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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on mescaline, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study of a New Schizophrenomimetic Drug—Sernyl | 1959 | Review | |
| Hallucinogens and Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathways | 2017 | Review | |
| Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine | 2020 | Review | |
| Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances | 2015 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Naturalistic Use of Mescaline Is Associated with Self-Reported Psychiatric Improvements and Enduring Positive Life Changes. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science April 9, 2021
- The epidemiology of mescaline use: Pattern of use, motivations for consumption, and perceived consequences, benefits, and acute and enduring subjective effects. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2022
- The Psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and Bufotenine (5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) Case: Ensuring the Correct Isomer has Been Identified. Journal of Forensic Sciences September 1, 2020
- Pharmacists’ perspectives on psilocybin in Canada JAPhA Practice Innovations November 8, 2023
- Psychedelics in Psychiatry: New Treatment Paradigms or Addictive Treatment Strategies? A Narrative Review Pharmaceutical Science December 9, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 39
- The pharmacology of psilocybin Addiction Biology October 1, 2002
- Acute psychological and physiological effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose?effect study Psychopharmacology March 1, 2004
- Psilocybin – Summary of knowledge and new perspectives European Neuropsychopharmacology December 17, 2013
- Recreational Use, Analysis and Toxicity of Tryptamines Current Neuropharmacology December 10, 2014
- Hallucinogens and dissociative agents naturally growing in the United States. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2004
and 34 more in the library