Buzz
Throughout history, individuals chasing extraordinary highs have consumed a wide array of peculiar substances and natural botanicals. Thankfully, those who survived have documented their experiences, allowing us to share these astonishing tales. Brace yourself for some truly shocking entries on this list; most of these substances' mind-altering effects are likely unknown to you. While they may not be the most appealing substitutes when you're out of weed, their potency is undeniable. This list kicks off with a bang, so dive right in.
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10 Anafranil (clomipramine)
Anafranil, an antidepressant, has the bizarre side effect of triggering orgasms every time a person yawns. Yes, you read that correctly. A 1983 study in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry documented a case of a young woman who experienced this phenomenon. She even turned it to her advantage, stating, “She found she was able to experience orgasm by deliberate yawning.” This is one medication that should definitely remain legal. Now, if only I could find a doctor willing to prescribe it!
9 DDT
Surprisingly, this now-banned pesticide can induce sensations similar to Ecstasy. (Who knew environmentalists were outlawing a potent hallucinogen?) In the 1950s, a trendy drink called the Mickey Slim was created by mixing a small dose of DDT with gin. The photo above captures two women experiencing the intense effects of DDT.
8 DIPT
DIPT, a tryptamine, primarily alters auditory perception. Users report phenomena like voices on the radio sounding deeper, music becoming distorted, and occasional mild hallucinations. A common side effect is a sensation of bloating, which can typically be alleviated by taking an antacid right after ingestion. Some users also describe a persistent ringing in their ears, which, unfortunately, may linger for as long as two weeks.
7 Saffron
Saffron, a flower often used as a culinary spice, is noted in the Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances for its narcotic effects, likened to those of opium. Its use as a psychoactive substance dates back to ancient times; the Minoans brewed it into a tea for its intoxicating effects, while the Persians and Greeks revered it as an aphrodisiac. The Romans and Egyptians also incorporated it into medicinal remedies.
6 Catnip
Catnip isn’t just for your tabby anymore! Many who have tried smoking it describe a calming, pot-like buzz. However, most advise against expecting too much—it’s not a powerful high. It leaves a refreshing minty aftertaste and is reportedly smoother to smoke than marijuana, without causing coughing fits.
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5 Xenon (Xe)
Xenon, a dense, odorless, inert gas, is found in Earth’s atmosphere and has applications in lasers, gas-discharge lamps, medical imaging, nuclear power production, protein crystallography, MEMS manufacturing, and anesthesia. Like many anesthetics, such as nitrous oxide and Novocaine (derived from cocaine), it can produce hallucinogenic effects. Users report experiences similar to nitrous oxide but without the auditory distortions or headaches. One user on “Lyceaum” described it as enabling the ability to focus intensely on specific thoughts or memories, creating what they called “sentimental orgasms.”
4 Various Venoms and Poisons
Numerous poisons, including arsenic and strychnine, as well as certain venoms, are known to produce hallucinogenic and occasionally beneficial effects. In late-19th-century Austria, mountain climbers regularly consumed arsenic to achieve a healthy, robust appearance and to improve breathing during climbs, as noted by Baron Ernst von Bibra. The 1902 book Morphinism and Narcomanias From Other Drugs even mentions the potential for arsenic addiction. Regarding venom, The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances highlights that Indian holy men smoke cobra venom for its psychoactive properties, often mixing it with cannabis. Additionally, 10 Native American tribes in California were known to swallow live ants to induce hallucinations, as the ants’ venom would be released into the stomach lining before being vomited out.
3. Salamander Brandy
Contrary to its name, salamander brandy isn’t made from salamanders but from their secretions. This unique beverage is produced non-commercially in Slovenia, often through inhumane methods. One method involves hanging salamanders by their hind legs and pouring brandy over their bodies, collecting the infused liquid. Another involves drowning the salamanders in brandy on a sieve. The goal is to infuse the alcohol with the salamanders’ defensive toxins. The resulting drink is said to produce effects akin to a combination of LSD and Ecstasy, alongside mild alcohol intoxication due to its low alcohol content.
2 Urine
Historically, Eskimos and Siberian tribes consumed the urine of individuals who had ingested fly agaric mushrooms (amanita muscaria). This practice served multiple purposes: it conserved the limited supply of mushrooms, and the urine retained the psychoactive properties of the mushrooms. Remarkably, the effects could be passed through multiple “generations” of urine consumption, up to five times, with each iteration still producing a high. Additionally, consuming pre-digested mushrooms in this form reduced nausea and cramps compared to eating the mushrooms directly. The tribes valued this method so much that they even consumed reindeer that had eaten fly agaric to achieve a similar high.
1. C-4 Explosives
C-4 is widely recognized as a highly effective explosive, being 1.34 times more powerful than TNT. But can it be considered a drug? According to Uppers, Downers, All-Arounders, the answer is yes. The authors note that some modern veterans have ingested C-4 for its psychedelic effects. While this can lead to tremors and seizures, it typically doesn’t cause an explosion, as a blasting cap is required to detonate the chemical. This is no joke—the Marine Corps even warns in their explosives training manual: “Do not ingest any explosive material!”
+ Old Books
While it’s not the old books themselves, it’s the fungi and molds that sometimes grow on them that can have hallucinogenic properties. However, don’t start chewing on book pages just yet. These molds often come with unpleasant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.
Source: The Disinformation Book of Lists
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