Psychedelics : One-way ticket to a fantasy world?

If there’s a category of drugs that’s been hyped up in the last years, it’s definitely psychedelics. The legalization of cannabis has brought the issue to the forefront, which undoubtedly fueled discussions and, above all, opinions!

“Cannabis is evil, keep that stuff away from me!”, the famous “Cannabis heals anxiety AND depression”, or everything in between; we’ve heard it all.

Cannabis isn’t the only substance that has been widely discussed, especially with the popularization of microdosing hallucinogens like magic mushrooms.

How can one make sense of all this somehow contradictory information? We prepared this article so you could understand psychedelics better. Generally speaking, they alter the way we think, perceive, and feel which could lead to hallucinations, dissociation, or disorientation in space and time.

We divide them in 3 subcategories : cannabinoids, hallucinogens, and dissociatives.

Hallucinogens

Referred by some as psychedelics, these substances alter perceptions, mood and cognition. They also influence all sense, which explains the hallucinations they sometimes cause. So yep, you could technically hallucinate tastes and smells!

In addition to hallucinations, they can also cause :

• feelings of relaxation and well-being
• enhanced creativity
• some confusion
• memory loss

• difficulty concentrating
• time distortion
• “thought loops”, where some thoughts can become invasive

Distressing hallucinations or intense negative emotions may trigger panic and unpredictable actions, a reaction often referred to as a “bad trip”.

Physically, you can also experience:

• an augmentation in body temperature
• an accelerated cardiac rhythm/breathing
• an increase in sweating
• shivering
• dizziness

• a decrease in coordination
• blurry vision
• vomiting
• numbness

The substances we see most often are LSD, the psilocybin in magic mushrooms, DMT and 2-CB.

Cannabinoids : it’s not just THC!

This subcategory includes all substances that activate the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.The latter is involved in recovery after stress, protection of the nervous and immune systems, and stabilization of physical and mental processes.

Psychologically, they’re known to produce:

• feelings of happiness
• hilarity, which explains why a very average joke can send us into a 30-minute fit of laughter.
• a feeling of relaxation
• a sense of introspection
• memory loss
• anxiety

But also, a decrease in reported motivation (to be interpreted with caution), attention, and reflexes.

Physically, you may also experience:

• increased heart rate
• headaches
• dizziness
• dry mouth

• red eyes
• drowsiness
• increased appetite
• nausea

Several cannabis compounds fall into this category, such as THC, CBD, HHC, and CBN, as well as synthetic cannabinoids such as spice and K2.

Dissociatives

As their name suggests, these substances induce a feeling of dissociation/disconnection from oneself and/or one’s environment, while altering our sensations.

When consumed, we tend to feel the physical effects of depressants and the psychological effects of disruptors.

You may also experience:

• relaxation, joy
• introspection
• an inability to move
• hallucinations

• fear or panic
• loss of balance and dizziness
• nausea and vomiting

These include ketamine, DXM from over-the-counter cough syrup, poppers, and nitrous oxide.

In conclusion

Finally, if there is one thing we have heard about disruptors that remains relevant, it is to pay close attention to our state of mind and our environment/surroundings when consuming them, as they could greatly impact our experience. To better understand this interaction, feel free to check out our article on the law of effect!

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