Question

The text explores naturally occurring and synthesized hallucinogens. Do you think natural hallucinogens such as peyote are safer to use than those created in the lab (e.g., LSD)? Explain your rationale and include references. (Minimum 2 paragraph) this is a psychology question

Answer 1

Hallucinogens are a group of compounds that can cause Hallucinations or distort a persons perception of reality

They Can be Natural or Synthethic.

Examples of Natural Hallucinogens : Mescaline,Psilocybin mushrooms,Jimsonweed,Ayahuasca,Bufotenine

Examples of Synthetic Hallucinogens : LSD,MDMA, PCP (phencyclidine),Ketamine

As far as Safety is concerned, both natural or synthetic forms are not safe to use or abuse. Neither synthetic nor organic drugs are more dangerous than the other, because both of them have potential for abuse. When either type of drug is abused, overdose, adverse side effects and addiction are all possible.

Following points are important to note in this regard :

1. Natural Compounds like Mushroom have known compositions of hallucinogens in them so its easier to predict the effects of it when its consumbed by anyone, where as synthetic compounds are not manufactured by certified labs but labs that are not under any govt regulation so its difficult to know the quantity or quality of the hallucinogens used and therefore extremely difficult to predict the effects which may vary and can can be life threatening.

2. Synthetic compounds may not be recognized by our body and the reaction to them may be more idiosyncratic than for natural compunds.

3. Certain Synthetic compounds like Ketamine are used in Medicine on everyday basis safely within their permitted dosing ranges and may be much safer than natural hallucinogens or other synthetic hallucinogens.

4. The synthetic forms are generally purer as they are often refined and distilled to give maximum effect to the individual at least possible dose whereas those like psilocybin mushrooms are less potent and may need higher doses to achieve intoxication.

It is important to understand that neither form is safe if used non medically. There is some medical literature supporting the use of hallucinogens in some medical disorders but there is nothing concrete as of now.