Dangerous Chemistry of Jimson Weed – Watch Your Children!

Chemistry, Health
[caption id="attachment_15664" align="alignright" width="480"] Jimson Weed CCA Share Alike 3.0 by H. Zell[/caption] During the months of September and October, the reader may discover a disarmingly beautiful flowering weed. White to violet trumpets atop a green herbaceous plant, that after fertilization yields spiny seed pods, characterizes Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) or Jamestown Weed, also called among other things, Locoweed, Hell’s Bells, and Devil’s Trumpet. All parts of the Jimson Weed contain toxic alkaloids in potentially fatal quantity. These include atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopamine. A dose used for its psychedelic effect is marginally less than a fatal dose. Hence, there have been many hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its use. Jimson Weed - Druggery [caption id="attachment_15667" align="alignleft" width="300"] Seed pod. Image by Nova CCA 3.0 Unported[/caption] Some smoke Jimson Weed thinking…
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