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Morning Glory Seed Effects

Seeds from certain varieties of morning glory plants contain a substance called lysergic acid amide (LSA), which is a relative of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The seeds and plants are not illegal and can be bought at nurseries and garden centers world wide, but many are chemically treated to discourage ingestion. Extracting the LSA out of the seeds, to achieve pure form, is illegal in the United States.

  1. History

    • Mexican and Central American cultures, especially shamans, have used LSA for centuries, chiefly for medicinal purposes and achieving communication with the spirit world. The Aztecs called it tlitliltzin. In 1900, tlitliltzin was identified botanically as morning glory.

    Use

    • Morning glory seed varieties with the highest LSA content are crimson ramblers, flying saucers, heavenly blue and pearly gates. You must be certain the seeds are free from synthetic chemicals; if not, they are not fatal, but you get ill. The seeds are ground in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle, then mixed with water or stuffed into gelatin capsules and consumed.

    Effects

    • Because LSA is chemically and structurally like LSD, the effects are similar. But it should be noted that LSA is naturally occurring and LSD is man-made. Many users report that the psychedelic experience is less intense and does not last as long; common experiences involve breathing walls, increased awareness of patterns and difficulty in social settings. Nausea is common. The next day, expect increased nausea, dizziness and vertigo.

    Contraindications

    • Like any psychedelic substance, there are risks associated with ingesting morning glory seeds. These are especially high if you are taking MAOIs, a common ingredient in many prescription drugs, especially anti-depressants. LSA causes uterine contractions that increase the risk of miscarriage, so avoid if you are pregnant. If you have a family history of schizophrenia, or any mental illness, avoid morning glory seeds--they can hasten any symptoms you are predisposed to experience.

    Legalities

    • Pure form LSA is considered a Schedule III narcotic in the United States, and possession is punishable by law. Morning glory plants are considered invasive species in some states, like Arizona, in which case possession of the plant is illegal. Other states have enacted laws against cultivation of plants that can be used for hallucinogenic purposes; examples include Louisiana and Tennessee. Internationally, many countries do not control morning glory seeds but do control LSA. Exceptions include Italy, where the seeds themselves are considered a narcotic, and South Africa, where morning glory plants are considered invasive.

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