Ground Zero

Drug: Mescobine

Mescobine is a psychoactive drug that is classified as both a depressant and a stimulant. It is either taken orally or snorted; oral ingestion being the more famous (and less dangerous) choice. Its three major ingredients are mescaline (the active ingredient in the hallucinogen peyote cactus), nicotine (the active ingredient in cigarettes), and psylocybin (the active ingredient in mushrooms). Trace amounts of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy—a hallucinogen and a derivative of amphetamines) have also been found.

In anecdotal reports, users claim generally three major stages of its effect. First is the stimulation where there are changes in visual perception—very clear and vivid hallucinations such as cobweb figures, tunnels, and spirals appearing in bright and various colors. This stimulated effect only lasts for 30 to 60 minutes after the intake. Afterwards, the user gets sedated; producing pleasant, relaxed feelings, and, in some cases, euphoria. In both stages, inhibition is greatly reduced and intellect or consciousness is not impaired. On the third stage, depression and paranoia takes place.

Street Name: Stick, Cobe, Nib

Nervous System:

Because of the presence of three strong drugs in its ingredient, mescobine sends various messages to the nervous system. The presence of mescaline increases the activity of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (released when physiological changes are activated by a stressful event) and dopamine (has important roles in mood, specifically when unexpected rewards are presented or expected but failed to see). Both psilocybin and the trace amounts of MDMA inhibits serotonin (plays a role in aggression, anger, vomiting, and sexuality) receptors. The strong presence of nicotine may just be the reason for its wavering effect. Nicotine activates certain receptors that cause arousal and then soon afterwards, it blocks these same receptors and produces calming.

Dangers:

To date, mescobine is the most dangerous drug known to man because of its mixed effect. Prolonged usage may very likely confuse the central nervous system, irrevocably driving the user to psychosis.

Mescobine was a designer drug, popular in rave parties. Currently, it is being widely used as a weapon; more specifically to sedate prisoners of war.