Is marijuana a hallucinogen
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?
Introduction to Marijuana and Hallucinogens
Marijuana, derived from the Cannabis plant, has been a subject of debate regarding its classification as a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens are substances that cause perceptual anomalies, including visual and auditory hallucinations. This article synthesizes research findings to determine whether marijuana fits this classification.
Perceptual Changes and Hallucinogenic Effects
Minor and Major Perceptual Changes
A study involving 42 young men who used marijuana found that about 90% experienced minor changes in perception, such as seeing colors or objects more intensely. Approximately half of the participants reported major perceptual changes, including hallucinating colors or designs, and around 40% experienced hallucinogenic ideation. The authors concluded that marijuana, as used by the population studied, can be classified as a hallucinogen .
Acute Hallucinatory Experiences
In a controlled laboratory setting, a healthy adult male experienced auditory and visual hallucinations after inhaling vaporized cannabis containing 25 mg of THC. The hallucinations were significant in magnitude but qualitatively different from those induced by classic hallucinogens like psilocybin and dextromethorphan. This suggests that while marijuana can induce hallucinatory effects, the mechanism may differ from other hallucinogens .
Comparative Analysis with Other Hallucinogens
Differences in Hallucinatory Intensity
Research indicates that while both marijuana and hallucinogens can alter consciousness and induce hallucinations, the predominant effect of cannabis is to alter the "feeling state" without causing intense hallucinations. In contrast, classic hallucinogens produce more intense sensory changes, often resulting in visual hallucinations even at low doses 678.
Historical and Legal Perspectives
Historically, marijuana has been classified under various categories, including hallucinogen, depressant, and stimulant. Early studies, such as those by Moreau in 1845, used cannabis to model psychosis, contributing to its classification as a hallucinogen. However, modern pharmacological studies highlight that marijuana's effects are distinct from those of classic hallucinogens like LSD .
Marijuana Use and Hallucinogen Exposure
Increased Exposure Opportunities
A large-scale study analyzing data from the National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse found that youths who used marijuana were significantly more likely to have opportunities to use hallucinogens compared to non-users. Once the opportunity arose, marijuana users were also more likely to initiate hallucinogen use. This suggests a strong interconnection between marijuana use and exposure to hallucinogens, although it does not directly classify marijuana as a hallucinogen .
Conclusion
The classification of marijuana as a hallucinogen is complex. While marijuana can induce perceptual changes and, in some cases, hallucinatory experiences, these effects are generally less intense and qualitatively different from those produced by classic hallucinogens. Historical and modern studies provide mixed perspectives, but the consensus leans towards marijuana having hallucinogenic properties under certain conditions, though not to the same extent as traditional hallucinogens. Further research is needed to fully understand the pharmacological mechanisms behind marijuana's hallucinogenic effects.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic