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Hallucinogens have been used by humans for over 7000 years. Long before they showed up in news cycles or pop culture, indigenous communities around the world were brewing them, smoking them, and using them in sacred rituals and ceremonies.
The modern synthetic era began in the early 20th century. MDMA was created in 1912, LSD was synthesized in 1938, and PCP and ketamine were developed in the 1950s and 1960s as anesthetics.
Today, hallucinogens, however, come from various sources, some of which aren’t exactly natural. So, where do they come from? Whether you’re curious, interested in them for mental health benefits, or know someone or yourself are struggling with a hallucinogen addiction, below, we explore how these substances come to be (and what you can do if you need help addressing hallucinogen use).
What Are Hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens are a broad class of drugs that alter perception, mood, and thought. They can cause visual or auditory distortions, time dilation, intense emotional shifts, and, in some cases, full breaks from reality.
This category includes classic psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, dissociatives, such as ketamine and PCP, and deliriants, such as certain plant alkaloids.
However, don’t let the category fool you; these substances have very different chemical structures and very different effects, but they share one thing in common: they change how your brain processes information, often in ways that feel profound, unsettling, or both.
Are All Hallucinogens Derived From Plants?
In short, no. While many of the most well-known hallucinogens come from plants or fungi, plenty are made entirely in laboratories.
Broadly, hallucinogens fall into four origin categories, including:
- Plant-based, such as mescaline (from peyote and San Pedro cacti) and DMT (from certain Amazonian plants used in ayahuasca)
- Fungal, such as psilocybin (from “magic mushrooms”) and ergot alkaloids (which became the precursor to LSD)
- Animal-based, such as bufotenin (from the secretions of certain toad species)
- Synthetic, such as LSD, PCP, and ketamine
Yet, some compounds blur the line. LSD, for example, is technically semi-synthetic because it’s derived from ergot fungus but heavily modified in a lab. DMT exists naturally in many plants but is also produced in small amounts by the human body.
Common Hallucinogens (and Their Origin)
Here are some of the most well-known hallucinogens and where they come from:
- Psilocybin: Psilocybin is found in multiple species of mushrooms, most commonly Psilocybe cubensis. It has been used ceremonially in Mesoamerica for centuries and is currently being studied as a treatment for depression and end-of-life anxiety.
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): LSD was synthesized in a Swiss lab in 1938 by chemist Albert Hofmann, using compounds from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. It’s one of the most potent psychoactive substances ever discovered.
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): DMT is found in plants such as Psychotria viridis (used in traditional ayahuasca) and Mimosa hostilis. It can also be synthesized in a lab.
- Mescaline: Mescaline is a naturally occurring alkaloid in peyote, San Pedro, and Peruvian Torch cacti. It has a long history of use in Native American religious ceremonies.
- Ibogaine: Ibogaine is derived from the root bark of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. It is currently being studied as a possible aid for opioid withdrawal.
- Salvia divinorum: Salvia divinorum is a plant in the mint family, native to Mexico. Its effects are short but intense.
- PCP and Ketamine: Both PCP and ketamine are fully synthetic dissociatives that were originally developed for medical use as anesthetics.
- MDMA: MDMA is a synthetic compound first synthesized in 1912 (for medical research). It’s often grouped with hallucinogens because of its perception-altering effects, though it’s technically an empathogen.
Are Hallucinogens Safe?
The honest answer is that "safe" depends on the substance, the dose, the setting, and the person using it. Hallucinogens can trigger lasting psychological effects, such as anxiety disorders, hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), and in some cases, drug-induced psychosis, especially for people with a personal or family history of mental illness.
It's also a myth that hallucinogens are not addictive. While many classic psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, have a low potential for physical dependence, dissociatives, such as PCP and ketamine, can absolutely lead to compulsive use, tolerance, and withdrawal. Polysubstance use, where hallucinogens are combined with alcohol or other drugs, can also create serious risks.
When Hallucinogen Use Becomes a Problem
If hallucinogen use is affecting your relationships, work, mental health, or sense of self, it may be time to get help. Common warning signs include:
- Using more often or in higher doses than you intend
- Lingering anxiety, paranoia, or visual disturbances after use
- Difficulty separating drug experiences from everyday reality
- Mixing hallucinogens with other substances to amplify the effects
- Attempting to stop use but being unable to
Our team at Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) in Richmond, VA, is here to help you begin your recovery journey. Allow us to love you until you can love yourself again. Whenever you’re ready, call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form.
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