General

Recreational Drug Terminology

Paan - A mixture of betel nut and tobacco. For more information see this.

Peganum harmala - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as syrian rue. Peganum harmala is one of the plants often used in ayahuasca analogs. It has a high concentration of harmala alkaloids. For more information see this.

Paleobotany - A branch of paleontology that deals with plant fossils and ancient vegetation.

Paleontology - The study of prehistoric life forms by examining plant and animal fossils.

Pali - Written language that originated in India. Many Buddhist and Jain texts are written in Pali.

Papaver somniferum - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as the opium poppy. Opium produced from Papaver somniferum is the substance various narcotic analgesic drugs (known as opiates and opioids) are derived from or based on. Although a few other poppies produce a similar latex, morphine is found in highest concentrations in Papaver somniferum.

Paramorphine - See thebaine.

Paranoia - A state of being where a person feels extreme distrust of certain individuals, or the world in general.

Passiflora incarnata - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as passion flower. Other common names include passion vine and purple passion flower. For more information see this.

Passion Flower - Common name of the plant known by the botanical name Passiflora incarnata. Other common names include passion vine and purple passion flower. For more information see this.

Passifloraceae - A family of plants within the Malpighiales order.

PCP - A dissociative drug first synthesized in 1926. Originally tested as anesthesia on animals (with positive results). With humans, it was a good anesthetic, but it caused mental problems. Human testing was discontinued in 1965. First report of recreational use was in 1967. PCP gained some popularity as a recreational drug in the 1970's and 1980's but by the early 1990's, PCP use was (and has continued to be) fairly low when compared with other drugs. For more information see this.

Peganum harmala Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as syrian rue. The plant contains large amounts of harmala alkaloids. For more information see this.

Pendulous - Having non-erect flowers.

Peperomia - A genus of plants in the Piperaceae family.

Peripatetic School - A school of philosophy in ancient Greece.

Perennial Plant - A plant that lives for more than two years. Perennial plants can be divided into two groups, herbaceous and woody. Most often, the term perennial is generally used to describe herbaceous perennials.

Pharmacodynamics - The study of the effects of drugs and how they affect the human body and other living organisms.

Pharmacokinetics - The study of how drugs are affected (absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated) by the body.

Pharmacology - The study of how drugs affect and change the way a living being functions.

Pharmacy - The science of the safe and effective use of drugs.

Phencyclidine - A shortened form of the chemical name of PCP, 1-(1-phencyclohexyl) piperidine. For more information see this.

Phenylacetone - A clear oil that can be used to manufacture amphetamines. Because of this, it was declared a controlled substance in 1979 (USA).

Photoperiod - The amount of daily exposure to light. Usually associated with growing marijuana and the effect light has on how the plant grows and develops.

Photophobia - Fear of light.

Physostigmine - An alkaloid (C15H21N3O2) extracted from the calabar bean. Also called eserine. It is used to enhance memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is used as a drug to cause pupillary constriction and it is used to enhance the effects mediated by acetylcholine in the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), or both).

Phytotherapy - Herbal medicine.

Pineal Gland - A small reddish-gray gland (about the size of a pea) near the center of the human brain. One of the functions of the pineal gland is the production of melatonin. The production of melatonin by the pineal gland is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. Melatonin and the pineal gland help regulate sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythms). The pineal gland in humans also produces a drug called DMT.

Pinlang - Chinese and Malayan term for Areca catechu (more commonly known as the betel nut tree). For more information see this.

Piperaceae - A family of plants in the Piperales order.

Piperales - An order of plants in the Magnoliopsida class.

Piper betle - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as betle. The leaves from Piper betle are often chewed together with nuts from the Areca catechu and edible lime (calcium hydroxide). The association with Piper betle has caused Areca catechu nuts to become known as betel nuts. For more information see this.

Piper methysticum - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as kava. Besides being used recreationally as a social party drug, medical uses include reducing anxiety, depression, pain, and social phobias. At larger doses, it can be ingested to treat insomnia. For more information see this.

Plant - Any member of the Plantae Kingdom. Bines, bushes, ferns, grasses, herbs, mosses, shrubs, trees, vines, weeds, and other similar organisms can all be classified as plants.

Plant Cutting - A part of a plant that has been removed (from a mother plant) in order to start growing another distinct plant. Marijuana growers refer to a plant cutting as a clone, other people use the word striking.

Plant Taxonomy - The science of finding, describing, and naming plants.

Pollenator - A herb grinder with a screen that allows resin glands from marijuana to be collected. The resin glands (trichomes) can processed into hashish using something like a pollen press. For more information see this.

Pot - Marijuana.

Potato Family - Common name of the Solanaceae family of plants.

Pothead - A person that uses too much marijuana.

Pound - A unit of measure equal to 16 ounces (453.59237 grams). Usually rounded off to 454 grams in real life situations.

Premium Grade Marijuana - Also called primo grade marijuana. Top quality marijuana that is more potent and expensive than regular commercial grade marijuana. Usually grown hydroponically (without soil).

Primordium - An aggregation of cells that indicate the first signs of growth. The plural form of primordium is primordia.

Psilocin - One of the primary active ingredients in mushrooms from the Psilocybe genus.

Psilocybe - A genus of mushrooms noted for its hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects. One species of Psilocybe (called Psilocybe cubensis) is the most popular magic mushroom among drug users.

Psilocybin - One of the primary active ingredients in mushrooms from the Psilocybe genus.

Psychedelic - Psychedelic drugs are those that can expand consciousness and may produce hallucinations. A Psychedelic object is one that has effects resembling those produced by psychedelic drugs (for example: psychedelic art is that which has an intense, vivid color or a swirling abstract pattern).

Psychedelic Drug - Term used to refer to a class of drugs that have psychedelic effects. Includes DMT, LSD, magic mushrooms, mescaline, and other related compounds.

Psychic Energy - The energy that drives the personality.

Psycho - Slang term for a person acting irrationally, usually with violence involved.

Psychoactive - A substance that affects the mind by altering brain chemistry.

Psychoactive Drug - Term used to refer to a drug that affects the mind by altering brain chemistry.

Psychoactive Mushroom - Mushrooms that affect the mind by altering brain chemistry. The term psychoactive mushroom is best used when referring to any mushroom with psychoactive or psychedelic properties, other than those in the Psilocybe genus. Mushrooms with psychoactive or psychedelic properties belonging to the Psilocybe genus are true magic mushrooms.

Psychobehavioral Therapy - The use of behavioral and psychological therapies.

Psychonaut - Someone who explores consciousness, the mind, and inner space through the use of meditation, drugs, sensory deprivation, and other methods.

Psychopharmacology - The study of the effects of psychoactive drugs.

Psychosis - A feature or symptom of mental illness usually associated with a distorted sense of reality, delusions, hallucinations, impaired functioning, and radical changes in personality. A person suffering from psychosis is said to be psychotic.

Psychotic - See psychosis.

Psychotomimetic - A substance that causes conditions similar to psychotic disorders or symptoms emanating from the central nervous system. Psychedelic drugs are described as psychotomimetic because of the similarities between some of their effects and those found in the psychotic state.

Psychotria viridis - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as chacruna. The foliage (leaves) of the plant contain DMT and have been used for thousands of years in the traditional preparation of ayahuasca. For more information see this

Psychotropic Drug - A substance that affects behavior, emotions, or the mind.

Purge - To vomit, throw up.

Queeze - A quarter, as in quarter ounce, quarter pound.

Quercetin - One of the active compounds found in Humulus lupulus (the common hop plant). For more information see this.

Redux - Something that has been brought back. Example, a new version of a book (or movie) that has been updated.

Resin Powder - Dried resin glands (trichomes) from marijuana plants. Resin powder usually refers to powder that is collected by sieving marijuana. For more information see this.

Rhizome - The underground horizontal stem of a plant that produces roots and shoots from its nodes. Also called rootstock or creeping rootstalk.

Ricky Retardo - A person that is acting dumb.

RigVeda - A collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns dedicated to the gods. It is counted as the most holy of the series of four Hindu religious texts known as the Vedas. It was completed orally before 1500 BCE. Some references are thought to date back as early as 4000 BCE. Today, the RigVeda is still used by Hindus around the world, especially in India and Nepal. Its verses are recited at prayers, religious functions and other auspicious occasions.

Rivea corymbosa - Botanical name of the plant that is more commonly known as ololiuqui. Seeds from the plant can be used as a source of LSA. For more information see this.

Room Temperature - An indoor temperature of about 68 to 77 degrees F.

Rubiaceae - Botanical name of a family of flowering plants. Commonly called the coffee family. The Rubiaceae family contains over 10,000 species and 600 genera.

SamaVeda - The third of the four Vedas (the four main scriptural texts of Hinduism). It is made up of hymns to be chanted by the priests during important sacrifices in which the juice of the soma plant (mixed with milk and other ingredients) was offered in libation to various gods. It is made up of information taken mainly from the RigVeda. The verses were not intended to be chanted, but to be sung in specifically indicated melodies using the seven svaras or notes.

Sanatana Dharma - The four main scriptural texts of Hinduism. The Sanatana Dharma is also called the Vedas.

Sanskrit - An ancient language that originated in India. It is still one of the official languages of India.

Santo Daime - A spiritual practice that was founded in the Brazil in the 1930s. Rituals involve the consumption of ayahuasca and can last several hours.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - Also knows as SSRI. A class of antidepressants used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders.

Set And Setting - A term used to refer to the way a person feels and the environment a person is in, when consuming drugs. Set is your attitude. Setting is your physical surroundings. Set and setting are very important factors in any drug experience.

Shaman - In traditional societies, a shaman is a person who, usually in an altered state of consciousness, acts as an intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds to predict and control the future, cure illness, generate miracles, and the like. Originally applied to societies in Siberia and Central Asia, the term now is used to refer to various kinds of healers, medicine men & women, witch doctors, mystics, priests, magicians, sorcerers, diviners, and so on, in any part of the world. (definition from www.zoofence.com). The plural form of shaman is shamans.

Shrub - A term used to refer to a type of woody plant that grows to a maximum height of 15-20 feet. The term tree is given to woody plants that grow taller than 15-20 feet. Some species of plants can be classified as either trees or shrubs, depending on the height of a particular specimen.

Sildenafil Citrate - Chemical name of viagra. For more information see this.

Sinsemilla - A name for female marijuana plants that have not produced seeds. Not producing seeds allows the plant to use more energy producing THC and other chemicals that users enjoy. An ancient tradition for cannabis growers, sinsemilla is the result of removing male plants from the grow environment before they have a chance to fertilize the females.

Sitter - A person who looks after a situation in which others are consuming drugs. The sitter does not consume the drug(s) that other participants are using, but instead monitors the situation to make sure that no one gets hurt. Not all drugs require a sitter but it is recommended that you have a sitter present anytime you first try a drug.

Slaked Lime - Common name of the substance known by the chemical name calcium hydroxide. Slaked lime is sometimes consumed with drugs to aid absorption of the drug in the human body.

Softwood - A commonly used term for plants that keep their leaves all year round. The botanical term for softwood is evergreen. Other plants that lose all their leaves for part of the year are commonly called hardwoods (botanically known as deciduous).

Solanaceae - Botanical name of the family of plants more commonly known as the nightshade family. Includes belladonna, capsicum (paprika, chili pepper), eggplant, jimsonweed, mandrake, petunia, potato, tobacco, and tomato plants.

Somnolence - Feelings of drowsiness or sleepiness.

sp. and spp. - In botanical terminology, unknown or undisclosed species of plants may be referred to using the abbreviation sp. (in the singular) or spp. (in the plural) in the place of the specific species name(s). The term Trichocereus sp. would mean 1 unknown or undisclosed species from the Trichocereus genus. The term Trichocereus spp. could mean the entire Trichocereus genus, or 2 or more unknown or undisclosed species from the Trichocereus genus.

Spadix - The part of a plant with a type of spike that has small flowers crowded on a thickened, fleshy axis. Spadix is applied to certain monocots, especially members of the Araceae family called arums or aroids. The plural form of spadix is spadices, not spadixs or spadixes.

Species - In botanical terminology, a species is a rank that plant genera are divided into based on similar ecological, genetic, and reproductive characteristics. Plants within a species are reproductively isolated, share a common gene pool, and a common niche (when compared to other species).

SSRI - See selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Sterculiaceae - The botanical name of a family of plants in the Malvales order.

Sterculioideae - The botanical name of a subfamily of plants in the Malvales order.

Strain - A term sometimes used to indicate a group of plants with similar (but not identical) appearance and/or properties. An assemblage of plants that has been selected for a particular attribute or combination of attributes, and that is clearly distinct, uniform and stable in its characteristics and that, when propagated by appropriate means, retains those characteristics. The term has no official status but is commonly used by marijuana and mushroom breeders and enthusiasts to refer to a cross, hybrid, subspecies, or variety of cannabis or psilocybe.

Subspecies - In botany, a subspecies is a group of plants that is a rank below that of species. A subspecies will have an appearance distinct from other subspecies of the same species.

Sulfate - Salts that come from sulfuric acid being mixed with another compound. Some types of drugs are converted into their sulfate form because (as sulfates) they are absorbed in the body faster than they would if they were in another form of the same drug.

Sweet Flag - Common name of the plant known by the botanical name Acorus calamus. For more information see this.

Syrian Rue - Common name of the plant known by the botanical name Peganum harmala. Syrian Rue is one of the plants often used in ayahuasca analogs. It has a high concentration of harmala alkaloids. For more information see this.

Tablespoon - A unit of measuring volume that is equal to about 15 milliliters (3 teaspoons). Tablespoon can be abbreviated tbs. or T. or Tbsp.

Tachycardia - Rapid heart beat.

Teaspoon - A unit of measuring volume that is equal to about 5 milliliters (1/3 tablespoon). Teaspoon can be abbreviated t. or tsp.

Tetrahydroharmine - A type of harmala alkaloid that acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). For more information see this.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) - Is one of the active ingredients of cannabis. For more information see this.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) - The main active ingredient of cannabis. THC is the chemical primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. For more information see this.

Thebaine - Chemical name paramorphine (C19H21NO3). Found in small quantities in the latex produced by the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Can be found in larger quantities in Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale), that were grown especially for a high thebaine and low morphine content. Chemically similar to both morphine and codeine, it produces stimulatory rather than depressant effects. Not used as a drug by itself, however it is converted into a variety of narcotic analgesic drugs including codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.

Theobromine - A chemical found in some species of plants. It produces stimulant effects similar those of caffeine. Also called xantheose.

Theophrastus - (370 BCE - 285 BCE) A Greek born in Eressos (Lesbos), was the successor of Aristotle in the Peripatetic school.

Theophylline - A chemical found in some species of plants. It produces stimulant effects similar those of caffeine.

Thom - Common name (used in Thailand) of the plant known by the botanical name Mitragyna speciosa. For more information see this.

Tincture - A highly concentrated alcohol solution of plant or herb medicine. Alcohol is used to extract the active ingredients of plants and herbs that are not extracted efficiently through water and heat.

Tlitliltzin - The name the Aztecs gave to Ipomoea seeds that contain hallucinogenic alkaloids similar to LSD. The seeds have been used for hundreds of years in Central America as a hallucinogen. For more information see this.

TMA - A psychedelic amphetamine in the MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) class of drugs.

Tonic - A substance that has been shown to induce an invigorating, refreshing, or restorative influence upon a person.

Traditional Ayahuasca - Is used to refer to ayahuasca that has been prepared with Banisteriopsis caapi rather than any other source of MAOI's. There are some traditional ayahuasca preparations that contain Banisteriopsis caapi and other plants that may, or may not, contain DMT. There are even traditional ayahuasca preparations that contain only Banisteriopsis caapi. For more information see this.

Traditional Medicine - Medical knowledge that developed over centuries within various human societies, before the era of modern medicine. Ayurvedic and Herbal medicine are examples of traditional medicine.

Tree - A term that refers to a type of perennial woody plant that is larger than a shrub. There is no set definition as to the size when a shrub becomes a tree. The term tree is most often applied to plants that grow to a height of at least 15-20 feet. Some species of plants can be classified as either trees or shrubs, depending on the height of a particular specimen.

Trichocereus - A genus of plants in the Cactaceae family (more commonly known as the cactus family). Many species in the Trichocereus genus produce mescaline. For more information see this.

Trichocerine - A chemical produced by various species in the Trichocereus genus. Another chemical produced by species of Trichocereus is mescaline. For more information see this.

Trichome - Fine outgrowths or appendages on plants. The trichomes of the female marijuana plant are a rich source of THC. Hashish is a concentration of trichomes from the female marijuana plant. For more information see this.

Trichome Resin - Sticky resin glands (trichomes) from marijuana plants. Hash resin is usually collected by hand rubbing live plants. For more information see this.

True Catnip - Common name of the plant known by the botanical name Nepeta cataria. For more information see this.

Tryptamine - A chemical formed in plant and animal tissues from tryptophan. Tryptamine is a precursor of many natural and synthetic compounds including DMT.

Tryptamines - A group of natural and synthetic compounds derived from tryptamine. Natural tryptamines includes bufotenine (also spelled bufotenin), DMT, psilocin, psilocybin, serotonin, and many other chemicals. Synthetic tryptamines are produced by making substitutions to the tryptamine molecule.

Turbina corymbosa - Alternate botanical name of the plant that is also known as Rivea corymbosa. Seeds from the plant can be used as a source of LSA. For more information see this.

Turneraceae - A family of plants in the Malpighiales order.

Turnera diffusa - Botanical name of the plant more commonly known as damiana. For more information see this.

Upset Stomach - Can refer to any negative feeling in the stomach region of the body.

Variety - In botanical terminology, a variety is a type of plant that has developed an appearance distinct from the species it came from. Varieties often develop in nature as a result of being geographically separated (for a long period of time) from the species of plant they originated from. Varieties can also be mutant plants. Recommended abbreviation var. (as in Trichocereus bridgesii var. monstrose).

Vedas - The four main scriptural texts of Hinduism. The Vedas are also called the Sanatana Dharma.

Vertebrate - Living beings with a backbone or spinal column.

Viagra - Brand name of the drug called Sildenafil Citrate. Viagra revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction and became the first drug approved by the FDA to treat impotence. For more information see this.

Weed - Gardeners and other people often refer to unwanted plants as weeds.

Weed - A slang term for marijuana.

Whippet - Also spelled whippit. Small cartridges of nitrous oxide used to dispense whipped cream. For more information see this.

Withdrawl - Stopping the use of an addictive substance. It can also mean the negative experience one goes through when stopping the use of an addictive substance.

Woody Plant - A plant that has leaves and stems (above soil level) that die at the end of the growing season. Woody plants have a woody base or root system that leaves and flowers grow from, year after year.

Worm Castings - Worm manure.

Wormwood - Common name of the plant known by the botanical name Artemisia absinthium. For more information see this.

Xantheose - A chemical found in some species of plants. It produces stimulant effects similar those of caffeine, but it is milder. Also called theobromine.

Yopo - A type of hallucinogenic snuff produced from the seeds of the Anadenanthera peregrina tree. For more information see this.

Zero-Zero - A top grade of hashish. The term originated from 00 (zero-zero) mesh size of fine silk fabric. Using 00 size mesh to sieve marijuana will produce about 1 pound of zero-zero grade hashish per 100 pounds of marijuana used (100:1 ratio). There would also be larger amounts of lower quality hashish produced from the original 100 pounds of marijuana.

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Illegal Drugs:
A Complete Guide to Their
History, Chemistry, Use and Abuse

Very good book about the history, sociology, legal and medical aspects of illegal (and some legal) drugs. Looks at all the popular illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc. Also investigates legal drugs like caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. And covers more obscure drugs like betel nuts and kava.

At about 500 (easy to understand) pages, the book contains a lot of text that might overwhelm the casual reader looking for basic info. This is more for someone with a serious interest in the subject or someone doing research.

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