Section 2
Other Drugs:
Aside from the “big three” categories that we mentioned earlier, there are many other substances that are frequently used in the world. We wanted to touch on some of the other categories of substances, though most of our educational materials focuses on the “big three”. While some of these substances may have effects that classify them as other categories, we’ve broken them out into subsections because of their unique traits or effects within our community. Please reach out to us if you feel there is a piece missing in this section!
This section covers: Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Dissociatives and Deliriants, Cannabinoids, and Kratom/7-OH.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens cause heightened senses, auditory and visual hallucinations, distorted perception, and euphoria in a psychedelic trip.
Examples Include: LSD, MDMA/ecstacy, psilocybin/mushrooms, peyote, ayahuasca, cannabis
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Hallucinogens is a word to describe certain effects, but in Native communities many of these are culturally and spiritually sacred medicines. Native people have been punished and imprisoned for using cultural medicines, and over-harvesting or use by non-Natives have led to widespread desecration. These medicines have been exploited, appropriated, and misused by people who don’t have respect for the spiritual significance they have, or for the tribes who use them as traditional medicine. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978) partially protected these medicines, but the appropriation, misuse, overharvesting, and desecration of them continues.
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As not all hallucinogens are cultural medicines, there are a variety of reasons for people using them. Hallucinogens like LSD or MDMA are generally used for having profound internal experiences or in social gatherings. Sometimes, use of hallucinogens may trigger dormant mental health conditions.
Inhalants
Inhalants cause dizziness, mild hallucinations, euphoria, and muscle relaxation. They have a similar effect to alcohol, but are often shorter-lasting. Inhalants often interrupt the supply of oxygen to the brain temporarily, which can lead to complications.
Examples Include: Gasoline, paint-thinner, dust-off, whip-its, poppers, “laughing gas”
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Inhalants are more commonly used with younger demographics, especially because they’re often easy to find. As with all substances, there are a variety of reasons why people may use them; inhalant use tends to be a bit more common in social settings. People who exercise or exert themselves immediately after inhalant use are at risk of cardiac events.
Dissociatives and deliriants
These are both sub-categories of hallucinogens but with unique properties that separate them from other hallucinogens. Dissociatives cause a feeling of detachment from the body and environment, as well as hallucinations. Deliriants are similar but include sometimes nightmarish hallucinations that are indistinguishable from reality.
Examples Include:
Dissociatives: PCP, ketamine, xylazine, dextromethorphan (active ingredient in cough syrup; “robotripping”)
Deliriants: Datura, salvia, belladonna, diphenhydramine (active ingredient in most first-generation antihistamines/allergy medications)
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Many of the plants within the deliriant category are Native to the Americas and have been used as traditional medicines for spiritual or medical purposes. These are very powerful substances with cultural-specific uses which are not related at all to recreational use. Deliriants can be life-altering emotionally/spiritually, and their use has a high risk of complications including fatality. Traditional deliriant use is specific to each culture, and used with proper supervision and cultural knowledge, as with other hallucinogens protected by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
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Dissociatives are commonly used in social settings similar to MDMA use, including in club or party settings. Ketamine and xylazine are both medications used in veterinary settings as animal tranquilizers, but have become more commonly known as being used among humans. Ketamine in particular has seen a rise in popularity in recent years as a social drug, either by itself or in combination with other drugs (such as “tusi” which is a term usually referring to a blend of ketamine and MDMA).
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Xylazine has recently become widely known as a “new addition” to the street-based fentanyl supply, and has been associated with massive non-healing wounds among homeless community. In California, xylazine has not been widespread in any drug supply. Additionally, many of the wounds attributed to xylazine are infections that have simply been improperly cared for due to lack of hygiene supplies or medications, which has become more common with a statewide rise in homelessness. However, it’s always important to be aware of potential changes to street drug supply, as xylazine being intermixed in fentanyl or other opioids could lead to more difficult overdose reversals or fatalities due to xylazine being a non-opioid.
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Deliriants are common among younger people because they are more easily accessible, but this category of substances has a high risk of life-long emotional, mental, and physical changes. Because deliriants are very powerful substances, and tend to be used recreationally by younger people, there are risks of negative mental health effects or onset of dormant mentla health conditions like schizophrenia from the use of deliriants.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are any substances that activate the cannabinoid receptors. Smaller doses usually produce a sensation of mild relaxation and improved mood, while higher doses or certain types can create more of a hallucinogenic effect. Cannabinoids are most commonly derived from the cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot) plant.
Examples Include: Cannabis plant/flower, THC oil (vape pens), spice/K2 (synthetic cannabis)
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Cannabis is usually smoked as a dried flower, through a cannabis oil or wax vaporized with a specialty device (such as a vape), or with edible products infused with cannabis oil. These are used for a variety of reasons, such as pain management, relaxation, or emotional support – cannabis is often used for medical purposes, especially with people underdoing cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, synthetic cannabis, or “gas station cannabis”, is less common. It tends to be used more with younger crowds or people who otherwise aren’t able to access standard cannabis products. Synthetic cannabis tends to produce much more extreme and typically unwanted effects, including stronger hallucinogenic properties, paranoia, nausea, and heart palpitations. Synthetic cannabis tends to be infused with other chemicals that aren’t directly derived from the cannabis plant family, though packaging can mislead people who aren’t aware.
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Especially in California, the now-legal cannabis industry has led to large plantations, including areas near tribal communities. Some regions of California have seen an association between Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and cannabis plantations, and many regions have been affected by privatization of massive areas of land. On the other hand, many California tirbes have also developed their own cannabis businesses and work to uplift the medicinal and wellness-oriented potential of cannabis.
Kratom/7-OH
Kratom is a specific substance derived from a Southeast Asian evergreen tree, which produces a range of effects from more of a depressant or opioid-like effect, to a more stimulant-like effect. 7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine) is a concentrated product made from kratom, and produces stronger effects.
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Kratom and 7-OH are common among younger people, especially because they are more easily accessible. Kratom and 7-OH are also marketed towards people who are struggling with opioid withdrawal or cravings, and listed as a replacement option because they partially affect the brain’s opioid receptors. Similarly to both opioids and stimulants, kratom and 7-OH are used for a range of other reasons: socially, for pain relief, for relaxation, or for increased energy. The effects of kratom range from a more stimulant-like effect with lower doses, to a more opioid-like effect at higher doses.
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Kratom and more prominently 7-OH can lead to a physical or psychological dependency, much like opioids and stimulants. Though the withdrawal process is different from standard opioids, it can cause similar physical discomfort after the body has developed a tolerance or reliance on kratom.
While kratom and 7-OH are not traditional opioids, they can have similar negative effects if used at a higher dose. Overdose is far less likely than with standard opioids and is considered to be a rare event, but in the event of an overdose, naloxone can help with reversing some of the effects due to kratom and 7-OH partially working on the opioid receptors.
While some people find relief using kratom or 7-OH when trying to reduce or stop their opioid use, these substances produce their own sets of challenges and potential for unwanted or uncomfortable effects, especially for younger people who may not be aware of some of the potential risks involved.