What is jimsonweed? What are the risks? Jimsonweed ( stramonium) is Use of jimsonweed produces effects a flowering annual and a member of including dry mucous membranes, the nightshade family that grows wild difficulty swallowing and speaking, throughout the continental United blurred vision, (painful States. Jimsonweed is abused for the sensitivity to light), hallucinogenic effects it produces. The (elevated body temperature), , primary psychoactive substances in agitation, combative behavior, and jimsonweed, the and

© M. Williams . Jimsonweed poisoning , are legitimately used to Howis it used? typically must be treated by pumping treat various medical disorders. How is it used? the user’s stomach and administering Typically, jimsonweed is ingested activated charcoal to absorb the con- What does jimsonweed look like? orally, usually as an herbal tea. The taminants. There is no for , , and nectar also jimsonweed poisoning. Individuals who Jimsonweed is a that grows to may be eaten or smoked. Effects gener- use jimsonweed put themselves at risk a height of 5 feet and produces white ally occur within 30 to 60 minutes of of seizures, coma, and death. or pale purple trumpet-shaped flow- ingestion. The effects may persist for as ers. The jimsonweed plant has large, many as 24 to 48 hours because the lobed leaves on woody stems. Upon alkaloids present in the retard the reaching maturity, the plant releases human body’s digestive process. tiny black seeds from spiny capsules. Who abuses jimsonweed? It is difficult to gauge the extent of jimsonweed use in the United States Other Terms for Jimsonweed because most data sources that quan- tify drug use exclude jimsonweed. There Angel’s trumpet is evidence to suggest that teenagers Devil’s trumpet are the principal abusers of the drug. Jamestown Young people are particularly suscepti- Loco weed ble to jimsonweed abuse because, unlike many other illicit , it is Thornapple readily available and costs nothing to

© M. Williams obtain. Other products of interest: , Huffing—The Abuse of Is jimsonweed illegal? , Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth Although jimsonweed is not , scheduled under the Controlled Drugs,Youth, and the Internet Jimsonweed Substances Act, three states (Connecticut, New Jersey, and Tennessee) have passed legislation Fast FactsFacts to control jimsonweed. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has asserted that the belladonna alkaloids in jimsonweed are neither safe nor effective in over-the- counter cough and cold inhalants.

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