Plants With Psychoactive Effects That Are Legal in the US
Are Psychoactive Plants Legal in the United States?
The complete lexicon of psychoactive plants is a deep array, composed of more plants than which have been researched or fully investigated. There are plants which have yet to even be discovered, which are psychoactive, and undoubtedly legal in the United States. With that said, there are also plenty of plants within the presently available, known archive of psychoactive plants which are still legal in the United States already. Many of these plants have a long history of being used for their psychoactive purposes in the United States. Some of them are only recently being used for their psychoactive properties, having previously been used only medicinally, for religious purposes or in culinary applications.
It is important to understand that while many psychoactive plants may be legal to own in the United States, some of them are not legal to extract and use in a psychoactive fashion. In fact, simply owning some of them with the intent to use them for their psychoactive properties is illegal.
The History of Psychoactive Plant Use in the United States
The Native Americans are no stranger to hallucinogenic and psychoactive plant use, and have pioneered the practice on the continent, long before colonial times. Many plants have been used by the tribes for thousands of years in religious rituals, celebrations and all types of festivals and ceremonies. They have strong significance in shamanic rituals of many tribes, having allowed the Indian leaders and medicine men to spirit walk, vision dance, and receive divination through their dreams. One of the most commonly used psychoactive plants dating back to even ancient North American history is tobacco. The United States made great use of this crop to help the country thrive (both internally and in exports) for years. Tobacco was no doubt one of the most commonly cultivated psychoactive plants of the United States, specifically cultivated for its psychoactive properties.
Peyote is an interesting plant, as it is one of the few plants which are hallucinogenic, growing in the United States, and which have been banned to every normal citizen of the country. The Native American Church, however, has received special rights to be able to use the plant, along with a few others, protected under the principle it is their culture and part of their religion. More importantly, these plants have been used by Native Americans for thousands of years. Peyote, for example, has been suspected to have been used nearly as far back as 6,000 years ago!
As the United States took over from the Native Americans, it would take less than a hundred years before regulatory agencies would begin popping up in efforts to regulate the pharmaceutical industry. States began regulating the drugs and plants first, and sooner than later the United States began creating independent Commissioners, rules and associations, specifically to combat drugs and psychoactive substances. The war on opium truly began with the first Opium Commissioner, Hamilton Wright, in 1911, followed quickly after by the beginning of substance banning and even alcohol prohibition a few years later (1919). In 1930, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was created. Though Roosevelt would repeal prohibition in 1933, no doubt the government already had all the power necessary in place to control marijuana…and eventually all other plants they would like. The United States government and agencies responsible, have been banning psychoactive plants for a long time. The DEA and FDA, along with other agencies, are always looking at banning new substances being used for their psychoactive uses, especially those which are found to be mood enhancing.
Although the story continues, and several other drugs and plants for years to come would become the target of many agencies, persons of anti-drug influence, and programs, the people always seem to find a way to get what they want…even if it means turning to another plant or substance. The Earth is a treasure trove of psychoactive activity. And, the time it takes the powers at be to do research and decide to wage war on a psychoactive plant, is enough time for a few more plants to become popular. And there is also a big list of these plants which have been long popular and have managed to remain legal.
List of Psychoactive Plants Legal in the United States
This is a complete list of psychoactive plants that are still legal in the US. It is important to note that the plant does not have to be native to the United States, or even grow on North American soil at all, in order to be legal in the United States. While some of these plants may be cultivated in the United States, or even indigenous to the country, most have come from all around the world.
The list is in no particular order.
Kava Kava
Use: Social Lubricant in Ceremonial Doses, Sedative in High Doses
Kava is a stimulating drink when taken in lower doses. The root of the plant is typically chewed, or it is brewed into a tea. Kava is very frequently ground up or otherwise pulverized before it is brewed, as it allows the greatest botanical surface area, and for the ultimate kavalactone extraction. The kavalactones are what are responsible for the euphoric and social lubrication effects users typically experience. When used in higher doses, it can be a strong sedative. Kava has only recently been picking up in popularity throughout the United States.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Fly Agaric Mushrooms
Use: Visions, Spiritual Journeys, Hallucinogen
Fly Agaric have long been used by Native Americans, and are well-documented for their cultural significance on the continent. They have been used as an analog for Ayahuasca, and are very frequently used to brew a number of psychedelic drinks. Fly Agaric mushrooms contain many constituents, but the most important is undoubtedly muscimol, which is responsible for the psychoactive properties of the mushroom. They have picked up in popularity for their use as vision-inducing hallucinogens throughout the United States, even being stocked in some head shops (though rarely).
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Use: Psychedelic-type of Visions, Like LSD
Hawaiian Woodrose seeds are also referred to as morning glory seeds, being a member of the morning glory family. They are used for many medicinal purposes and had originated in India…though making their way to Hawaii very early as well. The psychoactive effects of Woodrose can be attributed to its high content of Lysergic Acid Amide, also known as LSA. The Hawaiian natives have used the seeds to make hallucinogenic and vision-inducing drinks for centuries, perhaps even thousands of years…however, the psychoactive use of the plant is only a recent mainland recreational practice. Some of the best Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds come untreated and from a premium cultivation, such as the ones sold by Edge77 in a re-sealable ziploc.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled; though Lysergic Acid Amide, the primary compound responsible for the hallucinogenic activity, is illegal in the United States.
Morning Glory
Use: Inducing Psychedelic-type of Visions and Hallucinations
Similarly to Hawaiian Wood Rose, there are other Morning Glory plants (most notably Ololiuqui), which have also been known for their hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects. The seeds of the Ololiuqui plant produce the same substance as Wood Rose, LSA, and has been regarded in the last 70 years or so to be a hallucinogen within the United States. The morning glory plant has been misused and most people feel it is ineffective, though crushing 4-8 seeds into a cup of water is usually enough to understand its true power.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled; though Lysergic Acid Amide, the primary compound responsible for the hallucinogenic activity, is illegal in the United States.
Nightshades
Use: Hallucinogen, Stimulant, and More
There are a lot of nightshades. Some are more psychoactive than others…even tobacco is technically a nightshade, and obviously very well known for its psychoactive use. Other important nightshades that are used in the United States have more sinister properties. Thorn Apple (Jimsonweed, also known as Datura), Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), and Belladonna are among some of the other species which have been found in North America and have been periodically enjoyed (or feared) for their hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects. Black Henbane has been considered so powerful that it can produce light euphoria and excitement just from smelling its flowers and nectar. Thorn Apple is so strong a hallucinogen that it has taken down entire colonies who have mistaken it as a safe plant to consume. These plants are all used for recreational purposes in many countries around the world, United States included.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Damiana
Use: Smoked as a Marijuana Substitute or Brewed into a Sedating Herbal Tea
Damiana has a lot of history in the United States, though receiving less spotlight than most plants. It has been included in many herbal teas. It is included in many smoking blends. It has been used as a medicine in some Native American practices. In recent years, it has been marketed in the United States as a legal marijuana substitute. Damiana was even recognized by the inventor of Coca-Cola, in a tonic he created and marketed in France called “Wine Coca.” The herbage has been reported to contain high quantities of chlorophyll. Smoking the plant can produce relaxation, euphoria and other marijuana-like effects. Quality means everything when it comes to Damiana. Some of the highest quality damiana is sold by the ounce at Edge77.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Kratom
Use: Stimulant in Low Doses, Sedative in High Doses
Kratom has been one of the center stage focuses of the United States and media currently, as many states have independently banned the plant. Kratom contains a number of indole alkaloids, most importantly being mitragine and mitragynaline. Mitragynine is very closely related to psilocybin and some other ergot alkaloids. Many people use Kratom in the United States for its stimulating properties. Other people in the US choose to brew Kratom into an herbal tea…and while it may not be the same preparations as the traditional ceremonial Kratom tea, it is most certainly as sedating. The most popular method for using Kratom in the United States has been by capsule. Either powdered leaf, stem or veins are loaded into the capsules, or an extract of the psychoactive alkaloids (for more powerful effects). Some companies have experimented with liquid Kratom shots similar to five hour energy drinks, even mixing the Kratom with other herbs that produce similar effects.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Dream Herb
Use: Induce Vivid Visions and Realistic, Prophetic Dreams
The use of Zacatechichi is not new in the United States. Although it is most abundantly found in the regions of the Aztecs, it has most certainly made its way up into the United States. Aztec Dream Grass has been an herb of interest most recently for its ability to induce extremely vivid lucid dreams. The dreams are very real-like and often considered prophetic in nature. Typically the leaves are brewed into a tea that is consumed to induce visions and these super realistic dreams. Sometimes the herbage is rolled into a cigarette and smoked. It is sometimes used as a legal alternative to marijuana in the United States.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Nutmeg
Use: Hallucinogen, Aphrodisiac, Medicinal Purposes
Nutmeg, also known by its scientific name, Myristica fragrans, is a confusing plant. It is often misperceived as merely a spice…though large quantities of Nutmeg most certainly induce visions, and often full-on visual and auditory hallucinations. Frequently the “trip” will put the user to sleep, where the hallucinations and visions will continue. High quantities of nutmeg can be dangerous, but nonetheless, still hallucinogenic and the herb remains legal (and regularly used for recreation and spiritual exploration in the United States). Nutmeg has often been compared to MDMA-like effects, and is sometimes called an “herbal ecstasy.” It produces a heightened sense of empathy in users, much like actual ecstasy. Nutmeg has been a popular psychoactive drug used in prisons and poor communities for its accessibility and cheap price.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
San Pedro Cactus
Use: Hallucinogen
The San Pedro Cactus is known by many names depending upon tribe and time in history of use. Its scientific name is Trichocereus pachanoi. This cactus has been associated with so many rituals and shamanistic/witchcraft ceremonies. It has strong religious significance to many cultures. It is legal for decorative purpose, and only becomes illegal if it is owned with the intention of using it for its psychoactive properties. It is also illegal to extract the mescaline content in the cactus, which is the constituent responsible for the hallucinogenic effects. Its ornamental legality, however, makes it a common plant grown in many gardens and yards throughout Texas and other Southwestern states. Mescaline is a very powerful, psychedelic high. It sometimes induces out of body experiences. It is a very common commodity traded around the world, and is commercially available in the United States both in seed form and as a grown cactus, ready-to-plant.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled, When Cultivated for Gardening; though Mescaline, the primary compound responsible for the hallucinogenic activity, is illegal in the United States.
Common Reed
Use: Hallucinogen
The scientific name of Common Reed is Phragmites australis and it is an invasive grass that has been found on many continents, North America included. It used to have a lot of sacred significance to the Navajo Indians, however, it has only more recently become popularly used for its recreational value. When 25 to 55 grams of the root (dried) is boiled for a few moments in water, it can create a powerful, hallucinogenic drink. Peganum harmala seeds are typically added to the boiling stage. This drink is typically used as an Ayahuasca analog by many tribes. Common Reed relies on the primary constituents N,N-DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenine and gramine for its psychoactive effects. The plant itself is not only very abundantly growing wild throughout the United States, but it is also legal to possess and cultivate.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled; though DMT, the primary compound responsible for the hallucinogenic activity, is illegal in the United States.
Blue Lotus Flower
Use: Sedating, Psychoactive Tea; Also Smoked
The Blue Lotus Flower also goes by names Blue Water Lily, Nymphaea (after its scientific name, Nymphaea caerulea), and Egyptian Lotus. It is most abundantly found in Egypt, along the Nile, only being found in Palestine other than that (in much less quantities). The plant has a long history throughout Ancient Egypt of offering narcotic and psychoactive properties. It used to be used for its inebriating effects in many rituals. It is first mentioned in the Egyptian Book of the Dead and seems to have been consumed (rhizome only). The Buds and the flowers are the psychoactive parts of the plant and contains alkaloids which have yet to be researched. Blue Lotus has been used (by the Egyptians and other cultures around the world, even today), as an aphrodisiac, to remedy constipation, to treat the liver and help regulate urine…as well as a variety of other internal and external uses. Blue Lotus flowers are sometimes smoked as a substitute for marijuana and have been said to offer sedating, relaxing properties. The herbage is also sometimes brewed into a relaxing, sedating tea (commonly compared to xanax). Although today’s use does not typically result in hallucinogenic activity, it has been suggested in many texts (modern and ancient alike) that the special flower induced powerful auditory and visual hallucinations for the Egyptians. The best blue lotus is a premium blend called “Jolly Lotus” sold by Edge77.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Agara
Use: Hallucinogen, Intoxicant
Agara (Galbulimma belgraveana) is known to the natives of Papua to be a powerful hallucinogen. It is also used in a recreational and ceremonial capacity and can be very intoxicating. Typically the leaves and bark are combined and brought to a boil, along with (sometimes) other ingredients to make an herbal tea. There are many alkaloids in the plant, but the true psychoactive properties are yet to be understood. Still, users around the world (the United States included), claim hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects from Agara tea. The visions that are experienced on Agara are typically unpleasant, however, most commonly consisting of men and animals being killed violently.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Silene Capensis (African Dream Root)
Use: Vivid, Lucid Dreams
African Dream Root is often overlooked in the United States, and many people do not understand its historical use nor its traditional preparation. Many sects of tribes in southern regions of Africa (especially the Xhosa) have long used Silene capensis for its incredible dream-inducing powers. Users have also reported the ability to remember their dreams better, even with incredible detail. The root is turned into a fine powder and mixed with water, stirring vigorously to produce a foam which must be consumed. The foam possesses the dream-inducing power, not the water. The dreams are typically lucid, meaning the dreamer is aware they are in a dream. The dreamer can usually control and influence the dream in ways that are similar to real-life decision making. African Dream Root is still used by shaman in Africa today for its prophetic and divinatory values. It has also become a worldwide recreational phenomena.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Kanna
Use: Mood Enhancer and Sedative in Low Doses; Vision-Inducing Hallucinogen in Larger Doses
Kanna has many names, including channa, canna and by genus Mesembryanthemum. Though it is also known as Sceletium tortuosum, a more recently identified plant which has also been called kanna. They are all used the same, by chewing the plant, inducing an intoxicating inebriation. It can be used in low doses to enhance mood and as a mild sedative…but in high doses as a strong hallucinogen. The Hottentots are most known for using kanna. The roots are what are considered to possess the intoxicating, psychoactive properties. Some other tribes throughout South Africa have used kanna in snuff and smoking blend preparations. In recent times, kanna has become more interesting in Western cultures (especially the United States) for its psychoactive effects.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Sida Sp.
Use: Stimulant, Ephedra substitute
Sida, especially S. cordifolia, has been found to contain high quantities of ephedrine in the roots. The plants often grow very rigid and are so sturdy that they are harvested to be used as brooms. They grow pretty yellow or white flowers. There are a lot of these plants being cultivated and found in the wild throughout warm climates of the world. They are growing abundantly within coastal regions. Sida has been smoked by tribes and cultures around the world for its stimulant-like effects. Some people extract the ephedrine.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Betel (Areca catechu)
Use: Stimulant, Mood Enhancer
Betel Palm, sometimes called Betel Nut or Betelnut, has many species varieties, representing many different local races. Historical use of the plant dates as far back as 340 BC. It is well known throughout Egypt, India, Europe, Africa, Asia and many other places around the world. Typically, the nuts themselves are collected, as they have the strongest psychoactive ingredients. The fruits are fermented into wine. The leaves are used with beer. The alkaloid most potent and responsible for the powerful stimulating effects of Betel is arecoline. While the nuts have been used in ceremonies for thousands of years, they are also used as a recreational stimulant. While they do have many medicinal uses as well, they are most certainly most commonly employed for their stimulating effects. Typically, Betel is not considered to be addictive.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Wild Dagga
Use: Smoked as a Substitute for Cannabis
Wild Dagga is also known by its scientific name, Leonotis leonurus. It is a South African bush that grows interesting orange flowers. These blossoms are reported to possess powerful hallucinogenic properties. Some tribes refer to the plant as Dacha or Daggha. It is also sometimes called “wild hemp,” being that it has been known to be smoked for its marijuana-like effects. Wild Dagga is very commonly found in smoking blends containing many other smokable plants, such as Cannabis, Datura or Tobbaco. It is very commonly found smoked in California as a marijuana substitute. The flowers taste bitter when smoked, which is one of the reasons it is usually not a plant that is smoked by itself.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled.
Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark (aka MHRB)
Use: Hallucinogen
MHRB is also known as Jurema to some tribes, being most popular in Central and South America (as well as Mexico). In modern times, it has been picking up in popularity within Western cultures (United States included), for its powerful psychoactive properties. The bark, trunk and root alike are typically used to make a strong Ayahuasca analog. The plant produces a ton of DMT, especially in the bark of the trunk and the roots of the plant. There are medicinal uses for the plant, including analgesic properties, however, it has been used most commonly in Western culture today for its hallucinogenic effects. It is typically smoked or consumed in a beverage. It only becomes illegal when extracting DMT or using the plant for its psychoactive effects provided by its DMT content.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled, When Purchased Not For Human Consumption.
Yopo
Use: Psychedelic Hallucinogen
Yopo is known by its other common name, Cohoba, and its scientific name, Anadenantherea peregrina. It is known by Central and South Americans, Caribbean Islanders, and many others in the surrounding regions. The seeds of Yopo have been very commonly employed by the indigenous people of the Amazon, being manufactured into a powder snuff. Yopo is used in medicinal ceremonies, tribal celebrations and for recreation. Yopo seeds contain high contents of N,N-DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenine (also known as 5-OH-DMT). Usually Yopo snuff is ingested nasally (as Yopo seeds are normally powdered, hence being a snuff), and induces psychedelic effects and visions almost immediately. The psychedelic effects last an average of 12-15 minutes, but some lighter effects may stick around for up to an hour.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled, For Ornamental Purposes Only; though bufotenine and DMT, the primary compounds responsible for the hallucinogenic activity, are illegal in the United States.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Use: Creates Absinthe (Alcoholic Spirit) and Smoked to Enhance Cannabis
Wormwood is also known by Absinthe, the name given to the popular alcoholic drink that recently graced Western cultures (the United States included). The drink has since been banned in the United States, however, it was a popular spirit infused with compounds extracted from Wormwood which helped amplify the inebriating effects. Thujone is a very strong psychoactive substance found in Wormwood, and is responsible for making Absinthe alcohol so much stronger than other alcohol. It is such a strong substance that it became popularly used for terminating unwanted pregnancies. Though Wormwood may have a bad rap for its strong psychoactive effects, the actual plant is totally legal to own for decorative purposes in the United States.
Legality in the United States: Legal, Unregulated and Uncontrolled as an Ornamental Plant or for Gardening.
Final Notes: Psychoactive Plant Use in the United States
New laws and regulations are passed every day, however, these psychoactive plants have long undergone scrutiny and have still remained legal in the United States. Many of them are common, found in gardens, open fields, along the highway or even in the pantry. Some of them become illegal when the psychoactive compound is extracted from the plant, but all of them are at least legal to possess in an ornamental fashion. Many of them will remain legal for years to come, maybe forever, though this list is always growing and new psychoactive plants (which are obviously legal) are discovered every day!
