Sceletium tortuosum - Kanna
The family Mesembryanthemaceae contains many pharmacologically active species. One of the most utilized by native peoples in South Africa was the genus Sceletium(Kanna), for which whole tribes would travel hundreds of miles to pick a years supply.
Home
  • Why Entheology.org?
    Our simple and concise mission statement including information regarding submissions. We pay you for reprint rights on any research paper we'd like to include here at Edoto...just click for details.

    •  
  • Plants of the Gods
    Absolute essential read for anyone interested in sacred entheogens. Includes detailed history and preparation of 97 psychoactive and/or sacred plants.

    •  
  • Annual Causes of Death in America
    The REAL truth is the most sobering statistic.

    •  
  • Annual Causes of Death in America
    The REAL truth is the most sobering statistic.

    •  
  • Extracting Salvinorin from Salvia Divinorum
    This is a concise extraction method for educational purposes only.

    •  
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
    Extremely important information regarding MAOI's, complete with Diet Card.

    •  
  • Traditional Quid Preparation
    Information regarding the traditional praparation of Salvia divinorum for divination by the Mazatecs.

    •  
  • Pharmacology of Bufotenine
    Exhaustive case study regarding Bufotenine, 5-MEO-DMT, and related substances.

    •  
  • Study on Calea Zacatechichi (Dream Herb)
    Calea zacatechichi is a plant of extensive popular medicinal use in Mexico. An infusion of the plant is has been reported to have psychotropic properties that have been clinically-proven to induce dreaming, and increase the frequency of dreams as well.

    •  
  • In Depth Report Regarding DMT
    In this article I wish to draw attention to a strange property of DMT which sets it apart from other psychedelics, namely, it's ability to place users in touch with a realm that is apparently inhabited by discarnate entities of an intelligent nature.

    •  
  • The Science of Ethnobotany
    Ethnobotanists share two decades of experience living with the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.

    •  
  • Entheogens and the Future of Religion
    The book should prove to be a welcome complement to other serious studies in mysticism (including those that take a fundamentally different tack).

    •  
  • Tukanoans
    The Tukanoans are one of the most known cultures that utilize ayahuasca as their sacrament. They are one of about 70 tribes who share this practice.

    •  
  • Ayahuasca, shamanism, and curanderismo in the Andes
    The term ayahuasca comes from the Quechua, meaning literally "the vine of souls," although it is also called "the visionary vine" or the "vine of death." The folk term refers to the botanical species of liana known as Banisteriopsis Caapi , which is also

    •  
  • The Santo Daime Religion
    In this paper, the reader will be introduced to the sect of Santo Daime, a Brazilian religion which combines Christianity with the indigenous practice of using ayahuasca, a native entheogenic plant.

    •  
  • Santo Daime Church Wins Court Case
    Freedom of Religion versus the Psychotropic Substance Treaty - The Verdict

    •  
  • Ayahuasca: Human Consciousness and the Spirits of Nature
    Anything with the name Ralph Metzner even remotely attached to it is a safe buy. An elder statesman responsible for dramatic shifts in consciousness within this nation and throughout the world...

    •  
  • DMT: The Spirit Moecule
    Covering a groundbreaking psychedelic substance that is actually found in human cerebrospinal fluid, Rick Strassman tells a first-person story of his research on the profoundly mysterious substance dimethltryptamine (DMT).

    •  
  • The World As You Dream It: Shamanic Teachings from the Amazon and Andes
    John has done a lot to honor and preserve the indigenous teachings and the ethnobotanical environment.

    •  
  • Shapeshifting: Shamanic Techniques for Global and Personal Transformation
    John has done a lot to honor and preserve the indigenous teachings and the ethnobotanical environment.

    •  
  • Canada to Decriminalize Cannabis
    The Liberal government is preparing to move ahead in the new year with legislation to decriminalize marijuana, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said yesterday.

    •  
  • Solubility of Active Components – Quick Guide
    Brief discussion on active components of plants and whether they were traditionally extracted into alcohol, water, or other solvents.

    •  
  • Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
    Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are perhaps one of the least understood of modern-day entheogens and exotic botanicals. There is much controversy in regards to its true place in Shamanic and traditional history outside of its native culture and home; India.

    •  
  • Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
    Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are perhaps one of the least understood of modern-day entheogens and exotic botanicals. There is much controversy in regards to its true place in Shamanic and traditional history outside of its native culture and home; India.

    •  
  • Epithelantha micromeris - Hikuli Mulato
    Considered a "false peyote" which is often called "hikuli mulato," the "dark skinned peyote".

    •  
  • Galbulimima belgreveana - Agara
    The use of Galbulimima belgraveana in Papua New Guinea has been reported in several popular books on psychoactive plants. The chewing of Galbulimima belgraveana bark and Homalomena sp. leaves (ereriba) has been reported to induce visions and a dream-like

    •  
  • Heimia salicifolia - Sinicuichi (Sinicuiche)
    The natives believe that sinicuichi (sinicuiche) has sacred or supernatural qualities, since they hold that it helps them recall events which took place many years earlier as if they had happened yesterday; others assert that they are able, with sinicuich

    •  
  • Hyoscamus niger - Black Henbane
    Black Henbane was used as a ritual plant by the pre-Indo-European peoples of central Europe. In Australia, handfuls of henbane seeds were discovered in a ceremonial urn along with bones and snail shells, dating back to the early Bronze Age. During the Pal

    •  
  • Ipomoea violacea - Morning Glory
    Regardless of what you’ve read anywhere else; Morning Glory has a rich place in the history of psychedelic and visionary use in historical traditions across multiple cultures, including the Chontal Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico, and the highly evolved Aztec C

    •  
  • Kaempferia galanga - Galanga
    Beyond the high content of essential oil in the rhizome, little is known of the chemistry of the plant. Hallucinogenic activity might possibly be due to constituents of the essential oils.

    •  
  • Leonotis leonurus - Lion's Tail
    Smoked by the Hottentot tribes smoke the resinous flowering tops and leaves from this plant as a euphoriant.

    •  
  • Leonurus sibiricus - Siberian Motherwort
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Botany of Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
    The peyote cactus is a flowering plant of the family Cactaceae, which is a group of fleshy, spiny plants found primarily in the dry regions of the New World.

    •  
  • Lycoperdon mixtecorum - Bovista
    PUFFBALLS (Lycoperdon mixtecorum and L. marginotum) are used by the Mixtec Indicins Of Oaxaca, Mexico as auditory hallucinogens.

    •  
  • Mandragora officinarum - Mandrake
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Maquira sclerophylia - Rapa dos Indios
    In the Pariana region of the central Amazon in Brazil, the indians formerly prepared a hallucinogenic snuff of the dried fruits. The snuff was taken in tribal ceremonials, but encroachment of civilization has obliterated it's use.

    •  
  • Mimosa hostilis - Jurema Tree
    The preparation of the brew from fresh Jurema root bark for trance possession rituals, is, in itself, a complex ritual of the Atikum tribe.

    •  
  • Mitragyna speciosa - Kratom
    Kratom is traditionally only used in Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has been reported. Use dates far enough back that its beginning can't be determined. It is often used as a substitute for opium when opium is unavailable, or to moderate opium ad

    •  
  • Mucuna pruriens - Cowhage
    M. pruriens is a leguminous climbing plant, with long, slender branches, alternate, lanceolate leaves on hairy petioles, 6 to 12 inches long, with large, white flowers, growing in clusters of two or three, with a bluish-purple, butterfly-shaped corolla.

    •  
  • Nymphaea caerulea - Blue Lily / Blue Lotus
    Creating a feeling of well being, euphoria and ecstasy, Nymphaea caerulea (blue lotus) is a water plant growing on the shores of lakes and rivers.

    •  
  • Oncidium ceboletta - Hikuri Orchid
    Oncidium longifolium is known as a peyote replacement among the Tarahumara.

    •  
  • Macropiper Excelsum - Maori Kava
    This subspecies from the New Zealand mainland is the variety used by the Maori in their medicines and rituals and belongs to the kava family.

    •  
  • Panaeolus spinctrinus - Hoop-Petticoat
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Panaeolus subbalteatus
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Pandanus
    Natives of New Guinea employ the fruit of an unidentified species of Pandanus for hallucinogenic purposes, unfortunately little is known of this use.

    •  
  • Peganum harmala - Syrian Rue
    The seeds, as well as the roots, of P. harmala contain a mixture of the harmala alkaloids, armine and harmaline. When admnstered to humans, the harmala alkaloids are serotonin antagonists, CNS stimulants, hallucinogens and extemely potent, short term MAO

    •  
  • Pelecyphora aselliformis - Peyotillo
    P. aselliformis is a well known medicinal peyote sold in the markets of San Luís Potosí, Mexico, and is used as a remedy for fevers and rheumatic pains. Extracts have also been shown to have antibiotic activity.

    •  
  • Pernettya furens - Hierba loca
    The fruit of tagili, of Ecuador, is well recognized as poisonous, capable of inducing hallucinations and other psychic alterations as well as affecting the motor nerves.

    •  
  • Petunia violaceae - Shanin
    SHANIN (Petunia violacea) is one of the most recently reported hallucinogens. It is taken by the Indians in Ecuador to induce the sensation of flight.

    •  
  • Petunia violaceae - Shanin
    SHANIN (Petunia violacea) is one of the most recently reported hallucinogens. It is taken by the Indians in Ecuador to induce the sensation of flight.

    •  
  • Phalaris arundinacea - Red Canary Grass
    The plant contains DMT, beta-carbolines, 5-MEO-demethyltryptamine, and trace amounts of bufotenine.

    •  
  • Phragmites australis - Common Reed
    A perenniel grass with a long association with humans, the common reed is native to Eurasia and Africa but has spread all over the world with people, even though it has practically never been cultivated.

    •  
  • Psilocybe cubensis - San Isidro
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Psilocybe cyanescens - Wavy Cap
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Psilocybe mexicana - Teonanacatl
    Few plants of the gods have ever been held in greater reverence than the sacred mushrooms of Mexico. So hallowed were these fungi that the Aztecs called them Teonancatl ("divine flesh") and used them only in the most holy of their ceremonies. Even though,

    •  
  • Psilocybe semilanceata - Liberty Cap
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Psychotria viridis - Chacruna
    The classical principle admixtures of Ayahuasca and Yagè commonly employed throughout Amazonian Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Related to the coffee plant in a large genus of over 700 species, Psychotria viridis is a small glabrous tree or shrub reaching 14 fo

    •  
  • Rynchosia phaseoloides - Piule
    The beautiful red and black beans of several species of Rhynchosia may have been eployed in ancient Mexico as an hallucinogenic.

    •  
  • Salvia divinorum - Diviner's Sage
    Salvia divinorum is a perennial labiate used for curing and divination by the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. The psychotropic effects the plant produces are compared to those of the other hallucinogens employed by the Mazatecs, the morning glory, Rive

    •  
  • Scirpus atrovirens - Bakana
    One of the most powerful herbs of the Tarahumara of Mexico is apparently a species of Scirpus.

    •  
  • Scopolia carniolica - Scopolia
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Solandra grandiflora - Chalice Vine
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Tabernaemontana - Sanango
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Tabernatnthe Iboga - Iboga
    Iboga is basic to the Bwiti cult and other secret societies in Gabon and the Congo.

    •  
  • Tanaecium nocturnum - Koribo
    Under construction.

    •  
  • Teltrapteris methystica - Caapi-pinima
    ANOTHER KIND OF CAAPI is prepared from Tetrapteris methistica, a forest vine also belonging to the family Malpighioceae.

    •  
  • Trichocereus pachanoi - San Pedro Cactus
    The San Pedro Cactus, or Trichocereus pachanoi, was in use at the very beginning of Andean civilization when it was highly prized as the “materia prima” (raw material) of the shamans of that era. In the central Andes district of Peru, as well as in the su

    •  
  • Turbina corymbosa - Ololiuqui
    Ololiuqui is the Aztec name for the seeds of certain convolvulaceous plants which have been used since prehispanic times by the Aztecs and related tribes, just as the sacred mushrooms and the cactus peyotl have been used in their religious ceremonies for

    •  
  • Virola theiodora - Cumala Tree
    Most, if not all, species of Virola have a copious red "resin" in the inner bark. The resin from a number of species is prepared as an hallucinogenic snuff or small pellets.

    •  
  • Vocanga - Vocanga
    Voacanga africana is one of the well guarded secrets of the African Magic Healers. Little is know about the actual use of the seeds and the bark of several Voacanga species (including V.africana), other than that the plant is held in high esteem for ritua

    •  
  • How to Germinate Seeds
    Great article from a great online seed vender; Alchemy Works.

    •  
  • To Save the Forest, the Trees Must Go
    In the name of science, the United States Forest Service has proposed the experimental logging of half a million acres in two forests in the Sierra Nevada...

    •  
  • The Bwiti Religion and Tabernanthe iboga
    The use of vegetable hallucinogens by humans for religious purposes is very ancient, probably even older than its use for healing, magic or teaching purposes. The profound alterations in one's state of consciousness brought about by the use of a hallucino

    •  
  • Mao Inhibitor Recipe Simplified
    This is a powerful MAO inhibitor, and should be treated VERY carefully!

    •  
  • Studies of Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae),
    Salvia divinorum Epling & Játiva-M. is one of the vision-inducing plants used by the Mazatec Indians of central Mexico. The present status of research is summarized.

    •  
  • Piper methysticum - Kava Kava
    Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific.

    •  
  • Piper methysticum - Kava Kava
    Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific.

    •  
  • Modern Day Shamanism in Hawaii
    Serge is doing his part to save the shaman traditions of his culture when he formed Aloha International; a world-wide network of people studying and practicing the Hawaiian shamanic traditions.

    •  
  • Use of Psychoactive Snuff in Pre-Columbian Chile
    One notable feature of the Pre-Columbian San Pedro culture is the high incidence of snuffing implements. The most common of the snuffing kits found in San Pedro de Atacama consists of a woolen bag containing a wooden rectangular snuff tray, a snuffing tub

    •  
  • Native Hallucinogen Piptadenias
    From very remote times, the indigenous inabitants of various parts of South America have been aware of the hallucinogenic properties of diverse species of the genus Piptadenia. The purpose of the present study is to bring out the salient facts concerning

    •  
  • Argemone mexicana (Prickly Poppy)
    This is an extraodinarily interesting psychoactive plant, which is just now being rediscovered by psychonauts everywhere. Rich in history with the Aztecs, this poppy plant is presently legal worldwide.

    •  
  • Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
    Wormwood is an ancient plant who’s roots can be traced back to ancient times. Most don’t think about this one fact, but the Greek goddess; Artemis is where this plant gets its name from. Most scholars believe that this was a name attributed to all Artem

    •  
  • Lactuca virosa - Wild Lettuce, Green Endive, Lettuce Opium
    The Hopi smoked the dried resin, or sap, obtained from the plant. The Hopi believe that induced dream states contain more information about reality than the conscious waking state. Wild lettuce, aka lettuce opium, is said to enhances the vividness of dre

    •  
  • FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana
    Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana.

    •  
  • FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana
    Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana.

    •  
  • FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana
    Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana.

    •  
  • Backlash from FDA's Bogus Marijuana Report
    The FDA’s claim, of course, is patently false. Numerous credible scientific studies document marijuana’s medical benefits, most notably a 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report commissioned by the White House drug czar’s office.

    •  
  • Backlash from FDA's Bogus Marijuana Report
    The FDA’s claim, of course, is patently false. Numerous credible scientific studies document marijuana’s medical benefits, most notably a 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report commissioned by the White House drug czar’s office.

    •  
  • Supreme Court Sides With Church in Ayahuasca Case
    In a UNANIMOUS RULING Tuesday, the Supreme Court decided that O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal (UDV), a religious congregation based in New Mexico, can use ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea, in its ceremonies.

    •  
  • Supreme Court Sides With Church in Ayahuasca Case
    In a UNANIMOUS RULING Tuesday, the Supreme Court decided that O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal (UDV), a religious congregation based in New Mexico, can use ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea, in its ceremonies.

    •  
  • Papaver somniferum - Opium Poppy
    Ancient peoples considered this a sacred medicinal plant and a source of powerful shamanic potions. The opium poppy was a magical ritual plant among the Germanic tribes. The opium poppy is one of the most significant plants in history, having had consider

    •  
  • Acorus Calamus var. Americanus
    Calamus was originally noted to have hallucinogenic properties through ethnobotanical research dating back to the 1960s. However, sweet flag, also known as muskrat root or “sinke tawote” (Lakota for “food of the muskrat”), has been held in high esteem by

    •  
  • Berkeley Declares Itself Sanctuary For Medical Pot
    The City of Berkley, CA, resolves to guarantee continued access to medical marijuana, under increasing pressure from the DEA.

    •  
  • States Must Tackle Medical-Marijuana Issue
    Workplace Safety is made key issue in Northwest States' Medical Marijuana Initiatives

    •  
  • Making Pot Legal: We Can Do It -- Here's How
    Changing public opinion about pot isn't easy. Changing America's anti-pot laws is even harder -- here's a blueprint to get it done.

    •  
  • Making Pot Legal: We Can Do It -- Here's How
    Changing public opinion about pot isn't easy. Changing America's anti-pot laws is even harder -- here's a blueprint to get it done.

    •  
  • Moses High On Drugs: Isreali Researcher
    New study examines the possible use of psychoactive plants by Moses on Mt. Sanai, and in the religious rites of biblical times.

    •  
  • Moses High On Drugs: Isreali Researcher
    New study examines the possible use of psychoactive plants by Moses on Mt. Sanai, and in the religious rites of biblical times.

    •  
  • Ira Glasser Remembers William F. Buckley, Jr.
    William F. Buckley, Jr., conservative intellectual--and supporter of drug policy reform--passed away February 27, 2008. He is remembered by Ira Glasser, president of DPA's board and former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

    •  
  • Narcotics Control Board Destroying Coca Cultures
    In a culturally insensitive and irrational move, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has called for the governments of Bolivia and Peru to abolish all uses of the coca leaf, including coca leaf chewing.

    •  
  • Narcotics Control Board Destroying Coca Cultures
    In a culturally insensitive and irrational move, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has called for the governments of Bolivia and Peru to abolish all uses of the coca leaf, including coca leaf chewing.

    •  
  • Outrageous Anti-Pot Lies: Media Uses Cancer Scare Tactics
    Headlines suggested a study proved pot is a greater cancer risk than tobacco -- but the media didn't even wait for the report to be released.

    •  
  • Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
    Peyote (Lophophora williamsii grows in South-Eastern America and in northern regions of Mexico. In Mexico, peyote has been used for divination in shamanic rituals and in the treatment of ailments for at least 10,000 years.

    •  
  • Tagetes lucida - Marigolds
    Tagetes lucida, widely identified as a powerfully psychoactive strain of the marigold flower, was first documented by the Aztecs. They used Tagetes lucida in their ritual incense they referred to as yyauhtl. This name was derived from the Aztecan word uja

    •  
  • Salvia Divinorum Creates Catch-22
    Florida follows the lead of eight other states and considers ban on Salvia divinorum.

    •  
  • White Lotus - Nymphaea ampla
    The effects of the flower when prepared as a tea or decoction and ingested are said to be much like the opiate apomorphine. White lotus actually contains aporphine, which is closely related to apomorphine, differing only in the lack of two hydroxyl group

    •  
  • Passiflora - Passion Flower
    The psychoactive properties of the Passiflora genus as a whole is still awaiting thorough ethnopharmacological study, however there are several species that have a rich history as entheogens.

    •  
  • Yohimbe - Pausinystalia yohimba
    In addition to its sexual stimulant and aphrodisiac qualities, the bark of the yohimbe tree has been reported to also be hallucinogenic when smoked. The psychoactive effects are primarily due to the main active constituent yohimbine. Yohimbine has sympath

    •  
  • Withania somnifera - Ashwagandha
    Widely used back in Mesopotamia for its medicinal and narcotic properties, this member of the Nightshade Family, was well known in ancient Egypt and characterized and classified as a sakrân intoxicant in Old Arabic.

    •  
  • Massachusetts Aims For Marijuana Decriminalization in November
    Thanks to a carefully-crafted initiative campaign by the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy (CSMP), Massachusetts may be the next state to take the step to decriminalize marijuana.

    •  
  • Santo Daime: The Drug-Fuelled Religion
    A new religion is spreading to Britain - its central sacrament the consumption of a hallucinogenic ayahuasca. This report is from inside the faith's heartland, the rainforests of the Amazon.

    •  
  • Santo Daime: The Drug-Fuelled Religion
    A new religion is spreading to Britain - its central sacrament the consumption of a hallucinogenic ayahuasca. This report is from inside the faith's heartland, the rainforests of the Amazon.

    •  
  • Ken Kesey's Mexico - On the Lam With Ken Kesey
    Journalist Lawrence Downes goes down Mexico way in an attempt to conjure the trail blazed by Ken Kesey, novelist, psychedelic prophet and hero of “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, along with his band of Merry Pranksters in the 1960s.

    •  
  • Ancient Shamanic Solutions
    Cultural anthropologist and author, Dr. John Broomfield, studies ancient shamanic cultures and applies ancient wisdom to modern-day solutions.

    •  
  • Ancient Shamanic Solutions
    Cultural anthropologist and author, Dr. John Broomfield, studies ancient shamanic cultures and applies ancient wisdom to modern-day solutions.

    •  
  • LSD, Ketamine & Cannabis Could Treat Headaches to Diabetes
    Doctors and researchers in the US and across Europe are studying legitimate therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs with new science set to prove their case.

    •  
  • LSD, Ketamine & Cannabis Could Treat Headaches to Diabetes
    Doctors and researchers in the US and across Europe are studying legitimate therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs with new science set to prove their case.

    •  
  • Marijuana May Prevent Cancer, Not Cause It
    Clinical research begins to demonstrate a link between Cannabinoids and halting the spread of a wide range of cancers.

    •  
  • LSD Helped Forge Alex Grey's Spiritual, Artistic and Love Lives
    Interview with artist Alex Grey explores his use of psychotropic drugs and their influence on his art, his spirituality, and his life.

    •  
  • Ayurvedic 'Viagra' To Be Tested On Humans
    Researchers in India are studying the effects of Ayurveda herbal medicines for treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

    •  
  • Salvia Divinorum: Old Psychedelic Drug, New Appeal
    The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum can be purchased online or at a local head shop. While the DEA and others want to limit its use, scientists say making it a controlled substance would hinder research.

    •  
  • Salvia Divinorum: Old Psychedelic Drug, New Appeal
    The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum can be purchased online or at a local head shop. While the DEA and others want to limit its use, scientists say making it a controlled substance would hinder research.

    •  
  • Brain's Reaction To Potent Hallucinogen Salvia Explored
    U.S. Department of Energy is conducting new brain-imaging studies on animals, documenting the effects of Salvia divinorum on the brain.

    •  
  • Brain's Reaction To Potent Hallucinogen Salvia Explored
    U.S. Department of Energy is conducting new brain-imaging studies on animals, documenting the effects of Salvia divinorum on the brain.

    •  
  • Trip Of A Lifetime: How LSD Rocked The World
    A comprehensive overview of the life and work of Albert Hoffman, the bicycling Swiss chemist who created LSD - it explores the trailblazing, mind-altering legacy he left behind after his death on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the age of 102.

    •  
  • Trip Of A Lifetime: How LSD Rocked The World
    A comprehensive overview of the life and work of Albert Hoffman, the bicycling Swiss chemist who created LSD - it explores the trailblazing, mind-altering legacy he left behind after his death on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the age of 102.

    •  
  • New Medical Trials Study Therapeutic Uses of LSD
    A new Swiss research study of LSD as a therapy is the first in 36 years. The clinical trials are to determine its usefulness in easing anxiety and relieving pain in patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

    •  
  • The Future of Psychedelics
    Author Daniel Pinchbeck discusses the 2008 World Psychedelic Forum held recently in Switzerland, and the potential for studying psychedelic therapies in the shifting world political climate.

    •  
  • The Shroom Tragedy
    Magic mushrooms are on the verge of being outlawed by the Dutch government for the usual sensationalized reasons as everywhere else.

    •  
  • The Shroom Tragedy
    Magic mushrooms are on the verge of being outlawed by the Dutch government for the usual sensationalized reasons as everywhere else.

    •  
  • Brazil Appeals Court Rules Drug Possession Not a Crime
    At the end of March, a Brazilian appeals court in São Paulo declared that possession of drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense. Several lower courts had previously ruled in the same way, but the ruling from the São Paulo Justice Court's 6th Crim

    •  
  • How the Internet Fuels the Global Psychedelic Community
    This year and the next, the United Nations will evaluate the War on Drugs. Since its official start in 1998 we have been bombed with official statistics on drug use, drug addiction, drug trafficking, street prices, courtcases and all the like. But what do

    •  
  • US Leads World in Substance Abuse, WHO Finds
    The United States leads the world in rates of experimenting with marijuana and cocaine despite strict drug laws, World Health Organization researchers said on Tuesday. Countries with looser drug laws have lower rates of abuse, the researchers report in t

    •  

During the early seventeenth century, reports from missionaries and explorers in southern Africa described how the Khoikhoi, an indigenous tribe native to the region also known colloquially as Hottentots to white colonists, would chew, sniff or smoke an inebriant that was locally known as kanna.

The fervor with which the Hottentots smoked kanna was noted by all the early travelers to the region. It was only speculation that this “tobacco” identified as kanna by the Hottentots was Sceletium tortuosum since, unfortunately, most of the reports on its use neglected to provide any actual information about the botanical source of the tribe’s kanna.

It was not until the end of the nineteenth century that it started to be suggested that the inebriant kanna of the Hottentots may have actually come from Mesembry anthemum, for these species also were then still known by the name “kanna” in South Africa. Reports of the effects of experimentation with Mesembry anthemum that were experienced at the time by early psychonaut explorers, however, found that they were not nearly as dramatic and inebriating as it had originally been hoped.

At around the same time, it was already being suggested that the species in question was actually Sceletium tortuosum. It was only as recently as the early 1990s that the first actual ethnobotanical evidence of the psychoactive use of Sceletium tortuosum was attained, just a little over a decade ago. Kanna is now identified as Sceletium tortuosum, and is also known by other popular names such as kougoed, canna, canna-root, channa, gunna and tortuose fig-marigold, depending on its region of origin within South Africa.

The plant occurs only in South Africa, in the so-called kanna land. Sceletium tortuosum and other Sceletium species became more and more rare in South Africa, and were increasingly difficult to find for indigenous tribes.  In contemporary South Africa, kanna is now used primarily as an agent of pleasure; it is used as a party drug in the same way that Cannabis sativa is used in Western society.

Kanna is the same name used by the South African Bushman that they use for the Eland Antelope. The eland, or the kanna, is regarded as a “trance animal” of extraordinary abilities. Since pre-historic times, the eland antelope has played a central role as a magical ally in many ceremonies and was closely associated both with the rain makers and with divination rituals, healing practices, and communal trance dances. The plant kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, appears to have been used as part of these rituals.

The Hottentots apparently chewed kanna for their ritual and healing dances or smoked it together with dagga (Cannabis sativa). Like the South African Bushman, the Hottentots also used the name kanna for the magical eland antelope which they also incorporated in numerous rituals.

This herbaceous plant, which closely resembles the modern-day, leaf succulent house plant chicks and hens, grows as tall as six inches. It has fleshy roots, a smooth and thickset stalk, and low-growing branches that spread out laterally. The thick, angular, fleshy leaves do not have stalks but are attached directly to the branches. Its pale yellow flowers are approximately one to one and one-half inches across and are attached to the ends of the branches. The plant produces angular-shaped fruits with small seeds.

Kanna is more popularly known today as Kougoed, and is easily confused with other members of the genus Sceletium. Those species that not only look similar but also have comparable effects and contain the same active constituent (mesembrine) as kougoed, and are also presumably referred to as kougoed and used in the same manner.

The leaves and stalks of the plant contain mesembrine, along with lower levels of mesembrinine and totuosamine. The leaves also appear to contain oxalic acid. It is also possible that tryptamines may occur in the plant as well.

The traditional method for preparing kougoed has only recently been discovered and described in great detail. The plant material – which should be collected in October, when the plant is at its most potent – is harvested, crushed between two rocks, and allowed to ferment for a few days in a closed container. At one time, animal skins or hemp bags were used for this purpose, but plastic bags are now used in their place.

The first step entails setting the bag filled with the plant material in the sun. During the day, the plant will excrete its juice, which condenses on the plastic and is later reabsorbed by the plant material. During the night, the material cools. This process is repeated for two to three days. On the last day of this stage of the process, the bag is opened before the plant’s juices are reabsorbed and the contents are stirred well. Then the bag is then resealed and placed outside again for another five days.

On the eighth day after this procedure started, the kougoed is taken from the bag and spread out to dry in the sun. It can be used as soon as it is dried. According to informants, the fresh leaves do not have any potency; only the fermented plant is psychoactive. The kougoed is now either chopped or ground into a fine powder.

This process presumably helps to substantially reduce the high content of oxalic acid that is characteristic of the genera Sceletium and Mesembryanthemum. Oxalic acid can produce severe irritation and allergies. A more hurried method involves simply toasting a fresh plant on glowing charcoals until it has completely dried and then grinding the result into powder form.

The powder in usually taken orally, combined with a small amount of alcohol, and held in the mouth for about ten minutes. The saliva that collects can be swallowed. Two grams of the powder produces a sense of serene calm in about thirty minutes; approximately five grams of the powder is a dosage sufficient to relieve acute anxiety. Users of kougoed describe the significant effects of small doses as relieving anxiety and stress, deepening their sense of social connection, an increase in self-confidence, and a dissolution of inhibitions and feelings of inferiority. Higher doses can lead to more intense effects such as euphoria and hallucinations.

The chopped plant material can be smoked alone or in combination in combination with Cannabis sativa. The finely ground powder ostensibly can be also be sniffed, either alone or mixed with tobacco. The higher dosage levels, especially when combined with Cannabis sativa and alcohol, usually whiskey, can produce hallucinations and enhanced visual acuity. Chewing kougoed shortly after smoking Cannabis can considerably potentiate the effects of hemp. Kougoed suppresses both the effects of tobacco and the craving for nicotine.

Other reports confirm that kougoed induces feelings of euphoria and deep meditative tranquility. Subjects report that the relaxation induced by kougoed enables one to focus on inner thoughts and feelings, and enables one to intensely concentrate on the beauty of nature. Some subjects describe elevated sensations of the skin to fine touch, as well as sexual arousal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Kanna Shop (They don't actually sell Kanna)

KANNA PRODUCTS: Shaman's Garden OR IAmShaman

Empathogenic effects of Sceletium tortuosum
by Groot van der Gros

The family Mesembryanthemaceae contains many pharmacologically active species. One of the most utilized by native peoples in South Africa was the genus Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna), for which whole tribes would travel hundreds of miles to pick a years supply. The plants of the Sceletium genus were utilized as a euphorant and intoxicant; but there is still little information available on this wondrous plant with such a long history of ritualistic and Shamanistic use.

In an effort to clarify the role and usage of Sceletium in it's historical context a search was done on Medline which yielded the following information, derived from a report in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (#50 1996 pgs 119-30)

As early as 1662 it is reported that a man named van Riebeeck bartered with the local inhabitants for sheep and Sceletium, which was very plentiful and considered the "greatest clearer of spirits, and the noblest Restorative in the world". In 1685 it was recorded by the second colonial governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, van der Stel, of the natives; "They chew mostly a certain plant which they call "Canna". They use it as the Indians use betel or areca, and are of a very cheerful nature it is held by them in great esteem as the betel or areca with the Indians."

"They chew its stem as well as the roots, mostly all day, and become intoxicated with it, so that on account of this effect one can expect some profit from its cultivation."

Thunberg, during his 1773 expedition reported: "The Hottentots come far and near to fetch this shrub with the root, leaves and all, which they beat together, and afterwards twist them up like pig-tail tobacco; after which they let the mass ferment and keep it by them for chewing, especially when they are thirsty. If chewed immediately after fermentation, it intoxicates."

Laidler in 1928 noted that it was "chewed and retained in the mouth for a while, when their spirits would rise, eyes brighten and faces take on a jovial air, and they would commence to dance. But if indulged in to excess, it robbed them of their senses and they became intoxicated."

Although primarily chewed, there are reports of it being taken as a tea (Jacobsen 1960) and also as a snuff (Jacobson 1960). Thunberg wrote in his journal in 1794, in reference to the San peoples; "These people chew 'Canna' (Mesembryanthemum) and afterwards smoke it."

Paterson, one who traveled in the same region wrote in 1789; "this is called the Channa land; and derives it's name from a species of mezembryanteimum (sic) which is called Channa by the natives, and is exceedingly esteemed among them. They make use of it both in chewing and in smoaking (sic); when mixed with Dacka (sic) is very intoxicating, and which appeared to be of that species of hemp which is used in the East Indies by the name of Bang."

There have been many additional reports from self-experimenters who used the traditionally prepared material orally and most of these found a marked anxiolytic effect. "One informant used approximately 5ml of powdered 'kougoed' (sceletium) orally before giving a lecture that he was anxious about. He reported feeling relaxed throughout the lecture, with no cognitive impairment one user claimed she felt that 'kougoed' was a truth drug some felt that there was a synergistic effect with alcohol, and with smoked 'dagga' (cannabis sativa) the chewing of 'kougoed' was reported to greatly enhance the psychoactivity of an inferior grade of cannabis smoked shortly thereafter some reported euphoria as well as a feeling of meditative tranquility.

Several users felt that the relaxation induced by 'kougoed' enabled one to focus on inner thoughts and feelings, if one wished, or to concentrate on the beauty of nature. Some informants reported heightened sensation of skin to fine touch, as well as sexual arousal.." (M.T. Smith, N. Gericke, et al).

In light of the above, some Sceletium tortuosum herb, perpared in the manner of the Hottentots was procured from South Africa and the following experiments conducted:

Sceletium is here understood to mean the dried herb, powdered herb or the tincture of Sceletium tortuosum.

The first experiment consisted of combining approx. 50mg. Of dried Sceletium tortuosum with another smoking herb, the one most preferred by the Hottentots. After smoking the herbs, it was immediately apparent that there was a strong effect similar to Cannabis at first but without the dulling of Cannabis. Empathic feelings beyond normal were noted. There were no hallucinations per se, but there was a definite visual "softening" in the appearance of objects and a subtle glow to everything. Feelings of euphoria were noted and a strong desire to dance and sing. This was offset somewhat by a slight, easily correctable effect on one's balance. The balance deficit was slight and temporary. After two hours the effects were still quite noticable but had waned somewhat. At this time I went to bed and had a good, restful nights sleep.

The next experiment was the following morning when I ingested approx. 50mg of the powdered Sceletium tortuosum as snuff. The effects were unlike those of the previous evening; in fact, there did not seem to be much of an effect at all, just a slight uneasiness. After 1 ½ hours, I again tried some of the Hottentot herb and was amazed at the difference it made. The full effects of the previous night returned, along with a stronger empathy than before. Joy and euphoria were the keywords of this session, and the effects lasted for over two hours when I became tired as it changed effects to sedation. This is an effect that has been noted throughout the history of this plant and led to the contradictory descriptions of its effects among the early explorers. I took a long nap and awoke feeling almost normal, just a little of the Sceletium in the background.

Later that afternoon I smoked some more with a friend, this time around 100 mg. The friend only smoked a small part of it, but stated that he felt calmer and had noticed that he was talking less loudly and in a more calm tone before he left. I finished the remainder, and became concerned over having used too much. Visual distortions were noted, similar to looking through a pane of wet glass; some things seemd in focus and others not. This was somewhat unpleasant, but did not last long enough to be of serious concern. The euphoria and well being/empathy was stronger than before. There was also a slight feeling of minor discomfort, possibly balance related and tending towards a slight dizziness. At times there seemed to be a slight headache, but it never developed into one, and was soon gone.

Early in the same evening, I tried another round of the snuff, this time more than the first time. It was harder to get to the euphoria and joy this time, possibly because I was tired and trying to keep up with the friends I was visiting. The friends did not try any. After a short while, the pleasant effects wore off and I found myself unhappy with the situation and short tempered with the people. I left and came home, noticing on the way that my perceptions were altered enough that I had to pay special attention to driving, even though it was late at night an there were no cars on the freeway.

The next day: After trying to sleep for hours, I got up at around 1 am and combusted some cannabis pollen. This was a big mistake; I became more awake than ever and felt flu-like physical symptoms all night. I finally managed to fall asleep around 5 am but was up again by 6;30 am. After being up a while, the flu-like symptoms dissipated leaving me just tired. Now, and all day so far, I have felt the "call" of this substance. It is as cloying in it's seduction as cocaine, and keeps wafting in and out of my conciousness.

The message is "It felt so good, and this doesn't". This just feels ordinary; what's wrong with feeling good? Try some more". The problem, as I discovered yesterday, is that a little bit is nice; too much makes you feel nauseous for a short while and kind of dopey and out-of-it. That and the visual distortions.

The joy that a small dose brings is very much worth it. After the initial joy, in about 45 minutes to an hour or more, a kind of calm contentedness sets in. One is emotionally detached and can put up with all kinds of bothersome people without any stress. After a while, that wears off, though, and they become more bothersome than originally. Unless you take more. This reminds one of cocaine, again. And, again, with another dose, the slight unpleasant effects become more accented as well as the good ones until they can overshadow the good ones, and it is time to stop.

The visuals remind one somewhat of mushrooms, but things do not melt (at least for me, at low doses) they just get "soft" looking, like being slightly out of focus. The colors and textures are accented.

As far as being a potentiator of cannabis, there is no doubt that sceletium has this effect. Much more was gotten from much less when sceletium was added. Overall, it is my opinion that the pleasant effects of this substance, when used in moderation far outweigh the negative ones. Furthermore, the effects on cannabis potentiation are marked.
Powered By Traffic Booster Absolute News Manager Plug-in by Xigla Software

This article has been moved here