1. Option D Medicine and Drugs HL
Mind-Altering Drugs
Option D Medicine and Drugs HL 1

2. Assessment Statement
D.10.1 Describe the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, psilocybin, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
D.10.2 Discuss the structural similarities and differences between LSD, mescaline and psilocybin.
D.10.3 Discuss the arguments for and against the legalisation of cannibis.

3. Assessment Statement
D.10.1 Describe the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, psilocybin, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
D.10.2 Discuss the structural similarities and differences between LSD, mescaline and psilocybin.

4. Mind-Altering Drugs LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
Mind-altering drugs or hallucinogens as they are often called affect the brain in such a way as to alter perception of reality
Four different kinds of hallucinogenic drugs include
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
Psilocybin and Psilocin
Mescaline
Cannabis (Marijuana & its active ingredient THC) 4

5. Indole Ring Structure
The indole ring (or a modification of it) is the basic structure present in almost all hallucinogens including:
LSD
Psilocybin
Psilocin
Mescaline (Lacks the complete ring.)
The indole structure
Mescaline – a partial indole structure 5

6. A Neuron Synapse
Neurotransmitter chemicals such as serotonin transmit electrical impulses Hallucinogenic drugs affect the transmission of neural impulses particularly in the brain. 6

7. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
Discovered in 1938 by a Swiss scientist, Albert Hoffman.
Hoffman tested some on himself, not knowing the limits of a safe dosage.
He believed that the mind-altering properties of LSD could be used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Research was discontinued when it was discovered that LSD lead to a very high incidence of psychosis.

8. LSD Made from a fungus growing on rye Effect depends on condition
Magnified perception
No sense of judgement
No physical addiction
Low psychological dependence
8-hour trips
Possible “flash-backs”
Jan 3, 2010
Medicines and Drugs

9. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
The discovery resulted from an investigation of partially synthetic amides of Lysergic acid.
LSD does not occur naturally but is derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on wheat
LSD was synthesized with the intention of obtaining an analeptic
Methergine was developed as a result of LSD research. It is used to stop hemorrhages. 9

10. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Note the similarities of the LSD structure to the neurotransmitters: serotonin and L-Dopamine. Each structure has an indole ring. 10

11. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
LSD is believed to disrupt the way that serotonin is used by the brain
Small doses, as little as mg will produce a noticeable effect. 11

12. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
LSD is a large relatively non-polar molecule.
It is membrane soluble and able to enter the brain easily. 12

13. Immediate Effects of LSD
Very unpredictable.
The immediate effects occur in about 20 minutes and usually last about 12 hours.
Symptoms include restlessness, dizziness, and alterations in vision and audio perceptions and hallucinations.
Changes in body temperature and heart rate
Time becomes meaningless
Feeling is often described as flying.
In some cases despair and suicidal thoughts. 13

14. Longer Term Effects of LSD
Long-term mental health problems after using LSD are common.
Significant potential for “flashbacks” or latent psychosis.
Users may re-experience early memories, pre-birth memories, or flashbacks.
Bad trips can be triggered
Depression leading to suicide is a long-term effect of using LSD, and addiction. 14

15. Longer Term Effects of LSD
Link to major birth defects when taken during pregnancy
Brain deterioration
Flashbacks
Developing tolerance leads to high risk of overdose. 15

16. Mescaline 16

17. MESCALINE (Peyote)
Mescaline is found in a small, spineless cactus (known botanically as Lophophora williams ii) which grows in the deserts of Mexico and the American Southwest.
When the crown is sliced off and dried, it forms a hard, brownish disc known as a "button," which is chewed for its hallucinogenic properties. 17

18. MESCALINE (Peyote) Mescaline is of the oldest hallucinogens known
Peyote buttons were chewed for religious purposes in Mexico centuries before the Conquistadors even knew Mexico existed.
Early tales of peyote rituals among the Aztec and Toltec Indians date ceremonial use back some 3,000 years.
1560 Spanish explorers described the effects on Mexican Indians as having “terrible visions that lasted for 2-3 days” 18

19. MESCALINE (Peyote)
The Spaniards quickly outlawed "peyotism," which they linked with cannibalism and witchcraft, and enacted the first set of anti-drug laws in the Western Hemisphere, all aimed at wiping out Indian use of the plant.
During the American Civil War, peyote use began spreading north from Mexico on a large scale.
11 states have enacted laws to ban religious use of peyote. Federal courts have affirmed the right to sacramental use by Native American religious use
A 1990 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirmed the right of states to control ritual peyote use 19

20. MESCALINE (Peyote)
Peyote was also believed to be a god-powerful medicine, capable of giving sight to the blind and healing incurable diseases. 20

21. MESCALINE (Peyote)
The chemical structure of mescaline contains three ether groups and a partial indole ring 21

22. MESCALINE (Peyote)
Peyote contains more than fifty psychoactive ingredients
The most powerful of which is mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine)
The hallucinogenic effects of the mescaline related compounds is believed to be related to the similarities of their structures to amphetamine. 22

23. Effects of MESCALINE (Peyote)
Mescaline triggers increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure and dilation of the pupils.
Normal coordination and reflexes are reduced, and the skin may feel dry and itchy.
Peak effects hit 2-3 hours after ingestion, and run their course in 6-12 hours.
Not as potent as LSD 23

24. Effects of MESCALINE (Peyote)
Other effects can include :
Rapid changes in mood
Feelings of empathy and kinship
Distortions in perception
Exasperates conditions of anxiety and depression 24

25. Psilocybin and Psilocin25

26. PSILOCYBIN
Certain types of naturally occurring mushrooms contain hallucinogenic chemicals known as psilocybin and psilocin.
Psilocybin and Psilocin are found in the liberty cap mushroom (Psilocybe semilanceata (Magic Mushroom)
Dried mushrooms contain about 0.4 % psilocybin and trace amounts of psilocin. 26

27. PSILOCYBIN & PSILOCIN
Psilocybin and psilocin belong to the tryptamine family and their effect is similar to the natural neurotransmitter serotonin,
Psilocybin and psilocin are both alkaloids which means they are nitrogenous substances that appear in nature. . 27

28. Structure of PSILOCYBIN
The structure of Psilocybin has an indole structure shown
in the diagram at the right. 28

29. Structure of PSILOCIN
The structure of Psilocin has an indole structure shown in the diagram at the right.
The hydroxy phosphate structure is replaced with a hydroxyl group 29 29

30. Effects of Psilocybin and Psilocin
Within 30 minutes of taking small amounts (i.e. 1-2 grams) of mushroom, there is nausea, sweating, feeling hot and shaky, heart racing, lightheadedness, or anxiety.
A relaxed feeling and a sharpening of senses sometimes follow
With larger amounts (2-14 grams) they may experience time distortion, euphoria, seeing brilliant colors, flashing lights and even shapes and images. 30

31. Long Term Effects of Psilocybin and Psilocin
Long term effects unknown
Danger of mushroom poisoning by inability to distinguish from poisonous varieties
Poisoning occurs when there is excessive vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, chest pain, pounding and racing heart, fear, anxiety, paranoia, and seizures.   31

32. MARIJUANA (cannabis) 32

33. MARIJUANA (cannabis)
Marijuana is a drug made from the stems, flowering tops, leaves and seeds of the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). 33

34. MARIJUANA (cannabis)
The active ingredient in Marijuana is a compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Structurally THC contains multiple carbon rings, with several methyl groups attached, and –OH group on a benzene ring, as well as a five carbon chain. 34

35. MARIJUANA (cannabis)
The concentration of THC is the determines the potency and effects of the drug. 35

36. Other Cannabinoids Other hallucinogenic compounds found in marijuana36

37. MARIJUANA (cannabis)
Generally marijuana has a THC content of 1-3% with specialized breeding making contents of slightly higher possible.
Hashish, made from the resin of the hemp plant is much more potent with concentrations between 10 to 15%.
The THC content of any of the products of the hemp plant depends greatly on the environment in which the plant is grown. 37

38. Effects of Cannabis/THC
Feelings of relaxation
Has been used to relieve pain in some terminally ill patients
Enhanced visual and auditory perceptions
Confusion and emotional distress 38

39. Long term effects Lethargy and apathy Lowering of fertility
Decreased mental capacity
Gateway drug
Potential for abuse
Illegal activities associated with Marijuana trade 39

40. Long Term Use Addictive properties are not entirely known.
Some experts believe that marijuana is less addictive than alcohol or nicotine, both of which are legal.
Risk of long term brain damage is not entirely known. Indication that it leads to early onset of schizophrenia
Use by underage people risks potential brain damage 40

41. Impact of THC on the Brain
It is known that THC affects and influences the activity of cells at specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells in the brain.
Some areas of the brain have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none.
Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. 41

42. Impact of THC on the Brain
Recent studies in Australia indicate that prolonged use of Marijuana leads to reduction of brain capacity
Brain scans showed the hippocampus and amygdala were smaller in men who were heavy marijuana users compared to nonusers 42

43. Assessment Statement
D.10.3 Discuss the arguments for and against the legalisation of cannibis.

44. Legalization of Marijuana
Arguments in Favor
Marijuana is already available medically to many terminally ill patients as well as for many other conditions
Legalization would allow police to focus there efforts on more violent crime
Taxes on marijuana would possibly generate large amounts of revenue 44

45. Legalization of Marijuana
Arguments Against
Increased costs to society: especially from cancer and heart disease from smoking.
Increased danger from people driving under the influence.
Marijuana abuse would increase.
Marijuana’s status as a gateway drug would lead to increased addiction to more dangerous drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin.
Long term impact of substantial marijuana use may lead to more serious mental disorders. 45

46. “Can a thorough understanding of the use and chemical composition of these drugs lead to the discovery of new pharmaceutical tools for psychiatric treatment or experimentation?”
“Hallucinogens must be classed as a toxic. They induce unmistakable intoxications. In a broad sense they are narcotics.” 46

47. -- Paracelsus -16th Century
“In all things there is a poison, and there is nothing without a poison. It depends only upon the dose whether something is poisonous or not.”
-- Paracelsus -16th Century 47