Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 36
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Serotonergic Hallucinogens
• LSD
• Tryptamines (DMT, 5 -MeO-
DMT, psilocybin)
• Ololiuqui (morning glory
seeds)
Module Two - The Clinical Neurotoxicology of Chemical Terrorism
36
Serotonin is a widely distributed neurotransmitter in the brain. Excess serotonin in
certain regions of the brain leads to delirium and hallucinations. A number of intoxicants
and drugs of abuse enhance the effects of serotonin including LSD, tryptamines, and
some amphetamines.
Many of these compounds have been abused for their hallucinogenic effects. LSD or
“acid” is probably the most famous of these.
Psilocybin is found in hallucinogenic mushrooms. DMT (dimethyl tryptamine) and 5-
MEO-DMT (5-methoxy dimethyl tryptamine) are “designer drugs.” These drugs are
chemical modifications of other drugs. Such modifications may enhance their
hallucinogenic effects.
Morning glory seeds (also known as ololiuqui) and other plant hallucinogens such as
mushrooms and certain cacti are used recreationally for their effects. While they are
unlikely to cause any permanent or serious harm to people exposed in a terrorist
situation – they can incapacitate a large number of people and prevent them from
responding rationally or appropriately to a given situation.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 106