Option D10: Mind-altering drugs

D.10.1 Describe the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, psilocybin and tetrahydrocannabinol

LSD

• Potent hallucinogen that creates distortions of the body and crawling geometric patterns
• Causes impaired judgement, hypertension, dilated pupils and changes to body temperature and heart rate
• Can cause unpredictable mood swings from euphoria to depression and panic

Mescaline

• About 1000-3000 times less potent than LSD; causes subjective hallucinations dependent on the individual
• Effects include anxiety, static tremors, and psychic disturbances with vivid hallucinations
• Abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea are also common.

Psilocybin

• Produces subjective hallucinations similar to mescaline but milder
• Some people experience a pleasant mood, others become apprehensive
• Compulsive movement and inappropriate laughter may occur; also vertigo and dizziness
• Numbness, muscle weakness and drowsiness are also common

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

• It acts to depress the central nervous system and cause mental relaxation and euphoria
• Can lead to loss of inhibitions and an alteration of the perception of time and space
• Gives a loss of concentration, light-headedness, weakness and a sense of floating are commonly experienced
• Can cause depression of respiration and can lead to collapse 

D.10.2 Discuss the structural similarities and differences between LSD, mescaline and psilocybin

LSD

• Benzene ring
• Alkene
• Secondary amine
• Tertiary amine
• Tertiary amide

Mescaline

• Benzene ring
• Primary amine
• Ether

Psilocybin

• Benzene ring
• Secondary amine
• Tertiary amine ion
• Phosphate

D.10.3 Discuss the arguments for and against the legalization of cannabis