Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Hallucinogens are psychoactive drugs that alter an individual's perception of reality, creating unreal visual images.

Marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD are common hallucinogens.

Marijuana is derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. It contains the active ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which disrupts neuronal membranes and affects neurotransmitters and hormones.

It increases pulse rate, causes redness of the eyes and dry mouth, and distorts perceptions of time and space. It also leads to an experience of mixed psychological effects of excitatory, depressive, and mild hallucinations.

Additionally, heavy use can impact sperm count and menstrual cycles. If used during pregnancy, it can also lead to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and developmental delays in cognitive abilities.

Similarly, LSD, a potent hallucinogen, causes significant perceptual changes even in low doses, including visual hallucinations, an altered sense of time, and rapid mood swings.

LSD also affects serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, causing dizziness, nausea, and tremors.