Encyclopedia of Legal Psychoactive Herbs.pdf

Legal Highs

L E G A L

H I G H S

A Concise Encyclopedia of

Legal Herbs and Chemicals

with Psychoactive Properties

Adam Gottlieb

20th Century Alchemist

* * *

This book is not intended to promote or encourage the possession, use,

or manufacture of any illegal substances. The material herein is

presented for reference and informational purposes only.

The laws applicable to the drugs described herein may change.

Remember -- even legal drugs may be dangerous. Consult your physician

before consuming any drugs.

For wholesale orders and inquiries contact Merchandising Service of

America, Inc., 417 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123.

For individual copies of other books by the 20th Century Alchemist,

write to:

Twentieth Century Alchemist

P.O. Box 3684

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

* * *

INTRODUCTION

The materials discussed in this book are legal despite the fact

that they have psychotropic properties. Some are far more potent than

many controlled substances. They have not been designated as illegal

by any state or federal codes, because they are relatively obscure and

have never been subjected to abuse. Although chemicals such as

mescaline and lysergic acid amide are controlled by Title 21 of the

United States Code (1970 edition), their plant sources (except for

ergot and peyote) are not so controlled. It is therefore legal to

possess San Pedro cactus, morning glory seeds, Hawaiian wood rose,

etc., as long as there is no indication that they are intended for

other than normal horticultural or ornamental purposes. The materials

listed here are legal at the time of this writing. They may be

outlawed at any future date. It may be of some interest to some

readers that the Church of the Tree of Life has declared as its

religious sacraments most saubstances in this book. Because these

substances were legal at the time of the Church's inception and

incorporation, their use cannot be denied to members through any

future legislation without directly violating the Constitution's

guarantee of religious freedom. Those interested should send a

stamped self-addressed envelope to the Church of the Tree of Life, 405

Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94133.

Although there exist both state and federal laws against Psilocybe

mushrooms and peyote, we have included these in our book of legal

highs. We do so because of the glaring weaknesses in the legislation

regarding these. Peyote is allowed to members of the Native American

Church, because it was in use by the Plains Americans as a religious

sacrament long before the caucasian immigrants and their progeny

devised laws against it. Even today, a number of legitimate cactus

nurseries still ship cuttings and seeds of this cactus to all parts of

the country with apparent impunity.

Many species of psilocybin-bearing mushroom grow wild throughout

most parts of the United States, and can in no way be controlled.

Since the original publication of this book, there has been a virtual

mushroom revolution. Head shops and mail order houses now sell

complete kits for home cultivation of _Psilocybe cubensis_ (spores

included). The flagrant ignorance of the law-makers is reflected in

the fact that in Title 21 the alkaloid _psilocin_ is misspelled as

_psilocyn._ This small error is a product of the same mentality that

classified cocaine as a narcotic in the 1922 Amendment to the Narcotic

Drugs Import and Export Act and deliberately retains the error to this

day.

The purpose of this book is to provide the user with concise

reference information on various legal psychotropic materials. These

include plant materials in their crude hebal form, and chemicals

either synthesized or extracted from natural minerals. For each item

there is a brief description of the material, the method of

preparation, dosage and use, analysis of active constituents, effects,

contraindications (side effects, dangers, etc.), and names of

commercial suppliers. The latter are given as letter codes. The

corresponding names and addresses are to be found in the section

titled "Suppliers." Because of increasing interest in horticulture of

psychotropic plants, sources of seeds and live plants are also given.

Some of the materials discussed are very dangerous and are

strongly disrecommended. They are included because many people have

already shown an interest in experimenting with them. We feel that it

is important to discuss them while clearing indicating their dangers.

Although we feel confident in the accuracy of the information in

this guide, we can in no way assume responsibility for the experiences

of persons following these data for personal drug use.

This book is intended as a contribution to the world of

information and general knowledge. It must not be construed as

encouragement or endorsement, by the author or publisher, of the use

of any of the materials herein described.

# # #

LEGAL HIGHS

HIGHS

ADRENOCHROME SEMICARBAZONE -- 3-hydroxy-1-methyl-5,6-indolinedione

semicarbazone.

Material: Oxidized eniephrine (adrenaline) with semicarbazide.

Usage: 100 mg is thoroughly dissolved in just enough alcohol,

melted fat (butter), or vegetable oil and ingested. Because of its

poor solubility in water these must be used to aid absorption.

Effects: Physical stimulating, feeling of well-being, slight

reduction of thought processes.

Contraindications: None noted. Acts as a systemic hemostatic

preventing capillary bleeding during injury. Adrenochrome causes

chemically induced schizophrenia. Its semicarbazone does not.

Supplier: CS.

ALPHA-CHLORALOSE -- alpha-D-glucochloralose.

Material: Synthetic chemical prepared by reacting chloral with

glucose under heat.

Usage: 350-500 mg orally.

Effects: Euphoriant affecting CNS in a manner similar to PCP

(phencyclidine), accompanied with mental changes like those from

smoking hashish.

Contraindications: Although a central depressant, in some

individuals it may cause nervousness. Less toxic than PCP or chloral.

Dangerous if taken with even small amounts of alcohol (even beer).

May cause convulsions.

Supplier: CS.

ASARONE -- 1,2,4-trimethoxy-5-propenylbenzene or 2,4,5-trimethoxy-1-

benzene.

Material: A chemical related to mescaline and the amphetamines

found in the roots of sweet flag (_Acorus calamus_) and _Asarum_ spp.

It is chemically the precusor of TMA-2 (2,4,5-trimethoxy-a-methyl-4,5-

methylenedioxyphenylethylamine), a hallucinogen with 18 times the gram

potency of mescaline. Asarone is converted to TMA-2 in the body by

aminization which takes place shortly after ingestion.

Usage: 45-350 mg orally on empty stomach. Individual sensitivity

varies widely.

Effects: Simultaneous stimulant, hallucinogen, and sedative. One

or another of these traits may be more pronounced depending upon the

dose and the individual. CNS stimulant, antispasmatic.

Contraindications: Should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.

Supplier: CS.

ATROPINE SULFATE

Material: Sulfate of tropane alkaloid found in belladonna,

datura, and several other solaneceous plants.

Usage: 0.5-5 mg orally.

Effects: Competitive acetylcholine inhibitor at receptor site

(postganglionic junction). Does not prevent acetylcholine liberation.

Hallucinogen, similar to scopolamine, but producing more excitement

and less stupor. Potentiates other psychotropics, including opium,

cannabis, harmala alkaloids, mescaline.

Contraindications: Highly toxic. Side effects include dryness

and soreness of mucous membranes, blurred vision, urinary retention,

severe hallucinations, retrograde amnesia lasting several hours to

several days. Not recommended without expert supervision. Possible

brain damage from large amounts.

Supplier: CR.

BELLADONNA -- Deadly Nightshade. _Atropa belladonna_ L. Family

Solanaceae (Potato family).

Material: Leaves and roots of perennial herb found in wooded

hills and shaded areas of central and southern Europe, southwest Asia,

and Algeria, and naturalized in USA.

Usage: Crushed dried leaves 30-200 mg or root 30-120 mg taken

orally or smoked.

Active Constituents: Atropine, scopolamine, and other tropanes.

Leaves containe 0.3-0.5% total alkaloids, roots 0.4-0.7%.

Effects: Hallucinogen, hypnotic, anticholinergic.

Contraindications: Extremely toxic. Even moderate doses could be

fatal. Root contains apoatropine which can be lethal even in small

amounts, especially when taken orally. Use not recommended. See

ATROPINE and SCOPOLAMINE.

Supplier: Seeds RCS.

BETEL NUT -- _Areca catechu._ Family Palmaceae (Palm family).

Material: The large seed of this Asian palm tree.

Usage: It is wrapped in the leaf of the betel pepper (_Piper

chavica betel_) and sprinkled with burnt lime, catechu gum from the

Malayan acacia tree (_Acacia catechu_) and nutmeg, cardamom or other

species. This morsel is placed in the mouth and sucked on for several

hours.

Active Constituents: Arecoline (methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-

methylnicotinate), a votalite oil, is released from the nut by action

of saliva and time. Betel leaf contains chavicol, allylpyrocathechol,

chavibetol and cadinene.

Effects: Arecoline is a central nervous system stimulant. It

increases respiration and decreases the work load of the heart. Betel

leaf has mild stimulating properties.

Contraindications: Excessive arecoline from immoderate use or

from unripe nuts can cause dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and

convulsions. Frequent use stains mouth, gums, and teeth deep red

(caused by catechu gum). Long-term overuse of betel nut is said to

weaken sexual potency.

Supplier: Areca nuts and betel leaves, MGH; young palms, RCS.

BROOM -- (_Genista,_ _Cytisus,_ _Spartium_ spp.). Family Leguminosae

(Bean family).

Material: Blossoms of any of several species including Canary

Island broom (Genista canariensis), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius),

and Spanish broom (Spartium junceum).

Usage: Blossoms are collected,

aged in a sealed jar for 10 days, dried, and rolled into cigarettes.

Smoke is inhailed and held.

Active Constituents: Cytisine (a toxic pyridine).

Effects: One cigarette produces relaxed feelings for 2 hours.

More causes deeper relaxation and longer-lasting effects (4-5 hours).

Relaxation is deepest during 2 hours and is followed by mental

alertness and increased awareness of color without hallucinations.

Contraindications: Usually no undesirable side effects or

hangover. Some persons experience mild headache immediately after

smoking. Broom flowers are extremely toxic when ingested. Has heart-

stimulating properties like digitalis.

Supplier: Common in parks and gardens. Dried broom, MGH; viable

seeds and plants, RCS.

CABEZA DE ANGEL -- _Calliandra anomala._ Family Leguminosae (Bean

family).

Material: Resins of shrub with feathery, crimson flowers found in

level or mountainous places and near streams in southern Mexico and

Guatemala; sometimes cultivated as ornamental in California.

Usage: Formerly used by Aztecs. Incisions made in bark, resins

collected after several days, dried, pulverized, mixed with ash, and

snuffed.

Active Constituents: Unidentified.

Effects: Hypnotic, induces sleep. Also used medicinally for

dysyntery, swellings, fever, and malaria.

Contraindications: None known.

Supplier: Seeds and cuttings, RCS (inquire).

CALAMUS -- Sweet flag, rat root (_Acorus calamus_). Family Araceae

(Arum family).

Material: Roots of tall, fragrant, sword-leaved plant found in

marshes and borders of ponds and streams in Europe, Asia, and North

America from Nova Scotia to Minnesota, southward to Florida and Texas.

Usage: Roots are collected in late autumn or spring, washed,

voided of root fibres and dried with moderate heat. Root may be

chewed or broken up and boiled as a tea. Doses range from 2 to 10

inches of root. Root deteriorates with age. Usually inactive after 1

year. Store closed in cool dry place.

Active Constituents: Asarone and beta-asarone.

Effects: A piece of dried root the thickness of a pencil and

about 2 inches long provides stimulating and buoyant feelings. A

piece 10 inches long acts as a mind alterant and hallucinogen. (See

ASARONE.)

Contraindications: The FDA frowns upon the sale and use of

calamus and has issued directives to certain herb dealers not to sell

it to the public. An FDA directive is simply a polite word for a

threat of hassling without a law to back it. At present there are no

laws against calamus. Some experiments have indicated that excessive

amounts of calamus oil can increase the tumor rate in rats. Many of

the Cree Indians of Northern Alberta chew calamus root for oral

hygiene and as a stimulating tonic. They apparently suffer no

unpleasant side effects. In fact, those who use it seem to be in

better general health than those who do not.

Supplier: Dried root, MGH; viable root, RCS, GBR.

CALEA -- _Calea zacatechichi._ Family Compositae (Sunflower family).

Material: Leaves of a shrub from central Mexico and Costa Rica.

Usage: 1 oz. of crushed dried leaves is steeped in 1 pt. water or

extracted into alcohol. Tea is drunk slowly. A cigarette of the

leaves may be smoked to increase the effect.

Active Constituents: Alkaloids have not been found in calea.

Psychoactive components uncertain but believed to be in aromanic and

bitter principle.

Effects: Feelings of repose after 30 minutes with increased

awareness of heart and pulse. One oz. clarifies mind and senses.

Larger amounts may induce hallucinations.

Contraindications: None known.

Supplier: Must be procured in Mexico. Oaxaca marketplace.

CALIFORNIA POPPY -- _Eschscholtzia californica._ Family Papaveraceae

(Poppy family).

Material: Leaves, flowers, and capsules of common wildflower.

Usage: Materials are dried and smoked.

Active Constituents: Opium-related alkaloids: protopine,

chelerythrine, sanguinarine, alpha- and beta-homochelidonine, and

several glucosides.

Effects: Very mild marijuana-like euphoria from smoking last 20-

30 minutes. Concentrated extract of plant may be more potent when

ingested or smoked.

Contraindications: No apparent side effects. Not habit-forming.

Appears to be ineffective when used again within 24 hours.

Supplier: Grows wild (protected by California law; misdemeanor,

fine for plucking). Seeds, B, FM, G, NK, RCS.

CATNIP -- _Nepeta catoria._ Family Labiatae (Mint family).

Material: Leaves.

Usage: Leaves are smoked alone or with tobacco in equal parts.

Also, extract is sprayed on tobacco or other smoking material.

Active Constituents: Metatabilacetone, nepatalactone, nepetalic

acid.

Effects: Mild marijuana-like euphoria, more intense and longer-

lasting with tobacco.

Contraindications: No harmful side effects known. Tobacco is

harmful and addicting.

Supplier: MGH or pet stores. Extract in aerosol from pet stores.

Viable seeds; B, FM, G, NK, RCS.

CHICALOTE -- Also called Prickly Poppy. _Argemone mexicana._ Family

Papaveraceae (Poppy family).

Material: Seeds and golden sap from unripe capsules of prickly-

leaved, yellow flowered perennial found in dry fields and roadsides of

southwestern USA and Mexico.

Usage: Capsule is pierced or opened, sap collected, dried,

smoked, or ingested like opium.

Active Constituents: Protopine, berberine (morphine-related

alkaloids), and several isoquinilines.

Effects: Sedative, analgesic, and euphoriant. Mild

hallucinogenic effects from seeds.

Contraindications: None known from discreet use. Continued use

can aggravate glaucoma and cause edema or dropsy.

Supplier: Viable seeds, RCS.

CHODAT; HSIAO-TS'AO -- _Polygala sibirica_; _P. tenuifolia._ Family

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