Abuse of Magic Mushroom, Peyote Cactus, LSD, Khat, and Volatiles
Critical Issues in Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse Testing 2019 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-815607-0.00033-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD Mescaline Psilocybin |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | Abuse of magic mushroom, peyote cactus, LSD, khat, and volatiles occurs in the United States, with volatile abuse particularly common among young people and potentially fatal. |
Abstract
Abstract Although less common than abuse of marijuana and cocaine, abuse of magic mushroom, peyote cactus, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), khat, and volatiles is observed in the United States. Eating wild mushroom is dangerous because misidentification of toxic mushroom as magic mushroom may be fatal. Magic mushroom contains psilocybin and psilocin but major psychedelic action of magic mushroom is due to rapid conversion of psilocybin to psilocin after ingestion. Active ingredient of peyote cactus is mescaline. Abuse of LSD was widespread in 1960s but this drug is still abused today. Khat leaves are chewed in certain parts of Africa but with migration, this product is also abused in Europe and United States. Major active ingredient of khat plant is cathinone, which is structurally and functionally similar to amphetamine. Volatile abuse is widespread among young people. Abusing volatiles containing toluene, hydrocarbons, and other compounds with highvapor pressure is injurious to health. Such abuse may even cause death.