Psychedelic Drugs Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, are drugs that alter your perception and mood. Maybe you’ve attended a social gathering where psychedelics have been present or offered. Oftentimes, psychedelics come in bright and colorful packaging and the drugs themselves can resemble candy depending on type. Just because it may look harmless, does not mean it is. It’s important to remember that even if a trusted buddy assures you, “it’s fine,” use of psychedelics is prohibited as a Warfighter. However, certain religious exemptions for peyote may apply for tribe-affiliated Native American service members. Most psychedelics are also illegal for the general population, as well. As a Warfighter, testing positive for psychedelic drugs, puts your career at risk. You will more than likely face disciplinary action, including potential discharge. In addition to UCMJ, you can face criminal action in certain states for hallucinogen use. Psychedelics still remain illegal at the federal level. Before using any illegal drugs, ask yourself what the decision may cost you. Understanding Psychedelics Much like their name, hallucinogens can cause hallucinations, or experiences that seem real but aren’t. When hallucinating, you may see, hear or feel things that aren’t happening. Certain drugs can cause you to feel disconnected from your body and environment, as well. When under the influence of psychedelics, it’s called “tripping.” Though they can cause ‘visuals,’ or other abnormal effects, the type and amount of the drug, both play a role in your trip. Most psychedelics work through your system within 24 hours, though they can be detected in a drug test up to 72 hours after use. Just because psychedelics work through your system fairly quickly does not mean you won’t get caught – don’t roll the dice on your career. Most hallucinogens are a Schedule I drug. This means they are considered to have a high likelihood of abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S. They come from plants and fungi (or their extracts), and some are created synthetically (i.e., human-made). Despite a growing interest in these drugs, especially for their medical capabilities, it is prohibited to use hallucinogens as a Warfighter. Psylocibin (i.e., shrooms or magic mushrooms) LSD (i.e., acid) MDMA (i.e., ecstasy or molly) Ketamine (i.e., Special K) SPCP (i.e., angel dust) Mescaline (i.e., peyote) Ayahuasca Street Names Mind candy Fry Blotter Acid Molly Special K Cubes STP XTC (X) Cactus Buttons Mesc Though some of these names are connected to specific drugs (e.g., Special K is ketamine, X is ecstasy), some terms are more broadly used (e.g., mind candy, fry). There are many names for psychedelics all over the world and U.S. street names may have different meanings in other countries. Negative Effects Prev Next Dilated pupils Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Sleeplessness Drowsiness Tremors Increased heart rate and blood pressure Increased body temperature Extreme sweating Confusion Strong emotions, ranging from intense happiness to fear and anxiety What About Microdosing? There is no evidence that microdosing is considered safe or effective, though there is growing interest in the practice. Microdosing is exactly what it sounds like – taking micro doses, or small amounts of the drug instead of a regular dose. Depending on what type of hallucinogen is used, a microdose could be anywhere from 1/20 to 1/5 (or 5-20%) of a regular dose. Because these drugs are not regulated, most doses and microdose amounts are guesses. Additionally, you may develop a tolerance to some psychedelics, such as LSD and mushrooms, which impacts how certain doses affect you. Remember, psychedelics are not considered safe or legal. Psychedelic use is strictly prohibited as a member of the military. ReferencesCleveland Clinic - “Hallucinogens”Department of Defense - “DoD Instruction 1300.17 Religious Liberty in the Military Service”Geppert, C. National Institutes of Health - “Psychedelics and the Military: What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been”Harvard Health - “The popularity of microdosing of psychedelics: What does the science say?”National Institute on Drug Abuse - “Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs”U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - “Drug Fact Sheet: Hallucinogens”U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - “Hallucinogens”
