Psychedelics. Hallucinogens. Entheogens. Empathogens. These are among the many names ascribed to the class of substances which have been shown to expand consciousness, promote greater self-awareness, and hold potential for healing and personal evolution. It is these potentials which inspired the creation of psychedelic societies across the globe. Anyone considering psychedelic use should know that these are powerful substances with life-altering affects and great care should be taken in making this choice. We firmly believe that anyone looking to use psychedelics would best be served by fully understanding the risks and rewards involved. Below is a list of the most common of these substances with links to educational websites which can provide solid information before you take the journey…
PSYCHEDELICS
Indole Alkaloids - All of these molecules contain indole (a benzene ring attached to a pyrrole ring).
Tryptamines - These molecules are similar enough to the neurotransmistter Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) to bind to its receptors.
(Serotonin Partial Agonists)
Tryptamine
Serotonin (5-HT)
N,N-DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Found in Psychotria viridis (Chacruna), Diplopterys cabrerana (Chaliponga),
Mimosa tenuiflora/hostilis (Jurema), Acacia confusa, Synthetic, Endogenous
Component of Ayahuasca brews (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Psilocybin (4-PO-DMT) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Prodrug to Psilocin (4-HO-DMT)
Found in nearly 200 mushroom species, notably Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens
Mushrooms can also include Baeyocystin, Norbaeyocystin, Aeruginascin, Serotonin, Harmalas, and more
Long history of Mesoamerican entheogenic use, especially in Aztec society
Currently used ceremonially by the Mazatec in Oaxaca, where the mushrooms are known as 'Niños Santos'
Psilocybin & psilocin were isolated and identified by Albert Hofmann in the late 1950s
Synthetic psilocybin is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for depression treatment
4-AcO-DMT (Psilacetin / O-Acetylpsilocin) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Semi-synthetic research chemical, possible prodrug to Psilocin (4-HO-DMT)
Similar research chemicals include 4-HO-DPT (Procin), 4-HO-MiPT (Mirprocin), and 4-HO-MET (Metocin)
Bufotenin (5-HO-DMT) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki)
Found in Anadenanthera peregrina (Yopo), Anadenanthera colubrina (Cebil), Toad venoms, Endogenous
Yopo and Cebil seeds are used in entheogenic snuffs by various South American tribes
5-MeO-DMT (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Found in Bufo/Incilius alvarius venom, Virola theiodora/elongata resin, Synthetic, Endogenous
Harmine & other Harmala Alkaloids (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki)
Inhibiters of Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) in addition to psychedelic activity
Found in Banisteriopsis caapi (Ayahuasca/Yage), Peganum harmala (Syrian Rue), Passiflora sp., Tobacco
Ayahuasca vine contains Harmine, Harmaline, and THH (Tetrahydroharmine)
The vine is used ceremonially by various South American tribes, usually in conjunction with a DMT plant
Some beta-carboline MAOIs are endogenous (Harmane, Norharmane, Pinoline)
Ibogaine (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Found in Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana, Tabernaemontana undulata (Sananga), Synthetic
Occurs alongside other indoles like Ibogamine, Noribogaine, and Voacangine
Used ceremonially by the Bwiti in central West Africa
Potent addiction breaker with psychedelic and dissociative effects lasting for several days
Interacts with many receptor systems (serotonin, dopamine, NMDA, opioid, acetylcholine)
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LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Semi-synthetic, derived from Claviceps purpurea (Ergot), originally by Albert Hofmann in 1938
Strongest psychedelic by weight - active in micrograms. Sticky molecule creates long duration (8-20hrs)
Also binds to dopamine receptors, providing faster, more energetic experience than tryptamines
See also: ALD-52, 1P-LSD, AL-LAD, ETH-LAD
Some tabs claiming to be acid are actually 25i-NBOMe - use reagent test kits to determine what you have
LSH (Lysergic Acid Hydroxyethylamide) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki)
Very unstable, quickly degrades into the sedative LSA (Lysergic Acid Amide)
Found in fresh seeds of Ipomoea tricolor (Heavenly Blue Morning Glory/Tlitliltzin),
Rivea/Turbina/Ipomoea corymbosa (Ololiuqui), Argyreia nervosa (Hawaiian Baby Woodrose),
where it is produced by a symbiotic fungus related to ergot.
These seeds were the most sacred entheogen in Aztec culture
Phenethylamines - These molecules are similar to the neurotransmitter Dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine). Most substituted phenethylamines are stimulants, such as the amphetamines, but the ones listed below but still agonize serotonin receptors, creating psychedelic effects.
Phenethylamine
Dopamine
Mescaline (3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenethylamine) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Found in endangered Peyote (Lophohora williamsii) with >50 other alkaloids (Erowid) (Third Wave)
And in columnar cacti such as San Pedro (Echinopsis/Trichocereus Pachanoi) (Erowid) (Third Wave),
Bolivian Torch (Echinopsis langeniformis / Trichocereus bridgesii),
and Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis peruviana / Trichocereus peruvianus)
Mescaline cacti have a history of ceremonial use in South & Central America dating as far back as 6000 years
First psychedelic molecule identified by science (in 1897), and thus has the longest history of research
More physical, longer lasting, and much weaker by weight than tryptamines
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MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Synthetic entactogen / empathogen amphetamine also known as Ecstasy/E/XTC or Molly
Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for PTSD treatment
Pills are widely adulterated, so test using reagent test kits
2C-B (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Synthetic research chemical discovered by Alexander Shulgin, also known as Bromo Mescaline or Nexus
DISSOCIATIVES
Arylcyclohexylamines (NMDA Antagonists)
Ketamine (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Synthetic dissociate anaesthetic used in medicine and administered in clinics for depression treatment
Developed in 1963 to replace the similar arylcyclohexylamine PCP
Produced the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia
Atypical Dissociatives (Kappa Opioid Agonists)
Salvia Divinorum (Erowid) (Psychonaut Wiki) (Third Wave)
Contains the potent diterpenoids Salvinorin A & B
No longer grows in the wild. Federally legal, sold in headshops in many US states
Cultivated by the Mazatec as 'Ska Pastora', who use it orally to connect to the Virgin Mary