Is thujone a psychedelic?

Thujones’ purported hallucinogenic and epileptogenic effects have been disproven except at extremely high concentrations, and “absinthism” has been largely proven to be a result of alcoholism. An 80% ethanol extract of wormwood was a strong muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptor agonist in vitro.

How much wormwood is toxic?

It is now banned in many countries, including the U.S. But it is still allowed in European Union countries as long as the thujone content is less than 35 mg/kg. Thujone is a potentially poisonous chemical found in wormwood. Distilling wormwood in alcohol increases the thujone concentration.

How toxic is absinthe?

Currently available versions of absinthe boast of thujone inclusion—in one case at 8-9 ppm (still within the European Commission upper limit of 10 ppm9). The acute toxic effects of thujone include epileptiform convulsions.

What is thujone found in?

Sources. Thujone is found in a number of plants, such as arborvitae (genus Thuja, hence the derivation of the name), Nootka cypress, some junipers, mugwort, oregano, common sage, tansy, and wormwood, most notably grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), usually as a mix of isomers in a 1:2 ratio.

What drink has 70% alcohol?

140 (70% alcohol) Made in: Czech RepublicKing of Spirits is powered by thujone—a chemical produced by the grand wormwood plant that’s banned in the U.S. Thujone is also the primary culprit of the “absinthism,” a 19th-century affliction; symptoms could include sleeplessness, hallucinations, and convulsions.

Does wormwood tea get you high?

Despite absinthe’s reputation for causing hallucinations, sleeplessness, and convulsions, wormwood is not considered a hallucinogen ( 8 ). Although the drink’s high alcohol and thujone contents may play a minor role in these effects, this has not been confirmed by formal research.

What is the poison wormwood?

Wormwood is a bitter herb known for being an ingredient in absinthe. While it isn’t hallucinogenic, its plant compound thujone can be toxic and even fatal in large amounts. All the same, wormwood may offer numerous benefits when taken in moderation.

How long should you take wormwood?

Wormwood is relatively safe for short-term use of two to four weeks. Long-term use for four or more weeks and/or taking higher amounts than recommended can cause serious side effects.

What are the benefits and side effects of Wormwood?

Wormwood’s most notable plant compound is thujone, which has some benefits but can be toxic in excess. In addition to its use in absinthe and other spirits, wormwood has many applications in non-Western medicinal practices, including Traditional Chinese medicine.

Why do people think Wormwood is hallucinogenic?

The idea that wormwood is hallucinogenic may be based in part on accounts of absinthism. Hallucination was a commonly described symptom of absinthism in medical journals, 5 though it would likely be described as delirium today.

How is thujone related to the psychoactive effects of Wormwood?

The inhibition of GABA A receptors by α-thujone may contribute to wormwood’s psychoactive effects, particularly when co-administered with alcohol, as in absinthe. Höld et al. note that while thujone inhibits GABA A receptor function, alcohol enhances it.

What kind of smell does wormwood oil have?

Wormwood is famous for its extremely bitter taste. Its whitish-grey fuzzy leaves give off a strong, acrid smell when crushed. Wormwood oil is largely composed of thujone, a psychoactive terpene that is chemically similar to camphor.