Podcast # 496: Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenics have been used for a variety of cultural and religious reasons for thousands of years

In the 1960's a Harvard professor began experimenting with psilocybin mushrooms. There was resulting public outcry, eventually leading to all hallucinogens being listed as schedule I drugs

Common hallucinogens include: LSD (acid), Mescaline (peyote), DMT (ayahuasca), Psilocybin (mushrooms), MDMA (ecstacy)

Effects vary by specific drug but may include auditory/visual hallucinations, increased empathy, loss of fear

Physiologic effects often include mydriasis, tachycardia, hyperthermia and hypertension

Recent neuroimaging studies have shown increased neural connectivity in people after administration of hallucinogens

Each hallucinogen has a specific dose and duration, some can last half a day or more