Why do people use Datura (Jimsonweed) recreationally?

Why People Use Datura (Jimsonweed) Recreationally

People use Datura recreationally primarily for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects, despite the significant risks of severe anticholinergic toxicity that can lead to serious illness or death. 1, 2

Motivations for Recreational Use

• Datura stramonium (jimsonweed) contains potent anticholinergic alkaloids including atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine that produce hallucinogenic effects, making it attractive to those seeking altered states of consciousness 1, 3

• The plant is widely distributed, easily accessible, and not regulated by legislation in many areas, making it a tempting choice for sensation-seeking young people 1, 4

• Recreational use often occurs during group initiation sessions among adolescents and young adults, where peer pressure and curiosity about "natural" hallucinogens play significant roles 1

• Users seek the central anticholinergic effects, which can include visual hallucinations and euphoria, despite the unpleasant physical side effects 2, 4

Clinical Effects and Dangers

• Datura ingestion produces an anticholinergic syndrome characterized by:

  • Neurological effects: hallucinations, agitation, delirium, seizures, and potentially coma 2, 3
  • Cardiovascular effects: tachycardia, arrhythmias (including right bundle branch block) 3
  • Other effects: fever, mydriasis (dilated pupils), urinary retention, and dry mouth 3, 4

• Even small amounts can cause serious central nervous system symptoms, particularly in children who are more vulnerable to atropine toxicity 2

• Severe cases can progress to rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and potentially death without proper medical intervention 3

Patterns of Use

• Users may ingest the roots, seeds, or entire plant, often brewing it into teas or extracts to obtain the psychoactive compounds 1, 5

• The unpleasant memory of the experience and severe side effects generally prevent most consumers from repeating it, unlike patterns seen with other recreational substances 1

• Accidental poisonings can occur through contaminated food, particularly affecting children, though this is less common than intentional recreational use 2

Medical Implications

• Treatment for Datura poisoning is primarily supportive, including:

  • Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal 3, 4
  • Respiratory support, potentially including intubation in severe cases 3
  • Cooling measures for hyperthermia 3
  • Physostigmine administration in life-threatening cases 4

• Effects can persist beyond the acute phase, with some users reporting visual accommodation difficulties for days or amnesia about the episode for months 1

• Unlike cannabis, which has seen increasing legalization and medical applications 6, Datura has no recognized medical use in modern medicine outside of very specific contexts (such as potential use in organophosphate poisoning) 5

Risk Reduction

• Harm reduction approaches suggest that if Datura is used recreationally (though strongly discouraged):

  • A non-user should be present to seek help if needed
  • It should not be mixed with other substances
  • Medical help should be sought at the first signs of intoxication 1

• Unlike cannabis, which has a complex risk profile but lower acute toxicity 6, Datura presents immediate and potentially life-threatening risks even with first-time use 3, 4