Morning Glory Drugs
It started out as a harmless YouTube video trend where teens started consuming morning glory seeds, attempting to get high. But it ultimately ended up as a public health crisis for many young people who began copycatting the trend. The trend: morning glory drugs. The recreational use of Ipomoea tricolor (a common psychoactive species of morning glory) carries severe physical and psychological consequences.
Morning glories are a tropical vine flower species that typically open in the mornings and are naturally found in forest areas and river edges. They produce trumpet-shaped blue and purple flowers that are known to climb fences and trellises. What many people do not know is that morning glory seeds can contain a high concentration of a bioactive ergot alkaloid that causes psychedelic effects.
Oftentimes, young people do not take drug addiction seriously. They believe substances like marijuana and alcohol do very little harm, especially because they are “legal.” Morning glory seeds are sold in big box retailers like Walmart, Target and Home Depot and therefore must not be as dangerous as illegal substances. Despite warning labels on seed packages saying that it is not for human consumption, many believe eating these flower seeds is harmless.
The chemistry behind Morning Glory Seed Drugs
The primary psychoactive compound found in morning glory seeds is Lysergic acid amide (LSA). LSA is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid closely related to LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).
Researchers have found that about one-fourth of the over 200 species of morning glories tested contain the psychoactive compound.
When engaging in morning glory drug abuse, the seeds are typically crushed, chewed, or steeped in water in order to extract the LSA. Users are hoping to achieve a euphoric and mind-altering high.
When ingested, it can cause symptoms ranging from hallucinations, spatial and temporal distortion to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In reality, taking this morning glory seed drug is far less glamorous than many believe.
What is the Difference between LSA and LSD?
LSA and LSD are very similar in chemical structure. But the experience they produce is very different.
LSD is a synthetic compound known for producing highly stimulating, visual and energetic trips. LSA is less potent and offers heavy sedation, lethargy and a feeling of physical heaviness. Users can experience mild hallucinations or changes in sensory perception. But when it comes to LSA, a person’s trip is predominantly characterized by deep introspection, mental fog and extreme nausea.
LSA is an ergot alkaloid. The health risks for ergot alkaloids are well documented. Ingesting high doses of these alkaloids can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress. Almost anyone who consumes morning glory seeds recreationally will experience intense and prolonged bouts of vomiting and stomach cramps.
Are Morning Glory Seeds Toxic?
Yes. When ingested, morning glory seeds can lead to acute toxicity. However, the most immediate danger of consuming these morning glory seeds drug has nothing to do with the plant itself. Agricultural manufacturers heavily treat these types of products.
Commercial pesticide coatings on the seeds contain toxic fungicides, herbicides and other chemicals. Consuming these coatings can lead to chemical poisoning, which turns into violent vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. It can also lead to potential liver and kidney damage. These chemicals are absorbed into the seed shell, making them impossible to remove even with attempts to wash them.
Why are young people abusing Morning Glory Drugs?
There is a long history of teens and young people getting high from morning glory seeds dating all the way back to the 1950s. Teens and young people have been experimenting with substances for decades. In many cases, they don’t believe legally found substances like morning glory seeds could be dangerous.
Today, researchers have found that a record number of 8th graders believe that the occasional use of synthetic marijuana or abuse of over-the-counter cold medications is not very harmful. Part of the appeal of substances like these, including morning glory seeds, is that they are easily accessible and affordable.
Another factor for teen drug abuse is stress. Studies have found teen stress levels are so high they have exceeded that of their parents. An estimated 1/3 of teens say they feel overwhelmed, sad or depressed. The emotionally charged feelings can be difficult to deal with and that is when teens often turn to substances to try and numb or dull the emotions.
The Effects of Morning Glory Seed Abuse
The physiological and psychological toll morning glory seeds can take on the body is overwhelming. One of the most dangerous side effects of LSA seeds is severe vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels. The symptoms of this include numbness in fingers and toes, severe muscle cramps, cold hands and feet and chest tightening and elevated blood pressure.
Each morning glory seed only contains a very small amount of LSA. So one would have to ingest very large amounts to generate desired effects. Because these seeds are not meant to be consumed by humans, they can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting are common side effects.
Other physical side effects can include blurry vision, excessive salivation, high body temperature, dry mouth, excessive sweating, fast breathing, weakness, loss of coordination and increased blood pressure.
Because LSA causes extreme physical discomfort, the psychological impact can be just as unpredictable. Some users report feeling a sense of euphoria and spiritual connection, while others can experience a bad trip. Others experience panic, paranoia and severe anxiety. Loss of reality, confusion and feelings of impending doom can also occur.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
How long does an LSA trip last?
A typical LSA trip can last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours. A gradual come-down can leave the user feeling mentally drained, depressed or foggy for an additional 12 to 24 hours after.
Are Morning Glory Drugs addictive?
Is LSA addictive? Classic psychedelic drugs like LSA do not typically cause physical dependence or the extreme withdrawal symptoms that are associated with alcohol and opioids.
However, they can become psychologically addictive. Users who deal with trauma, stress and underlying mental health conditions may rely on the escapism provided by morning glory seeds. Repeated reliance on this constitutes a serious form of drug abuse, leading them to continuously chase the high despite the risks of physically dangerous side effects.
Is LSA a legal substance?
Morning glory seeds are legal to purchase, possess, and plant. You can buy them at any garden center without an ID.
LSA itself is a classified Schedule III controlled substance. Owning the seeds for gardening is perfectly fine and legal. But extracting the LSA or consuming the seeds with the intent to get high is considered illegal.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Hotel California by the Sea provides treatment for addiction to psychedelic substances like LSA. We provide treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.today.com/health/teens-trying-get-high-sickened-after-eating-flower-seeds-t91031
https://www.northpointrecovery.com/blog/morning-glory-high-teens-abuse-flower-seeds/
https://genesisrecoverycenter.org/morning-glory-seeds/
https://news.tulane.edu/pr/study-shows-common-flower-species-holds-promise-beneficial-psychedelic-drugs
https://www.iflscience.com/morning-glory-has-a-hell-of-a-psychedelic-story-62022
https://www.poison.org/articles/are-morning-glories-poisonous
