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PSILOCYBIN/PSILOCYN
(MAGIC MUSHROOMS): A number of Schedule
I hallucinogenic substances are classified chemically
as tryptamines. Most of these are found in nature
but many, if not all, can be produced synthetically.
Psilocybin (O-phosphoryl-4-hydroxy-N, N-ethyltryptamine)
and psilocyn (4-hydroxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine)
are obtained from certain mushrooms indigenous
to tropical and subtropical regions of South America,
Mexico, and the United States. As pure chemicals
at doses of 10 to 20 mg, these hallucinogens produce
muscle relaxation, dilation of pupils, vivid visual
and auditory distortions, and emotional disturbances.
However, the effects produced by consuming preparations
of dried or brewed mushrooms are far less predictable
and largely depend on the particular mushrooms
used and the age and preservation of the extract.
There are many species of "magic" mushrooms
that contain varying amounts of these tryptamines,
as well as uncertain amounts of other chemicals.
As a consequence, the hallucinogenic activity,
as well as the extent of toxicity produced by
various plant samples, are often unknown.
DIMETHYLTRYPTAMIN (DMT)
has a long history of use and is found in a variety
of plants and seeds. It can also be produced synthetically.
It is ineffective when taken orally, unless combined
with another drug that inhibits its metabolism.
Generally it is sniffed, smoked, or injected.
The effective hallucinogenic dose in humans is
about 50 to 100 mg and lasts for about 45 to 60
minutes. Because the effects last only about an
hour; the experience has been referred to as a
"businessman’s trip."
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