Morning glory plants are a common sight in gardens, admired for their vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers that unfurl with the morning sun. These ornamental plants, however, hold a lesser-known secret within their seeds. Certain varieties of morning glory contain naturally occurring compounds that can produce psychoactive effects when consumed. This article aims to provide factual information regarding these seeds, their potential effects, and the associated risks.
The Psychoactive Compound in Morning Glory Seeds
The primary psychoactive compound found in specific morning glory seeds is Lysergic Acid Amide, known as LSA. LSA is an ergoline alkaloid, structurally similar to Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), though it produces less potent effects. LSA interacts with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, primarily binding to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, contributing to its psychoactive effects.
The concentration of LSA can vary significantly between different batches and varieties of morning glory seeds. Other ergoline alkaloids like isoergine and lysergic acid hydroxyethylamide (LSH) are also present and may contribute to the overall experience. The amount of LSA required for hallucinogenic effects can range from 150 to 200 seeds of Ipomoea tricolor, or about 3 to 6 grams, which contains approximately 0.02% ergine by dry weight.
Reported Effects and Unpleasant Realities
Individuals consuming morning glory seeds for their psychoactive properties often seek altered perception, visual distortions, shifts in mood, and introspective thoughts. Some users report a dreamlike or sedative state, while others describe visual experiences with brightening and shifting colors. The onset of these effects can occur within 0.3 to 3 hours, lasting 4 to 10 hours.
Despite the pursuit of psychedelic effects, the experience is often accompanied by severe physical side effects. Common complaints include intense nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Other reported physical discomforts include dizziness, lethargy, confusion, muscle tension, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, diarrhea, and numbness of the limbs. These reactions often result from consuming the seeds whole, as other compounds present can cause digestive distress.
Serious Health Concerns
Consuming morning glory seeds carries notable health risks, extending beyond the immediate physical discomfort. Acute toxicity and overdose can lead to severe disorientation, paranoia, and even psychosis. In some instances, convulsions and respiratory issues may occur, necessitating emergency medical attention.
Long-term psychological risks include the potential exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions, persistent psychosis, or the development of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). A significant danger arises from commercially sold seeds, which are often treated with chemical fungicides or pesticides to prevent spoilage. These chemicals, such as methylmercury, are highly toxic if ingested and are not intended for human consumption. Consuming such treated seeds can lead to severe poisoning, making it unsafe to ingest seeds purchased from garden stores.
Legal Status and Availability
Morning glory seeds are readily available for purchase in garden stores and through online retailers as ornamental plants. While the seeds themselves are not illegal to possess or sell for cultivation purposes, the legal status surrounding their consumption for psychoactive effects is more complex. In the United States, LSA is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. While the seeds are legal to buy for gardening, extracting LSA or consuming them with the intent of experiencing psychoactive effects may be illegal under federal analogue drug laws. Other countries, like Poland, have explicitly banned certain LSA-containing plants, even though morning glory varieties remain legal for ornamental purposes.