelings as though you are in another world or in a movie
Hysterical laughing
Side effects:
Paranoia
Schizophrenia
Delusions
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Forms:
Pure liquid
Absorbed into a sugar cube or tiny pieces of paper called “blotter”
Dosage:
One “hit” or liquid drop
Magic mushrooms
Effects:
Lasts between 4–5 hours
Feelings of relaxation
Laughing
Hallucinations
Intense colors, visual effects
Euphoric state
“Earthy” emotional awareness
Causes less psychological confusion
Increases emotional awareness
Side effects:
Misidentification
Can be poisonous
Stomach pains, diarrhea, possibly death
Impaired judgement
Schizophrenic-type symptoms
Confusion
Anxiety
Panic
Forms:
Raw (dried or fresh)
Mixed with food
Brewed in tea
Dosage:
Determined by strain, size and age of shroom
DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
Effects:
Short duration
Rapid onset
Lasts 30–45 minutes
Peak duration between 3–5 minutes
Open and closed eye visual effects
Auditory hallucinations
Rushing sensations
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Color shifting
Dilated pupils
Different world perspectives
Shifts in perception
Side Effects:
Lung and throat irritation
Stomach discomfort
Urge to urinate
Overwhelming fear
Forms:
Smoke
Vaporize in glass pipe or mixed with smoking herbs
Dosage:
15–60 milligrams
Cocaine
Effects:
Short-acting
Sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing
Confidence
Alertness
Euphoric state
Side effects:
Sleep deprivation
Insomnia
Highly addictive
Forms:
White powder
Dosage:
30–70 milligrams, snorted
Frequent users may develop a tolerance
Poppers (alkyl nitrites)
Effects:
1–2 minutes
Muscular relaxation
“Rush” sensation
Heart pumps more blood
Side effects:
Extensive use can damage nose and lungs
Headaches
Spinning or falling
Forms:
Sniffing vapors from an open bottle
Dosage:
One sniff
“Know thyself. Moderation in all things.” – Aristotle