Are All Hallucinogens Psychedelics and Are All Psychedelics Hallucinogens?

We are living through a period of change, in which previously banned and stigmatized substances are being viewed favorably by the public. From ketamine to cannabis to magic mushrooms, the discourse has shifted from prohibition to determining the optimal ways to use these substances. Our coverage of this year’s Bengzina Psychedelics show from Miami is a hot shot, so check it out here.

However, it can be confusing to differentiate between the terminologies, especially when it comes to psychedelics. For many, the question that needs to be answered is that every psychedelic is a hallucinogen, and are all hallucinogens psychedelics? Read on to find out more.

Why simplify terminologies?

Before we delve into the nuances that distinguish “psychedelics” from “hallucinogens,” let’s consider how ideas and terminology are often simplified or distorted due to misunderstanding. Let’s face it, we’re not all experts in every field. When a message gains widespread attention, it is often simplified to ensure that the general public can understand it, even if that means watering down or slightly altering its original definition.

hallucinogens and psychedelics

As we’ve already noted, simplifying ideas and confusing terms is a common practice to make concepts more accessible to a non-expert audience. This notion raises the question of whether all hallucinogens can be considered psychedelics, especially in this modern era of drug acceptance. The term “psychedelics” is often given meanings that go beyond its definition.

Consider ketamine, which has risen to prominence with the rise in popularity of psychedelic therapy. However, ketamine is not a psychedelic, although it is labeled as such even on websites offering ketamine services. This misnomer is not intended to be misleading, but rather to simplify the language for better understanding without overwhelming the audience with complex categorical terms. In truth, ketamine is a dissociative hallucinogen.

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances known to induce profound changes in consciousness, cognition, and mood. These substances alter a person’s sensory experiences, often resulting in visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in perception of time, and a sense of self-transcendence or ego dissolution. The term “psychedelics” was first coined in the 1950s by British psychiatrist Humphry Osmond, who used it to describe the mind-altering effects of certain substances.

“Psychedelics” refers exclusively to four compounds: DMT, psilocybin, mescaline, and LSD. Although they each have different modes of action, they share the common trait that they are agonists at serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A. This classification is based on how they work. On the other hand, is ketamine a serotonergic drug? No it is not. Dissociative hallucinogens such as DXM and PCP primarily affect dopamine and NMDA receptors, albeit with their unique effects.

Ketamine’s classification as a hallucinogen is evident from its class name. This shows that ketamine can be categorized as a hallucinogen without being psychedelic, indicating that not all hallucinogens fall under the classification of psychedelics. In fact, the four compounds recognized as psychedelics are often referred to as “classic psychedelics,” a term coined to reclassify them amid the growing confusion about the true meaning of psychedelics.

What are hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens include different types of drugs that have the ability to induce an altered state of mind. Significant changes in mood, thinking, and perceptions of one’s surroundings and self are examples. After all, a hallucination is an experience of something wrong or altered in our perception. This can include feeling or tasting something that isn’t there, or experiencing something different than it should be.

The effects of hallucinogens can vary widely by person, substance, and dosage. Some users report euphoria, increased creativity, and spiritual experiences, while others may experience anxiety, paranoia, and other adverse psychological effects. In some cases, hallucinogen use can result in a phenomenon known as a “bad trip,” in which the user experiences intense anxiety, confusion, or paranoia.

The classification structure generally divides hallucinogens into three types: psychedelics (DMT, LSD, psilocybin, mescaline), dissociatives (ketamine, DXM, PCP), and delirious (Dtura, Benadryl). The last group significantly affects the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and differs from the other two groups in its mode of action.

The classification of hallucinogens is not a neat and tidy affair, and many substances fall outside of the standard groupings. Take Amanita muscaria mushrooms, for example. Although classified as a poisonous mushroom, they can induce powerful hallucinations and interact with GABA receptors. Also, substances like MDMA and 2C-B are often lumped together with psychedelics but belong to psychostimulants and phenethylamines, respectively. Nevertheless, they can cause hallucinations.

And then there’s Salvia, a member of the mint family Lamiaceae with no taxonomic classification for its hallucinogenic properties. Salvia is the only known diterpene hallucinogen, making it a distinctive member of the hallucinogen family. It shares some structural similarities with cannabis components but differs dramatically from them. Because it doesn’t target the 5-HT2A receptors often associated with traditional psychedelics, its mode of action is still relatively mysterious. Instead, it appears to activate D2 (dopamine) receptors and opioid receptors. Although it has hallucinatory properties, it is not psychedelic.

One conclusion we can draw from this is that while not all hallucinogens fall under the category of psychedelics, all psychedelics are in fact hallucinogens, along with many other non-psychedelic drugs. The term “hallucinogens” encompasses a variety of psychoactive substances that, regardless of their specific chemical structure or mode of action, can induce altered states of perception.

Diploma

The world of hallucinogens is complex and diverse, with many different substances and classifications. While the term “psychedelics” is often used interchangeably with “hallucinogen,” it is important to realize that not all hallucinogens are psychedelics, and not all psychedelics are hallucinogens. The classic psychedelics, which include DMT, psilocybin, mescaline, and LSD, are characterized by their effects on serotonin receptors, specifically 5-HT2A.

Other classes of hallucinogens include dissociatives such as ketamine, DXM, and PCP, which act primarily on dopamine and NMDA receptors. Delirants such as Datura and Benadryl significantly affect the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Other substances such as Salvia and Amanita muscaria mushrooms also produce hallucinogenic effects but do not fit into any category.

It’s worth noting that while the effects of hallucinogens can be profound and life-changing for some, they can also be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Proper education, preparation, and harm reduction measures are critical for anyone considering these substances.

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