Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that produce distortions in perception and body image at moderate doses. The major categories of hallucinogens are hallucinogens related to serotonin, hallucinogens related to norepinephrine, hallucinogens related to acetylcholine, and miscellaneous hallucinogens. Hallucinogens related to serotonin include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, lysergic acid amide, dimethyltryptamine, and harmine. Hallucinogens related to norepinephrine include mescaline, DOM or STP, and MDMA (Ecstasy). Hallucinogens related to acetylcholine include atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and ibotenic acid. Miscellaneous hallucinogens include phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine.
In Food of the Gods, McKenna makes a claim that the homo sapien brain evolved due to the ingestion of hallucinogens. He says that we are more complex due to our consciousness and emotions that originated from hallucinogens. McKenna’s case for the evolution of the homo sapien brain is interesting, but does not seem likely to me. Humans are not the only species that ingest hallucinogens. Hallucinogenic mushrooms for example are on the ground and can easily be eaten by cattle, but cattle do not show the brain development we have.
I believe that taking drugs can change the way you see the world. Taking drugs alters the chemicals in your brain and the concentration of these chemicals, so this obviously changes your emotions, perceptions, and consciousness. Many hallucinogen users claim that your senses are immediately sharper when using. Some people even say that you can see sounds and taste colors. I have no personal experience, but a few friends of mine have said that they have had revelations when using hallucinogens. They said things are seen in a different mind set, and everything seems to slow down, so they notice everything about their environment.
Hallucinogenic drug use in the 1960s, especially LSD use, inspired the hippie culture which promotes peace, love, and happiness. This makes sense, because when using LSD and marijuana, the user’s consciousness is more aware of its surroundings. It seems that users tend to be more appreciative and passionate about everything be it a tree or a box of cereal. The hippie culture promotes close, accepting, and loving relationships. There seems to be no harm in that.
