Disclaimer: This post is not an endorsement or recommendation for the use of ketamine under any circumstances, except when prescribed and used under supervision by a qualified medical professional. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is solely to educate people about the potential medical uses of ketamine, as well as the science behind its effects and mechanisms.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine – sometimes also known as Ketalar or Ketaject – is a drug that initiates and maintains anesthesia [R].

The original compound was first discovered in the early 1960s and was approved for use in the United States in 1970. Now it is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the safest and most essential drugs in the healthcare system [R].

Ketamine is considered a Schedule III controlled substance by the FDA, which means that it requires a written, oral, or electronic prescription to legally buy or possess the drug [R].

Ketamine is also classified as a “dissociative” drug, which means that it alters the senses, leading to hallucinations and feelings of detachment from the environment and oneself [R].

Unfortunately, these dissociative effects are why some people abuse ketamine for recreational purposes – even in spite of the many risks and dangers that are associated with ketamine abuse. For this reason, ketamine has a significant and well-documented potential for abuse and addiction [R, R].

Dangers of Ketamine

Like any drug, ketamine has a number of potential adverse side-effects that are important to be aware of. To learn about the side effects, drug interactions, and other potential dangers of ketamine, check out this post.

Official Medical Uses of Ketamine

Ketamine has a number of accepted medical uses for treating certain specific medical conditions and situations. Although this means that the evidence for its efficacy in these conditions is relatively solid, always keep in mind that this is a federally-controlled prescription medication that must only be used under the direction and supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Additionally, none of these medical uses should be interpreted as general “benefits” for health! For all of the cases described below, any reported medical benefits only apply to

The post Medical Uses of Ketamine + New Research (incl. Depression) appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: This post is not an endorsement or recommendation for the use of GHB – in fact, we strongly advise against the recreational abuse of any illegal drugs, GHB or otherwise. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is solely to inform people about the science behind GHB’s side effects, mechanisms, and historical and current uses.

What is GHB?

Overview

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate – more commonly known as “GHB” – was first synthesized in 1960 by the French physician Dr. Henri Laborit [R, R].

Because of its ability to reduce or impair consciousness, it was first used as an anesthetic. However, it was abandoned because of its weak pain-killing (analgesic) effects and its tendency to cause seizures [R, R, R].

The drug later gained popularity as a bodybuilding supplement during the ‘80s and ‘90s due to its reported anabolic (muscle-building) effects. It also became a popular recreational drug as its euphoric effects become more widely known [R, R, R, R, R].

GHB affects a wide variety of biological functions such as sexual behavior and the sleep-wake cycle. The primary effects of GHB can range from mild relaxation to euphoria, but can also include negative effects such as amnesia, hallucinations, and even coma [R, R].

The effects vary from pleasant to dangerous or even life-threatening according to the dose [R, R, R].

This drug also has an extremely high potential for abuse and addiction. In fact, GHB is considered by some to be even more of a public and personal danger than alcohol abuse [R, R, R].

Unfortunately, most users remain unaware of the dangers associated with GHB abuse, and this lack of public awareness has led to misconceptions that GHB is safe [R, R, R, R, R].

As a result, GHB has become a major cause of overdose-related emergency room visits worldwide

The post GHB Side Effects, Street Names, Overdose & Withdrawal appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: This post is not a recommendation or endorsement for the use of psilocybin or any other psychedelic drugs. These drugs are currently illegal to buy or possess, and the FDA has not approved psychedelics for any specific medical or other use. Additionally, the available research on them is still in a very early stage, without adequate data to come to any conclusions about their general efficacy or safety in humans. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is solely to inform people about what science currently says about some of the effects of psilocybin, and some of the potential future medical applications that researchers have proposed.

What is Psilocybin?

A Mysterious Psychedelic

Psilocybin (chemically known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) is a so-called “classic” psychedelic that belongs to the group of hallucinogenic tryptamines. But the story about indigenous use of psilocybin, and the more recent research on this substance over the past century is anything but classic [R].

Over 100 species of hallucinogenic “magic” mushrooms contain psilocybin (including Psilocybe, Conocybe, and Panaeolus). These mushrooms grow in many different parts of the world, and have been used ritually by many different cultures for at least 3,000 years [R, R].

Despite the recent renaissance in psychedelic research, there is a lot of controversy surrounding psilocybin use, its current and future legal status, and its potential therapeutic effects. Not many people know the whole story behind the traditional use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, nor about the efforts that produced our current state of knowledge about it.

Proposed Future Medical Applications of Psilocybin & Psychedelics

Note: Psilocybin is a Schedule I illegal substance, and has not yet been officially approved by the FDA for any medical purpose or other application. Much more research will need to be conducted before solid conclusions can be made about its effects and safety in healthy human users — and until more data is available, we strongly recommend against taking psilocybin for any reason.

The proposed future applications of psychedelics discussed below are still in a very early stage of research, and a lot more research will be needed before any solid conclusions can be made about the effects of psychedelics in healthy human users.

As

The post Psilocybin Mushrooms: New & Intriguing Research appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: Salvia is illegal in many states in the U.S and is a controlled substance in several countries. We highly advise against the use of salvia until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline the research findings.

What is Salvia Divinorum?

Salvia divinorum (also known as Sage of the Diviners, Seer’s Sage, Yerba de la Pastora, Ska Maria, or simply salvia) is a plant species known for its hallucinogenic effects due to psychoactive compounds in its leaves.

Native groups from Mexico have long used this plant in their rituals and as a traditional remedy [R].

Salvia has gained recent popularity as a recreational drug. Street names for this plant include Magic Mint, Purple Sticky, Lady Salvia, and Sally D [R].

Salvia is not considered a controlled substance in the United States, but it has been made illegal in several states. In many other countries, salvia is illegal [R].

History

The salvia plant is native to the sierras of Oaxaca, Mexico. The Mazatec tribe who are native to the region have long used the plant in religious ceremonies and as a medicine for various conditions including headaches, joint pain, and arthritis pain [R, R].

In the 1970s, it was reported that young people from cities in Mexico were traveling to the Sierra Mazateca to purchase Salvia divinorum from the native tribes to make into cigarettes and smoke as a substitute for marijuana [R].

Use in the United States appears to have grown steadily during the 1990s. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the lifetime prevalence of salvia use increased from 0.7% to 1.3% from 2006 to 2008 [R].

Legal Status

The following section describes the legal status of salvia in different countries. Laws are complex and constantly changing, do not use this information as legal advice. Always verify your own local regulations.

United States

Currently, in the United States, salvia is not a controlled substance on the federal level, although there have been multiple attempts to make salvia and its active compound a Schedule I substance [R].

However, 29 states have made salvia and/or salvinorin A (the active compound in salvia) illegal or

The post What Is Salvia Divinorum? Effects, Safety, and Legality appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: Mescaline is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of mescaline until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline research findings.

What is Mescaline?

Definition

Mescaline is a hallucinogenic compound most notably found in the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii). It is also found in varying degrees in many other members of the cactus family [R].

It is an alkaloid in the phenethylamine class of compounds, which includes other hallucinogens as well as various stimulants, decongestants, and antidepressants. Research suggests that mescaline alters consciousness similarly to the psychedelics psilocybin (from “magic mushrooms”) and LSD [R, R].

The “Mescaline Cactus”

Mescaline is found in high levels in the peyote cactus and acts as the major active compound. It is concentrated in the small, circular above ground stem tops called “buttons.” Mescaline content in the dried buttons ranges from 2.8% to 3.5% [R, R, R].

Peyote also contains other psychoactive alkaloids that may intensify the effects of mescaline [R].

History and Legal Status

Indigenous Use

According to some researchers, mescaline is one of the oldest known hallucinogens used by humans [R].

One estimate suggests that Native Americans in Mexico used peyote as far back as 5,700 years ago. Allegedly, they considered it to be a divine substance with healing properties [R, R, R].

Indigenous peoples of South America have reportedly used mescaline-containing cacti such as the San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) and Peruvian torch (Echinopsis peruviana) in folk medicine and religious ceremonies for thousands of years [R, R, R].

Scientific Boom

Scientific interest in peyote took off at the end of the 19th century after American newspaper reports of the ritualistic use of peyote by Native American tribes. The search was on to reveal the compound(s) responsible for peyote’s psychedelic

The post What is Mescaline? Emerging Research, Risks & Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) is a well-known illegal stimulant widely used all over the world [R, R].

Because of its highly dangerous, addictive nature and illegal status, we strongly recommend against using cocaine in any amount and for any reason. This post was written for informational purposes only.

The Origins

Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca) [R, R].

In spite of its recent notoriety, cocaine has a documented history of use by the Amara Indians of Peru. This tribe has made use of cocaine for thousands of years by chewing the leaves of the coca plant [R].

This kind of use has fewer adverse effects, presumably due to the low concentration of the active component in the leaves and the laborious act of extracting cocaine by chewing the leaves [R].

Modern Use and Abuse

However, everything changed in 1859 when German chemist Albert Niemann purified cocaine [R].

Around the end of 1884, cocaine started gaining publicity and scientific interest. Sigmund Freud praised the drug in his famous Cocaine Papers describing its therapeutic properties in relieving depression and anxiety [R].

Following Freud’s publications, Carl Koller discovered the anesthetic properties of cocaine on the human eye. Purified cocaine became commercially available when Merck started refining and producing it [R, R].

Without regulatory restrictions, cocaine was initially sold as a therapeutic and consumable product. However, the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914 in the US banned the distribution of cocaine due to its widespread abuse and addiction [R, R].

Despite regulatory restrictions, the drug is still sold and used illegally around the world. According to a United Nations report, around 18.3 million people used cocaine in 2014 [R].

Pure cocaine is a white crystal powder that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. It’s called “crack” when smoked (freebase form); street names include coke, flake, snow, and powder [R].

How It Works

Cocaine is highly addictive and produces a feeling of euphoria by causing a buildup of dopamine in the brain’s pleasure center (the limbic system) [

The post 5 Cocaine Side Effects + Overdose Signs appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Ibogaine?

Disclaimer: Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no approved medical uses. We highly advise against the use of ibogaine until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline the research findings.

Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the root bark of some plants found in the West African rainforest (Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana, and Tabernaemontana undulata). It has been traditionally used by tribes in Central Africa in ceremonies and religious rituals for its energizing and aphrodisiac properties [R].

Because of safety concerns, ibogaine is currently banned in the United States, Australia, and many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland. It is legal in several other countries, including Canada and Mexico, where it’s mainly used for addiction treatment [R, R].

Components

Ibogaine, when consumed, is broken down in the liver and gut wall into noribogaine (12-hydroxyibogamine) [R].

Ibogaine and noribogaine have similar properties, but noribogaine remains in the body longer [R].

Both ibogaine and noribogaine readily cross the blood-brain barrier and are in higher concentrations in the brain tissue compared to the bloodstream [R].

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of ibogaine remains unclear. Some of its effects include:

• Inhibition of serotonin transporters: Ibogaine inhibits the reabsorption of serotonin from serotonin transporters, an action similar to many antidepressants, such as fluoxetine [R].
• Inhibition of dopamine transporters: Ibogaine has the same effects on dopamine transporters, resulting in higher dopamine levels. Dopamine levels in addicted individuals are altered due to the excessive use of abused drugs, such as cocaine. Ibogaine can reset the dopamine levels to pre-addiction levels, without leading to a new addiction [R].
• Inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: These receptors are part of the neuronal pathway that modulates the brain’s reward system. Because of this,

The post Health Effects of Ibogaine + Dosage, Safety & Dangers appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: Peyote is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of peyote until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline the research findings.

What Is Peyote?

Definition

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii), also known as divine cactus or mescal buttons, is a cactus that grows from southern Texas to central Mexico. Peyote is known for its psychoactive properties and religious, medicinal, and recreational uses [R, R].

Peyote is illegal in the United States, except for in religious ceremonies of the Native American Church (in most states).

Peyote contains a compound called mescaline. Mescaline is a hallucinogenic molecule that alters human consciousness similarly to psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and LSD. Mescaline, psilocybin, and LSD affect serotonin activity in a way that is not fully understood [R, R].

Many members of the cactus family also contain mescaline, including the San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi) and the Peruvian torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana) [R, R].

History

Native American and Mexican cultures have used peyote for religious and medicinal purposes for over 5,000 years [R].

Traditional medicinal uses of peyote have included treatment for influenza, joint pain, toothache, intestinal disorders, diabetes, snake and scorpion bites, skin diseases, blindness, neurasthenia (a 19-20th-century diagnosis characterized by physical and mental fatigue), hysteria, and asthma [R, R].

Peyote is still used today by several religious organizations, including the Native American Church, as part of their religious ceremonies.

Legality of Use

Peyote is generally illegal in the United States. The DEA classifies peyote as a Schedule I controlled substance. Drugs under this classification are considered to have no accepted medical use, a lack of accepted safety, and a high potential for abuse [R].

However, the Native American Church has a specific exemption from the law criminalizing peyote. Federal law (and many state laws) allow for the cultivation, possession, and consumption of peyote for the sole purpose of religious ceremonies of specific groups, such as the Native American Church [R

The post What Is Peyote? Definition, Effects, Safety & Legality appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: DMT is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of DMT until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline research findings

What is DMT?

DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a psychedelic compound belonging to the tryptamine family of molecules.

The possession and use of DMT are illegal. In most countries, including the United States, DMT is a Schedule I substance. Drugs under this classification are considered to have no accepted medical use, a lack of accepted safety, and a high potential for abuse.

DMT is naturally found in many plants and animals, including humans. It is found in trace amounts in the mammalian brain, lungs, and spinal cord and is a byproduct of normal metabolism. The function of this naturally occurring DMT is unclear [R, R, R].

Mechanism of Action

According to research, DMT exerts its effects through several mechanisms, which are listed below.

• DMT binds to and activates receptors of the serotonin system (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C) [R, R, R].
• Activation of serotonin receptors causes the release of glutamate, which activates glutamate receptors [R].
• DMT binds to and activates the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), which may help reduce inflammation and cell death [R].
• The psychedelic effects of DMT may also be attributed to the activation of the trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR6) [R].

DMT alone has little effect when consumed orally because it is quickly broken down by MAO enzymes in the body. MAO is an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down different neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. For DMT to be orally active, it must be co-administered with an MAO inhibitor [R, R].

History

Historically, South American tribes would prepare a brew called ayahuasca, a plant-based blend that contains DMT and an MAO-A inhibitor. The combined effect of both compounds allows for DMT to be absorbed

The post DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine): Risks & Emerging Research appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend against taking kratom for any reason. Some of our readers who were already taking the drug requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the scientific and clinical literature.

Please discuss your medications with your doctor.

What Is Kratom?

You may know Kratom by its street names: Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak-Biak, and Krypton (this one also contains O-Desmethyltramadol).

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia. It is part of the coffee (Rubiaceae) family [R].

It grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea [R].

Kratom leaves have been used for centuries by the native people of Southeast Asia for their stimulant properties. Kratom reportedly reduces fatigue during manual labor and extreme heat. It may also treat muscle pain, gut infection, coughing, and diarrhea [R, R, R, R].

In addition, it has been used for self-treatment of opiate addiction [R].

Kratom inhibits the sensation of pain (anti-nociceptive, sensory neurons block pain stimulus) and has euphoric, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and muscle relaxant properties [R].

However, kratom has since transitioned to a recreational drug in both Southeast Asian and Western contexts [R].

Kratom is widely available via online stores in the form of a powder, extract, pill, or dried leaves. A cross-sectional survey in the United States identified the most commonly consumed form to be kratom powder with a beverage or food [R, R].

Kratom is currently legal in the United States, however, the FDA released an advisory regarding the associated deadly risks in November 2017 and an additional warning about unapproved kratom products in June 2019 [R, R].

What Are the Effects of Kratom?

Users report that euphoria can be achieved within 5 to 10 minutes of chewing the leaves and can last up to 1 hour [R, R].

Kratom functions as a depressant with reports of “morphine-like” sedation and nausea at

The post Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): What It Is + Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: This post is not an endorsement or recommendation for the use of ketamine under any circumstances, except when prescribed and used under supervision by a qualified medical professional. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is solely to educate people about the potential medical uses of ketamine, as well as the science behind its effects and mechanisms.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine – sometimes also known as Ketalar or Ketaject – is a drug that initiates and maintains anesthesia [R].

The original compound was first discovered in the early 1960s and was approved for use in the United States in 1970. Now it is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the safest and most essential drugs in the healthcare system [R].

Ketamine is considered a Schedule III controlled substance by the FDA, which means that it requires a written, oral, or electronic prescription to legally buy or possess the drug [R].

Ketamine is also classified as a “dissociative” drug, which means that it alters the senses, leading to hallucinations and feelings of detachment from the environment and oneself [R].

Unfortunately, these dissociative effects are why some people abuse ketamine for recreational purposes – even in spite of the many risks and dangers that are associated with ketamine abuse. For this reason, ketamine has a significant and well-documented potential for abuse and addiction [R, R].

Ketamine has many different “street names,” including K, special K, kit-kat, keets, super acid, super K, and jet [R].

It is often reported to induce a trance-like state. It also supposedly reduces pain, promotes sleep, and causes memory loss, while maintaining normal heart and lung function [R].

Ketamine is structurally similar to other anesthetic drugs like phencyclidine (also known as “PCP” or “angel dust” – the drug that ketamine is derived from) and cyclohexylamine [R, R].

Ketamine generally only has short-lived psychoactive effects, which can last as little as 10 minutes. However, the drug remains in the body at detectable levels

The post What is Ketamine? + Mechanism of Action & Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: DMT, an ingredient in Ayahuasca brews, is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of DMT-containing Ayahuasca brews until future studies determine their safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline risks and research findings.

What Is Ayahuasca?

How Much Do We Know?

Ayahuasca – a chemically complex brew that exerts many psychoactive effects on users. Amazonian folk medicine claims it can enhance emotions and deep introspection and purge the body. Allegedly, shamans have been occasionally using it for spiritual purposes since pre-colonial times.

Modern science wants to understand if it can help people with mental health issues, but ayahuasca research has regulatory barriers and needs to be carefully performed because of possible side effects.

However, we know little about its impact on human health, and clinical trials are currently underway.

There are physiological and psychological risks associated with its use. Until proper safety and effectiveness trials are carried out, Ayahuasca brews will remain potentially dangerous and illegal. Thus, we currently recommend against taking them.

Historical Use

Ayahuasca (or hoasca) is a psychoactive brew made from two hallucinogenic plants (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis). Traditionally, this brew is used by the natives of South America for its hallucinogenic properties in their spiritual and cultural practices [R].

The brew is traditionally made by boiling the bark and stems of the two plants (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis) [R].

Archeological evidence suggests that the earliest use of ayahuasca was more than four thousand years ago [R].

In the 20th century, the popularity of ayahuasca began spreading around the world because of globalization and religious tourism [R].

Spiritual & Cultural Background

Essentially, ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic blend that causes psychedelic effects. Indigenous people claim that it can trigger unique out-of-body experiences. These are sometimes described as spiritual journeys that deliver some sort of advice to the users. Thus, it was strongly associated with shamanism [R].

The ayahuasca-induced state of mind is said to allow shamans to enter

The post Ayahuasca Risks, Side Effects, Experiences & New Research appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: This post is not an endorsement or recommendation for the use of GHB – in fact, we strongly advise against the recreational abuse of any illegal drugs, GHB or otherwise. We have written this post for informational purposes only, and our goal is solely to inform people about the science behind GHB’s effects, mechanisms, and historical and current uses.

What is GHB?

Definition

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate – more commonly known as “GHB” – was first synthesized in 1960 by the French physician Dr. Henri Laborit [R, R].

It was first used as an anesthetic since it impairs consciousness but was abandoned because of its weak pain-killing (analgesic) effects and its tendency to cause seizures [R, R, R].

The drug later gained popularity as a bodybuilding supplement during the ‘80s and ‘90s due to its reported anabolic (muscle-building) effects. It also started being used as a recreational drug because of its euphoric effects [R, R, R, R, R].

The effects vary from pleasant euphoria to dangerous or even life-threatening. GHB has a high potential for abuse and has become a major cause of overdose-related emergency room visits worldwide [R, R, R, R].

Legality

Because of its high abuse potential, GHB is scheduled as an illegal drug in most western countries. It was prohibited in the US by the FDA in 1990, followed by bans on GHB’s alternative forms in 2000.

Similar bans on GHB and its analogs were put into place throughout Europe during the late 2000s [R, R, R, R, R, R].

Nonetheless, it is still widely sold illegally by drug dealers across the world. “Street names” of GHB include “Fantasy”, “G”, “Gamma Oh”, “Georgia Home Boy”, and “liquid ecstasy” or “liquid X” [R, R, R].

Who Uses It?

This drug is mostly used by young people at clubs and raves. Most

The post What is GHB? Effects, Unapproved Uses & Drug Test appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: 5-MEO-DMT is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of 5-MEO-DMT until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline risks and research findings.

What is 5-MEO-DMT?

Overview

5-MEO-DMT is an illegal substance. It is naturally found in some species of toads such as the Bufo alvarius toad and may occur in certain plants. It is also produced synthetically.

Scientists describe 5-MEO-DMT as a fast-acting hallucinogen [R, R, R].

Unethical and Dangerous Practices

Like its relatives, DMT and bufotenine, it has a history of use in a shamanic and spiritual context. However, its modern-day use by “facilitators,” mostly in Mexico, has been condemned as unethical and reckless [R].

Dangerous sessions, serious injuries, hospitalizations, and deaths have been reported [R].

An open letter to two “facilitators” that were leading 5-MEO-DMT sessions, compiled by experts at the World Bufo Alvarius Congress (WBAC), addresses these issues. Briefly, reported malpractices included rape, clandestine drugging, intentional overdosing, psychological manipulation, and financial fraud [R].

Even if we put these serious allegations aside, it’s important to remember that there is no safe use of 5-MEO-DMT. None of the facilitators have clinical expertise. Plus, the safety and effectiveness of 5-MEO-DMT in certain circumstances has yet to be carefully determined in clinical trials.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the history of indigenous 5-MEO-DMT use, its scientific discovery, and what emerging research suggests about its effects.

Discovery and History of Use

5-MEO-DMT was initially discovered in the bark of the Dictyoloma incanescens plant. It is also found in the venom of Colorado River Bufo alvarius toads. Smoking its venom is said to cause intense hallucinations [R, R, R].

It is also one of the ingredients in South American Virola snuffs and the Ayahuasca drink. However, these also contain greater amounts of other related compounds (bufotenine and DMT, respectively) [

The post 5-MEO-DMT Effects, Emerging Research & Risks appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: MDMA is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of MDMA until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in safe environments. The only aim of this post is to outline risks and research findings.

What is MDMA?

Overview

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an illegal synthetic drug that has psychoactive or mind-altering properties (R).

It is chemically similar to the amphetamine group of drugs like methamphetamine, MDA (3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine, a breakdown product of MDMA), and hallucinogens (R).

MDMA is commonly called Ecstasy or Molly and its abuse likely spread with raves and clubs of the late 80s. It also became known for its effects on increasing energy and openness on college campuses. However, MDMA use can cause many adverse effects, addiction, and withdrawal syndrome [R, R].

Discovery & Legal Status

It was widely believed that this drug was originally developed as an appetite-suppressant or weight-loss chemical by the German pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912. But a recent analysis of the original documents in the company’s archive tells a different tale.

The authors of this analysis concluded that the weight-loss story is a myth. It seems that MDMA was actually only synthesized as an in-between step to other drugs (thus, it served as a so-called precursor) in the pipeline (R).

Later on, in the 70s, researchers got interested in MDMA for psychotherapeutic reasons. It was tested alongside psychotherapy for making people more willing to talk about emotionally-charged or traumatic experiences (R).

However, due to its widespread recreational use in the 1980s, the drug was banned in 1985. Thus, most of the research halted.

Ongoing Research

With the new wave of psychedelic research, some scientists got interested in MDMA again, especially when it comes to its emotionally-disinhibiting effects in psychotherapeutic settings.

The FDA recently granted breakthrough therapy designation for a phase 3 trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. This clinical trial is sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) [R].

MAPS says their goal is to “develop MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD into an FDA-approved prescription treatment by the end of 2021” and are

The post MDMA (Ecstasy) Effects, Dangers & PTSD Research appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?

Overview

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also known as delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary component of cannabis responsible for its psychoactive properties [R].

ThC is considered a secondary metabolite of the marijuana plant. Scientists think that it serves as the plant’s defense mechanism – it repels animals and insects and prevents them from eating the plant [R].

A Brief History of Cannabis

According to some estimates, medical use of cannabis dates back as far as the 16th century B.C. in ancient Egypt [R].

Documents suggest that it was also subsequently used by the Greeks and Romans [R].

Another line of evidence suggests its use more than 5,000 years ago in what is now Romania [R].

Yet other sources claim that cannabis was used before the Christian era in India. Archeological and historical findings indicate that the plant was cultivated for fibers since 4.000 B.C. in China [R].

A cannabis extract containing THC metabolites was found inside a tomb in Israel on the remains of a young woman who appeared to have died giving birth. The archeologists who discovered the tomb speculated that the cannabis was used to facilitate the birth process [R].

Current Uses in Medicine & Controversy

Some research points to the medical potential of cannabis.

However, its use remains controversial because of the high risk of addiction, dependence, side effects, and withdrawal syndrome. This is particularly true for non-medical use of cannabis and makes it difficult to stop using.

Relapses in people attempting to quit are relatively common. If you’re struggling with cannabis addiction or relapses, find an addiction center near you to get medical help and support.

Nabiximols (Sativex) is a cannabis extract formulated as a spray that contains similar amounts of THC and CBD (2.7 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD per spray). It has been approved in Canada and the UK as an add-on treatment for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in adults with treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis [R, R].

Sativex may also be used to relieve pain in advanced cancer patients who don’t respond to high doses of opioid painkillers

The post Cannabis & THC Emerging Research, Risks, Side Effects appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Some of our readers requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the scientific and clinical literature. Please discuss your medications with your doctor.

We also included a section about natural alternatives, as there are a variety of natural, potentially safe ways to boost GABA and achieve similar effects without the health risks.

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA) is a synthetic drug similar to the calming neurotransmitter GABA. It boosts GABA activity in the brain and stimulates dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission [R, R, R].

By boosting GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – three crucial neurotransmitters in the brain – this drug can have profound effects on cognition, mood, and energy levels [R].

Phenibut was developed in Russia in the 1960s and has since been clinically used to relieve tension, fear, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and insomnia. It’s also used to enhance intellectual function in various mental disorders. All of these approved uses are limited to Russia [R].

It’s often used recreationally to ease social anxiety and induce euphoria, which earned it the nickname “the happy drug” across online forums. Many people self-medicate with phenibut to ease fear and anxiety, boost cognition and positive feelings, and even to enhance physical endurance and libido. Students and entrepreneurs use it as a nootropic and call it “the smart pill”.

Is Phenibut Legal?

Phenibut is technically legal but it is not approved by the FDA for clinical use In the United States.

It’s classified and sold as a nutritional supplement. But it is not “nutritional” but a synthetic designer drug that can cause side effects, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose. Its sale and use remain an unregulated, grey area. It is sold online under various brand names, such as Noofen, Anvifen, and Fenibut [R].

Citrocard is a very similar analog of Phenibut (phenibut citrate), although not identical [R].

Phenibut Dosage and Duration of Effect

A “Phenibut Warning” was officially issued in

The post 16 Phenibut Uses + Side Effects, Dosage & Natural Alternatives appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: LSD is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no known medical uses. We highly advise against the use of LSD until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline research findings.

What is Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)?

Overview

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) belongs to a class of drugs known as hallucinogens.

LSD is illegal. It is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

It is a clear white odorless material and has many other street names including Acid, Blotter, Dots, and Yellow Sunshine. It’s produced in illegal, clandestine labs. The purity of street-bought drugs like LSD is unknown. LSD is typically either swallowed or held under the tongue [R, R].

LSD was first made by Albert Hofman in Switzerland in 1938 from ergotamine, a chemical from the fungus ergot that grows on rye and other grains. The psychoactive effects of LSD were discovered in 1943, and it was introduced as a drug for research purposes under the trade name “Delysid” in 1947 [R].

Possession of LSD was made illegal in the United States in 1968. And from 1971 until today, LSD remained classified as a Schedule I drug.

According to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 22 million people (9.1% of the population) have used LSD at least once in their lives [R].

Most people use LSD for recreational and social reasons. Some say they take it for “spiritual reasons,” hoping that an LSD “trip” will provide them with new insights about their life. However, the effects of LSD are highly unpredictable and can be a terrifying experience for certain people. A “bad trip” is sometimes described as “living hell” and it can cause serious side effects.

Some researchers think that while this drug is widely abused, it does not appear to be addictive. This is likely because many people avoid it after having a bad or unpredictable trip. However, the risk of addiction may be higher

The post What is LSD? Dangers, Side Effects & Emerging Research appeared first on SelfHacked.

What is Psilocybin?

Mysterious Psychedelic

Psilocybin (chemically known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) is a classic psychedelic that belongs to the group of hallucinogenic tryptamines. But the story about psilocybin indigenous use and modern research over the past century is anything but classic [R].

Over 100 species of hallucinogenic “magic” mushrooms contain psilocybin (including Psilocybe, Conocybe, and Paneolus). These mushrooms grow in different parts of the world and have been used ritually for at least 3000 years [R, R].

Despite the recent renaissance in psychedelic research, there is a lot of controversy surrounding psilocybin use, legal status, and its potential therapeutic effects. Not many people know the whole story behind the traditional use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, nor about the efforts that produced our current state of knowledge about it.

The Story Of Magic Mushrooms

Beginnings

The first use of hallucinogenic mushrooms dates back about 3,000 years to Mexico. They are still used by native people in some areas for religious ceremonies and healing, although the local communities encountered many struggles in the past.

Shortly after the European conquest of these territories, magic mushrooms were banned for the first time in the early 17th century [R, R, R].

A couple of centuries passed before these mushrooms gained the attention of Western scientists and doctors for the first time. Robert Wasson, an American ethnomycologist, popularized these mushrooms in the 50s after returning from an expedition to Mexico where he participated in an indigenous Mazatec religious ritual.

He was one of the first Westerners to participate in such a ritual. He published an article in the Life magazine called “Seeking The Magic Mushroom” in which he described his experience [R].

The article became extremely popular, especially in the counterculture movement of the time, and led many people to travel Mexico seeking to experience the same. But this only brought devastation and unwanted attention from foreigners and police to the local community.

Luckily, it also brought some attention from the scientific community. Psilocybin was first isolated, identified, and synthesized by Albert Hofmann, the “father of LSD”, in the late 50s (from P. mexicana). He later summarized his thoughts about psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin, in the book “LSD – My Problem Child” [R, R].

The post Psilocybin: Safety, Side Effects & Types of Mushrooms appeared first on SelfHacked.