All the new toys

All right, before I get into anything about this vaporizer, I need to remark on its name. This vape is labeled the Lotus Vaporizer; my favorite car is a Lotus, and I am known as Lotus. If that’s not the best coincidence ever, I don’t know what is. So when I heard that I would be reviewing a vaporizer with that title, I was very excited. I was also immediately aware that this type of bias could negatively affect readers who have no affiliation to the word “lotus,” so I made sure to include a number of neutral participants to provide their own insight. Ok, now let’s jump right in…

First Impressions

To begin with, the Lotus arrived within three days of the order. Our request was placed on the 17th, and the package arrived on the 20th – a turnaround that puts them on par with Amazon, Newegg, and other big name vendors. It was packaged securely in a normal shipping box with a mind for discretion, only displaying an obscure, nondescript “MT” (Mendocino Technologies) logo above their shipping address. For those of you in enlightened, weed-friendly states, that may seem like a fairly trivial remark. However, for those of us still in draconian, backwards societies, it can make all the difference. I was impressed and pleasantly surprised.

Nestled into its home, the stir stick waits for its time to shine

There are a number of different ordering configurations for the Lotus; we acquired the “Combination Pipe and Water Pipe Adapter” kit.  Priced at $132, this includes the vape itself, an aluminum adapter to fit standard bongs, torch lighter, carrying bag, a couple informational pamphlets, and last and probably least the little weed scoop. For an extra five bucks you can throw in the “stir stick,” which is quite possibly one of the most ingenious things I’ve seen on a vape. It’s simply a little metal post you store in the top piece of your vaporizer, used for the necessary process of stirring your bowls. I always just left it in the hole, as I found it best to use the wooden vapor cap as a handle.

Craftsmanship on the Lotus and accoutrements is gorgeous and consistent, each product carrying the same quality in build and style. The vapor cap has that attractive little flower, and all the vent holes, screws, plates and wood housing are clearly built with tight tolerances, quality materials and strict guidelines. Both anodized aluminum stems are lightweight yet sturdy, and the wood/nickel vaporizer cap is sleek and durable. Essentially, everything important is well-built and just feels solid. While I’m sure you could manage to damage the cosmetics, you would be hard pressed to break this thing in any fashion.

Learning Curve

Having been a long-time vaporizer owner and enthusiast, I am pretty well-experienced in the vaping “process.” Still, I find myself having to learn nearly every new vape I pick up. While most people can pick up any random bong, pipe, blunt or joint and get an excellent and consistent hit, each vaporizer seems to have its own personality. The general rule-of-thumb is: let it heat up, inhale slow and steady, hold it in.

Whoever thought you'd see instruction manuals for pipes?

Now, the Lotus is the same concept – not much different than hitting an MFLB or any random whip vape. However, since you’re using a butane torch instead of an electric heating element, it can be a bit tricky to get used to. It took most of my friends about 2-3 tries to get the procedure down, and it took me about 4-5 to figure it out. Mendocino Technologies sends a handy little “how-to” guide, but there are some things you just can’t learn without practice.

We found that gently resting the lighter on the pipe with about a 1/2 inch flame worked most effectively. There’s definitely a sweet spot to find – one that doesn’t get the nickel plate too hot or not hot enough. Once you find it, the Lotus is second to none in vaporizing capability. Needless to say, my lungs are pretty damn conditioned to THC intake – I mean hell, I write for a weed blog. Well, my first successful hit with the Lotus literally had me on the ground in a coughing fit. It is not a tool to be underestimated.

What She Can Do

Lotus provides for a quick, simple, powerful, tasty and efficient vaping process. Unlike similar handheld vapes like the MFLB or Iolite, you won’t need to wait for heating elements to start up, or guess when they’re warm enough. And unlike the Vapor Genie, you won’t be inhaling products of imperfect combustion from a Bic or equivalent lighter like soot, unburned butane, etc. I’ve heard ignited butane is harmless, but it certainly affects the flavor and texture of your hits, which is where the Lotus truly shines.

We had the luxury of trying both the standard pipe and water pipe options. I was initially expecting the bong-attachment to be more of a novelty, and that the standard version was the real meat-and-potatoes. Little did I know – the bong adapter is actually quite impressive, and provides for a remarkable smoking experience. Since you’re vaporizing, the hits are easy to stop, and no weed is wasted at all. And of course – it being a bong and all – you can take massive hits of highly potent vapor. Truly the best of both worlds.

Equally impressive was the standard pipe, which provided us with copious amounts of smooth, unadulterated vapor. It’s simple enough to use, and easily provides the largest and most efficient hits of any portable vaporizer I’ve ever used. Hands down. It related more to my old Da Buddha, the more popular SSV and even the Volcano in terms of hit size and consistency than any of its portable competitors. Where these electric desktop vapes win out is ease of use and bowl size. Even though using a lighter is easy, it’s not easier than turning a knob or pressing a button. And the Lotus’ bowl is fairly small, only allowing enough room for about 3 average, or 2 generous hits.

Cold air intake!

Personally, I think the bottom-located intake vents are absolute genius. They provide fresh, untainted hits that are much cooler and more pure than anything you can get with direct flame. And it’s done with the precision and user-input only achievable with a lighter. Without buying an expensive desktop vaporizer, you’re simply not going to find an accurate, adjustable heating element. And unlike what manufacturers might lead you to believe, every type of weed does not vaporize under the same conditions. Control over the temperature in a vaporizer is paramount if you want to get the most effective and efficient use out of it.

It remains to be seen how durable the Lotus will be with long-term use, but if today’s rigorous testing was any indication, it will age with dignity. They advertise as being an all-American product: designed, manufactured and sold in the United States. The quality on every level was truly phenomenal, and you can tell this is a device with some serious R&D behind it. Everything was considered. It doesn’t get too hot to handle, it has good indicators to let you know how your hit is going, it (potentially) has a built-in stir stick (!), and every piece is made of highly durable, highly attractive materials.

On top of all of that, Mendocino Technologies even stands confidently behind their product, granting a 3 year warranty on the piece. Long enough to be useful, but short enough that you can reasonably expect them to still exist.

Too Good to be True?

Extremely portable, reasonably priced, high-quality and efficient – the Lotus seems like something out of a stoner’s fantasy. I’m a very cynical person in general, and I’m usually quick to point out the flaws in… well everything. With the Lotus I am genuinely at a loss. They seem to have taken care of everything, and the minor complaints and issues I have are more due to physics itself than anything design-related.

Ready for use. This is actually a bit overfilled.

Perhaps the only real complaint I have is the limitation on bowl size. Simply by nature of being a portable vape, you’ll never get it to store a large quantity of weed. This makes it slightly unwieldy for use in a group, or with low-quality bud. We were consistently getting at least 3 big hits out of it per bowl, which was about enough to get one (high tolerance) user very well stoned. After each hit you’ll want to stir it up a bit to ensure even vaping, making the stir stick a good investment for any prospective owner.

Beyond that, the anodizing does show scratching and other blemishes fairly easily. With a few years of abuse, a heavy user will easily transform the stylish appearance of the Lotus into a battle-scarred workhorse. The good news about that is the vape will actually be around to see those days. Most glass pieces or electronic vapes will die out or break, while the Lotus will continue to dutifully stimulate your cannabinoid receptors for years to come. There is only one piece on the vape I would be concerned about, which is the nickel heating plate. It’s fairly thin, and since it’s getting direct flame from a butane torch, it’ll be suffering a lot of torture over time. Only time will tell the nickel will hold up, but in any case it would be a cheap repair.

In Comparison

I’m active on a lot of different drug-related message boards, and one of the most popular devices on the internet is the Magic Flight Launch Box. It seems to generate unwavering support wherever you happen to look, and has taken on a reputation for being highly praised and adored. If you’re unfamiliar with the MFLB, it’s a simple wooden electronic vape that runs on battery. It is very small, and is made to be a highly portable and concealable device.

My opinion is that the MFLB is an overhyped, overpriced fad, and a massive number of people have fallen prey to excellent grassroots marketing campaigns. It is inconsistent, the glass is easily scratched, the battery runs out quick and the device just feels cheap and cheesy. Plus, on a portable vape, I prefer a self-contained device. With the MFLB you must store the battery holster separate from the device during transport, or you run the risk of heating up your pipe unwittingly. Perhaps the only upside to that vape is the generous lifetime warranty that the manufacturer offers. I wonder, though, how long that manufacturer will actually last… Anyway, all of this would be absolutely fine and excusable, if the pipe were priced appropriately – say $30-50 or so. At its current retail of $120, however, it is a complete ripoff.

Iolite’s version of a portable electronic vape is another product that suffers from a case of overinflated price tag. I actually liked the Iolite in my experience with it; it produced clean, consistent hits every time. Those hits were fairly small, but at least you knew what you were getting. Battery life is acceptable, design seems sturdy enough (for plastic anyway), and it seems to heat up at a reasonable rate. But the retail on an I-o is $200! That is completely unacceptable for what you’re getting with that piece.

Another popular pipe I was severely disappointed with is the Vapor Genie. It didn’t ever want to give me solid hits, and the amount of butane flavor nearly made me gag. It’s priced a bit more appropriately ($55) than its competitors, but it still seems a bit much. Beyond that, it seems to be made of pressure-treated wood, which is very hazardous to your health if it gets too hot, is touched too much, or contacts acidic things. Honestly, I don’t think it holds a candle to the Lotus, but as the only “lighter fueled” portable vape in direct competition, I felt it necessary to include for our purposes.

I’ll save some time here: the Lotus wins on all fronts, except ease of use. Torching the nickel plate seems a bit harder than it initially sounds, and definitely takes a little finesse. Electronic vapes are nice in that regard, but the trade-off of unpredictable or insufficient heat really detracts from the current contenders performance. The Iolite doesn’t seem to provide quite enough heat to be efficient, and the MFLB was all over the place during my time with it. As simple as the concept of a Vapor Genie seems, the lighter never heated up my product enough to enjoy it. To be quite honest, at some point I eventually just took out the bud in frustration and stuck it in a more capable vaporizer.

She's a pretty one

As far as cost goes, I genuinely think the Lotus is at a realistic, appropriate price point. You’re paying for some serious quality here, and not just in the materials. MT has clearly spent lots of time meticulously poring over every detail of their product. It looks like you might expect an Apple product to look – trendy, tightly toleranced, and capable. On top of that, it is truly an innovative concept. And despite the stylish looks, it still performs like a purpose-built machine. There are facets to this pipe I’ve never seen done before by anyone, including the built-in stir stick, the cold-air intake and the heating plate.

Beyond that, for nearly the same price as an MFLB, you can get the Lotus pipe, the water pipe adapter, the custom-designed lighter, the carrying case and the weed scoop. Compare that to just the MFLB, a couple batteries, and a battery charger, and you can see why I think the MFLB is considerably overpriced. Of course, you wouldn’t even be 3/4 of the way towards an Iolite, if you went hog wild and got every possible accoutrement and upgrade available on a Lotus. And the Lotus pipe itself is only $100 without a kit, so it’s in the same ballpark as a Vapor Genie.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been thinking for a long while about what I’d change on the Lotus if I had the chance. After a good amount of consideration, there are only really two things I’d modify. First, I’d permanently affix the stir stick in its wooden home on the vapor cap. In fact, I think I’ll probably do that on my own piece, as I’m absolutely positive it will get hopelessly lost if I don’t. My other alteration would be a widening of the bowl. I’m not sure how that would affect the ergonomics of the piece, but it seems like it could be conceivably done. With a slightly bigger bowl, there’s not a pipe in the world that could stand up to the Lotus.

My recommendation if you’re considering the Lotus is to buy the $132 combo pipe and water pipe, and throw in the custom-fit stir stick for $5. The standard price of the Lotus itself is $100 – that means for less than $40 you’ll have the added capability to vape with a bong, you’ll be provided your own custom-fit torch lighter, you’ll be able to stir up your bowls with a fitted stir stick, and you can store your products conveniently in one bag. Everything in the kit is purpose-built for your pipe, and nothing seems frivolous or gimmicky. One factor I can’t help you with is color choice, as I was heavily torn between the three options. The all-black, turquoise and natural wood finishes all look equally excellent.

If you hadn’t noticed, I really like this piece. Hell, I love this thing. If you’re in the market for a portable vaporizer, you would be a fool not to consider the Lotus. The fact that it requires a torch lighter does mean a slight drawback for inconspicuous public use, but it provides significant benefits over its element-driven counterparts. If stealth is your one and only concern, the Lotus may not be the right choice for you. But if your only goal is to acquire the best portable tool for the job, I think I have just the thing for you…

If either SOPA or PIPA pass, dark times will lie ahead for the drug enthusiasts of America. We will no longer have access to the resources that have helped make us responsible and safety-conscious drug users.

Us stoners have a reputation of being so-called “slacktivists” – only complaining about problems without taking any action or offering up solutions. So let’s change that image! Go here: http://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml and tell your representative to vote against SOPA and PIPA as hard as they can. Remind them that as their constituent, they are working for you, more than they’re working for any lobby group or PAC.

Update: It looks like something happened! Google has reported 4.5 million signatures on their petition to stop SOPA/PIPA, and millions of others have signed at Avaaz, Fight for the Future, and the White House petition sites. An impressive number of websites blacked out their content, or publicly protested yesterday. Wikipedia, Craigslist, Mozilla Firefox, Reddit, Wired, Cracked, Ars Technica and Google (and a long list of 10,000 less prominent sites) went completely black yesterday, or joined the virtual rebellion by posting up messages and selectively censoring their sites.

In the most satisfying news, it would also appear that at least 10 senators have withdrawn support for SOPA. Three House Reps who initially co-sponsored the bill have backed out, weakening support at the very base. Politicians from all walks of life, including republicans from the deep South, withdrew their support. It may have taken the entire internet rising up, but it proves that – if nothing else – they aren’t completely bought out just yet.

Lotus

Whoever that officer was clearly just wanted to jerk off his dick of power, since the citizen had the “upper hand” by having the door closed. By gaining entry, the cop was able to exercise his power as an authority figure, and the citizen opened himself up to a world of potential trouble. Fortunately the officer meant no ill in this instance, but the moral stands: never open the door for the cops.

“It has nothing to do with being a man, it has to do with being a citizen.” Absolutely goddamn right.

For most people, about a week will suffice to accomplish the majority of the intended task. While cannabis does not entirely leave the system for multiple weeks, a majority of it will be gone in just 7 days. In this time, any residual effects from daily smoking should have passed, and you’ll feel fresh and alert.

*Note for the lazy: scroll to the bottom of the page to check out a handy little quick reference list

Not all, but most smokers report feeling lethargic and their minds somewhat clouded after chronic use of the chronic. I’m not going to pretend to know exactly how the chemicals interact with the complex system of synapses, cells and neurons within the brain. But suffice it to say that with consistent use, you will experience a “stacking effect” of sorts.

If you do not allow your brain sufficient recharge time, cannabinoid receptors will be unable to return to normal between your smokes (or preferred method of ingestion). They become conditioned to the chemical, much like your hands will build callouses after being conditioned to certain activities. This means your baseline will become higher and higher, forcing you to intake more and more of the substance to achieve your desired high. As many have already learned, this can take a hefty toll on the wallet and lungs.

This effect is not permanent, of course, or there would be a static progression of tolerance. This is not the case, and the solution to tolerance is as easy as avoiding cannabis for a short time. As mentioned, a week is the minimum to expel the majority of tolerance. To return entirely to baseline, however, is a much different story.

If you ask any smoker to recall their first experience with marijuana, you’ll likely be treated to a nostalgic recollection of an event not unlike a psychedelic trip. They’ll describe intense physical sensations, time dilation, vibrant closed or open eye visuals, etc. Many of them will also recognize that the experience was never repeated, and that subsequent use simply could not hold a candle to that virgin smoke.

There seems to be a deeper tolerance built up within users, far beyond the simple saturation of receptors. Even taking year-long breaks won’t allow for that visceral experience they had their first few times. So, is it even possible to achieve that experience again?

Yes and no. Taking a hefty break from cannabis will essentially reset your brain, allowing you to experience the full effects of the drug. However, since you’ve already opened those neural pathways in the past, you won’t be breaking into any new territory. So while you might be able to feel the same quality of high, that initial “magic” won’t ever return.

More intense experiences can be had by eating prepared weed, which allows the transformation of THC into a compound approximately 3-5 times stronger than the one produced when smoked. But while a couple of mom’s famous hash brownies might have you on the floor in a psychedelic wonderland, it’s still not exactly the same as that first high. You’ve been conditioned to the subjective effects of the drug, which means that as soon as you are aware you’ve ingested cannabis, your experience will be tainted.

The best you can hope for in a post-doobie noobie world is to reduce your natural tolerance down to zero. This won’t allow you to forget entirely what smoking was like (which would be necessary for a repeat of the first time), but it will allow you get as high as you possibly can right now.

Much disagreement is had on how long, exactly, that waiting period should be. I submit that you should look at the topic something like this:

• 1-4 day break – very minimal difference. If you’re a heavy smoker you’ll likely notice subtle effects, but nothing particularly noteworthy. It will be tantamount to changing strain, if that.
• 5-10 day break – Tangible difference. You’ll notice becoming much higher on a smaller amount of weed. Some of the more nuanced effects will return (temporarily), and you’ll probably stay higher for a considerably longer period of time.
• 20-30 day break – Significant difference. Your physical tolerance is effectively at zero. Since you’ve smoked fairly recently, you’ll still remember most of the effects but they will still be novel and exciting.
• 9-12 month break – Monumental difference. Not only will your physical tolerance have returned to zero long ago, you’ll have forgotten all but most prominent effects of the drug. This will allow you to experience the drug fully, with minimal pre-conceived notions about what will take place.
• Multiple years – I’ve never taken such a break, so I cannot speak on it. It will be as close as you can get to smoking for the first time all over again. Though I’ve heard reports that it’s still just not quite the same…

Lotus

As an avid “The Wire” enthusiast, I was excited to read this. It wasn’t too surprising, however, given the nature of the show, to learn of their opinions on the matter. Regardless, I think it could be a very beneficial, and perhaps enlightening, read to the less “involved” in our culture.

Without further ado: The Wire’s War on the Drug War

As the elevator hums you past the 25th story, you can already begin to smell a distinct, sweet odor pierce the brushed metal doors. Comfortably located in the skyline, 30 tall stories above a bustling downtown Austin, only a single, thin sign on an ornate wooden door informs you of the owners’ identity. “StonerCulture” reads the sign, with a gold-leaf homage to their interest proudly engraved in the glass.

Upon entering StonerCulture Floor, the first reaction is likely to be one of complete relaxation. You will be completely at home, with a warm feeling rushing over your body. As you look around, you’ll notice unique glass artworks align the walls, and large exotic looking bowls full of colorful, glittering plant matter are strewn, seemingly haphazard about the room. There is not a bare wall in the place, and when they are not obscured by glass and bouquets, you are likely to see a complex fractal, an abstract drawing, or simply a tribute to some great minds from the past and present.

A large, grayscale portrait of Albert Hoffman rests next to a framed cartoonish depiction of a man riding a bicycle, printed on thick, gridded paper. In another area of the lobby, a signed poster from an old Pink Floyd tour sits happily beside a vinyl copy of Atom Heart Mother. Alexander Shulgin’s eccentric face is plastered behind signed copies of both PiHKAL and TiHKAL, which rest atop a display case of a number of nondescript powders. Various other influential voices and personal idols like Carl Sagan, Nikola Tesla, Benoit Mandelbrot and Jimi Hendrix are also displayed about the area.

Our atmosphere is one of immense friendliness, an invitation to a fresh new world. The SC vision of the future is one of a happier today, a greener tomorrow and possibilities not yet imagined for the day after that (we don’t plan on doing anything about yesterday, though).

A happy receptionist will greet you upon entry, one of the four necessary to help organize the busy schedule. She might ask if you’d perhaps like a cup of home-brewed coffee. However, it’s hard to pay much attention, as behind her stretches a vast expanse of gorgeous Texas terrain, through sparkling glass windows. Certainly a sight to inspire the utmost imagination and creativity. But eventually you will regain your composure, and happily accept the offer.

Upon passing the main lobby, while casually bringing to your lips the hot, tasteful treat which has been provided, you’ll first come to the office of Lotus. There is no visibility into the room from the hall, and the only indication that the affluent co-editor/contributor works here is a single L burned into the heavy mahogany door.

In stark contrast to the tastefully yet sparsely decorated main lobby, the lair of Lotus is a visual blast of color, abstract shapes, paintings, and various artwork all flowing around the room. Even the ceiling appears to have a unique pattern about the texture, if only a very subtle one. The desk is a combination of organization and chaos. Some things are obsessively placed in specific areas, while others, which seem to have proved to be more of a nuisance, are indiscriminately shoved into overflowing drawers and folders.

The chair is empty, as Lotus prefers to stay inside during the nights, and make proper use of his days. He will be in after hours to contribute his efforts, as he believes the best ideas come well after midnight.

Passing by the other offices of the more lowly contributors, you’ll notice a growing presence at the end of the hall, the infamous StonerCulture main office. As intimidating as it is intriguing, the shaved glass exterior frees the mind to make its own interpretation of the vague silhouettes that are hidden behind. With a slight tingle in your fingertips and a skip in your heart, the golden handle is twisted and you find yourself in the heart of a culture.

An eccentric man sits before the largest, most impressive views you’ve yet to encounter on your journey. He is leisurely typing away on his computer, seemingly oblivious to his new visitors. He brings about him an air of confidence, respect and power, but also one of modesty, and unassuming benevolence. Anonymous to all but only a very small number of people, he is known only as “the editor.”

I am inevitably going to fail, as I am admittedly extremely biased towards the responsible use of drugs. I believe that almost any drug can be used responsibly, and if everyone was thoroughly educated on them, it would be much more common that people could do so. Drug education could also have loads of other positive effects, of course, including a reduced stigma, further research, and better addiction assistance, but that’s another topic entirely.

So without further delay, let’s begin!

For our purposes, I’m going to have three categories. The first is mostly non-addictive, low risk drugs, the second is moderately addictive/some risk, and the third is high addiction potential/high risk drugs.

First you’ll see the name of the drug, with nicknames next to it in parenthesis. Next will be the medical use, if any. Then addiction. I’ve rated addiction as follows: low means that most people cannot be addicted, and if they do, withdrawals will be relatively moderate. Moderate addiction means that most people can become addicted with frequent use/abuse of the drug, and withdrawal will usually be fairly uncomfortable, lasting a few days. Extreme means that the drug is highly addictive, and can take hold of a user within one or two uses of the drug. Withdrawal from these is very difficult, and can be accompanied by fevers, nausea, diarrhea; the works. Overdose potential is just to give an idea of how careful you should be with administration of the drug. Effects are a brief description of the psychoactive effects. You can find more detailed experiences of some drugs right here on Stoner Culture.

This list is mostly based on my experiences, or experiences that I have seen, and research I have done over the years. It is in no way reflective of every user, and as with any drug I highly suggest taking your own steps to ensure safe use of them. Keep in mind your own experiences, and your own limits.

1st Category

—————-

Drug:

• Cannabis (marijuana, pot, weed, dro, shwag, etc)

Medical use:

• Low–it can be used for for minor pain relief and insomnia, but is banned in most states.

Addiction potential:

• Low-most people will have no trouble quitting, some may experience mental addiction. Any withdrawal symptoms will generally be mild and disappear within 2-3 days

Overdose potential:

• None. It is physically impossible to overdose on cannabis.

Effects:

• Can vary from an upper to a downer to a psychedelic. Read the rest of this wonderful site to learn more. Lasts an hour or so, depending on other factors.

—

Drug:

• Lysergic Acid Dithylamide (LSD, acid, blotter, etc)

Medical use:

• None. Some research has been done showing promise of some psychiatric use, but there is not enough information at this time. It is banned in all states.

Addiction potential:

• Low–most people will actually be discouraged from frequent use, and the tolerance is so steep that it becomes nearly unusable after a few consecutive days

Overdose potential:

• Extremely low/none. There have been no confirmed LSD overdoses, and in most cases it would take absurd amounts of LSD to reach the LD50. It is feasible to do so, though.

Effects:

• Psychedelic trip. Altered perceptions of reality and visual patterns/coloring are common. Usually lasts about 6 hours for the peak, but the entire experience can last anywhere from 6-15 hours.

—

Drug:

• Mescaline (peyote, san pedro, etc)

Medical use:

• None. As with other psychedelics, not enough research has been done to have any conclusive evidence.

Addiction potential:

• Low–most people will actually be discouraged from frequent use, and the tolerance is so steep that it becomes nearly unusable after a few consecutive days

Overdose potential:

• Extremely low/none.

Effects:

• Psychedelic trip. Altered perceptions of reality and visual patterns/coloring are common. The peak usually lasts anywhere from 6-10 hours, and the entire experience has been reported to last up to 3 days.

—

Drug:

• Psilocybin (magic mushrooms, shrooms, etc)

Medical use:

• None. As with other psychedelics, not enough research has been done to have any conclusive evidence.

Addiction potential:

• Low–most people will actually be discouraged from frequent use, and the tolerance is so steep that it becomes nearly unusable after a few consecutive days

Overdose potential:

• Extremely low/none.

Effects:

• Psychedelic trip. Altered perceptions of reality and visual patterns/coloring are common. Usually lasts 4 hours for the peak, but the entire experience can be anywhere from 4-10 hours.

—

Drug:

• DXM (tussin, robotrip, etc)

Medical use:

• Moderate–used as a cough medicine.

Addiction:

• Low to moderate–most users will have no addiction, but it can be addictive to some especially if used frequently. The tolerance has a long recoup time, however.

Overdose potential:

• Low. It would take a significant amount of DXM to overdose. You would need approximately 5 times the normal trip dose to overdose in most cases.

Effects:

• Dissociative with some psychedelic properties. Nausea will sometimes be present. Visuals and different perceptions of reality are common. Usually lasts about 4 hours.

—

Drug:

• Nitrous Oxide (hippy crack, laughing gas, etc)

Medical use:

• Moderate–occassionally used in dentistry to anesthetize patients.

Addiction potential:

• Low to moderate–it is fairly addictive in the short term, and with consistent use can be fairly addictive.

Overdose potential:

• None

Effects:

• Pain killer with some psychedelic properties. Usually a huge boost of well being.

—

Drug:

• Dimethyltryptahmine (DMT, spice, etc)

Medical use:

• None.

Addiction potential:

• Extremely Low–most people will actually be discouraged from frequent use, and the tolerance is so steep that it becomes nearly unusable after a few consecutive uses

Overdose potential:

• None.

Effects:

• Intense, short acting psychedelic. Visuals and different perceptions of reality are common. Usually lasts about 15-30 minutes, and the entire experience lasts up to an hour and a half.

—

Drug:

• MDMA (ecstasy, x, rolls, candy, etc)

Medical use:

• Low/none–MDMA was once prescribed by psychiatrists for a number of experimental reasons, including marriage counseling and depression. It is now banned in all states

Addiction potential:

• Low to moderate–Some people can become addicted to MDMA, and it is a relatively dangerous addiction. Brain damage is rare, but not unheard of in some situations.

Overdose potential:

• Low–The main issue with MDMA is forgetting what you’re doing and over– exerting or dehydrating yourself. However, you can overdose on extremely high amounts, and it can induce high heart rates, blood pressure, and panic attacks.

Effects:

• Intense euphoria. Tactile senses are heightened, as are most other senses. Usually lasts about 4-5 hours.

2nd Category:

——————-

Drug:

• Low intensity opiates (hydrocodone, codeine syrup, vicodin, watson, codeine, etc)

Medical use:

• Moderate–Can be used for mild to moderate pain

Addiction:

• Moderate–With frequent use most users will become physically or mentally dependent. Withdrawal will usually be fairly difficult, but in some cases can be extreme

Overdose Potential:

• Low to moderate–It would take a huge amount of hydrocodone to overdose, however most pills have acetaminophen which is toxic in high doses. Doses as high as 4 grams are generally considered safe as far as one time uses, but prolonged uses can lead to severe liver damage.

Effects:

• Pain killer, usually inflicts a feeling of warmth and well-being in the user. Usually lasts about 6 hours

—

Drug:

• Benzodiazepine (xanax, valium, bars, etc)

Medical use:

• Moderate–Can be used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. In rare cases it is prescribed for insomnia

Addiction:

• Moderate–With frequent use most users will become physically or mentally dependent. Withdrawal can range from less difficult to extreme

Overdose potential:

• Low–It is difficult to overdose on benzodiazepines alone, but combined with alcohol or opiates it can be very dangerous. Also, at high doses most people experience blackouts.

Effects:

• Removed inhibitions, usually inflicts feelings of well-being and comfort. Usually lasts about 8 hours

—

Drug:

• Ketamine (special K)

Medical Use:

• Moderate–used extensively as a general anesthetic, especially in lower income countries. Mostly used in America in veterinarian offices, though occasionally for surgery on children and rarely on adults.

Addiction:

• Low to moderate–Many users will experience addiction with extensive use of the drug, however, with some restraint most people will find it is not heavily addictive.

Overdose Potential:

• Low–It is extremely unlikely that one would overdose on this drug. It would require an exceedingly high dose, and the average person would pass out long before they succeeded. It would require a third party to dose the subject after they passed out.

Effects:

• Dissociative with sedative and psychedelic effects. Lasts approximately 1 hour, depending on method of administration.

Drug:

• Amphetamine salts, Dextroamphetamine (adderall, concerta, etc).

Medical use:

• Moderate–Can be used to treat ADD/ADHD, or to help focus.

Addiction:

• Moderate–With frequent use most users will become either physically or mentally dependent. Withdrawal is usually not extreme.

Overdose potential:

• Low to moderate: High doses of amphetamines can cause high heart rates and blood pressure, which combined with exercise can lead to heart problems in the short term.

Effects:

• Increased focus, sometimes a sense of well-being is inflicted. Usually lasts about 8 hours

—

Drug:

• Alcohol (booze, beer, liquor, etc)

Medical use:

• None.

Addiction:

• Moderate to high–With frequent use most users will become either physically or mentally dependent. Withdrawal can be extremely dangerous, and it is one of two drugs that has a potentially deadly withdrawal (the other being barbiturates).

Overdose potential:

• Moderate–it is very possible to overdose on alcohol, and relatively easy if you are an unexperienced drinker.

Effects:

• Downer, usually with sedative effects and decreased inhibitions. Usually lasts about 4 hours.

—

Drug:

• Tramadol (ultram, trammies, etc)

Medical use:

• Moderate–Mild to moderate pain killer

Addiction:

• Moderate–With frequent use most users will become either physically or mentally dependent. Withdrawal is usually not extreme.

Overdose potential:

• Moderate–The biggest risk with tramadol is taking too much and inducing a seizure. If you stay within a lower dose, you should be completely safe, but if you have a history of seizures or plan on taking a significantly higher amount than normal, I would recommend against it.

Effects:

• Pain killer, the user will usually feel a heightened sense of well–being, and will be put into an overall good mood.

3rd Category:

——————-

Drug:

• Morphine or intense opiates (heroin, oxycodone, smack, etc)

Medical use:

• Moderate–Can be used for intense pain, usually for very brief times after traumatic injury

Addiction:

• High–Addiction can be sparked with very low use, and will usually result in extreme withdrawal. Addiction will vary depending on which method of ingestion is used.

Overdose potential:

• High–It is fairly easy to overdose, especially for experienced users who take a break and whose tolerance may have dropped without their knowledge.

Effects:

• Very strong pain killer, usually inflicts intense feelings of warmth and well- being in the user. Can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on method of ingestion.

—

Drug:

• Cocaine (white, coke, crack, etc)

Medical use:

• Limited–some analogues like novocaine can be used as a localized anesthetic, but are fairly rare and usually single use

Addiction:

• High–Addiction can be sparked with very low use, and can result in extreme withdrawal. Addiction will vary depending on which method of ingestion is used.

Overdose potential:

• Moderate to high–Due to variance in quality, it is sometimes easy to overdose on product that is much stronger than expected, especially in high doses.

Effects:

• Removed inhibitions, extreme sense of well being. Usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.

—

Drug:

• Methamphetamine (speed, meth, etc)

Medical use:

• Limited–in very rare cases it can be prescribed for ADD under the name desoxyn.

Addiction:

• High–addiction can be sparked with very low use, and will usually result in extreme withdrawal. Addiction will vary depending on which method of ingestion is used.

Overdose potential:

• Low to moderate–as with all amphetamines, high heart rates plus a desire to achieve can lead to short term heart problems

Effects:

• Rush of energy and desire to accomplish things. Usually gives the user a sense of well-being and happiness. Can last anywhere from hours to days.

—

Drug:

• Datura Stramonium (jimson weed, angel’s trumpet, etc)

Medical use:

• None

Addiction:

• None

Overdose potential:

• Extremely high–it is nearly impossible to properly estimate a dose, as one seed can contain anywhere from no active chemical to enough to overdose on. Overdoses are extremely common.

Effects:

• Deliriant. Can last for days, the user will usually not realize that he or she is a part of reality. The vast majority of experiences are extremely unpleasant and hospitalizations are not uncommon.

I hope this list can be of use to some people, as drug information is usually sparse, incomplete, and unreliable. I plan to update this later on, and provide more information.

-Lotus

One thing is for sure, I’ve done a lot of drugs. I’ve done some drugs that most people probably only know about in a mythical sense, and some people probably haven’t even heard of! In this article, I’d like to share with you all my experiences with these drugs, and which ones I like, and dislike, the most. I’ll try to order them from most enjoyable to least enjoyable, but since drugs are such complicated issues, it wont be perfect.

The list:

-LSD: Goddamn I love this drug. I could write books on this particular psychedelic, and still have things to say about it. The entire experience always astounds me. My entire perception of reality, from sight to sound to touch to taste to logic and everything in between, is twisted and molded into unfamiliar but still recognizable forms. It’s the cheapest psychedelic usually, and for the price of a gram of weed, you can have a 6-10 hour journey through your own mind. No trip is complete without music, and my god I don’t know what I would do without LSD and music in my life.

-Cannabis: Following a close second is cannabis. Cannabis is incredible because it can range from a slight little mood elevator, to a full fledged psychedelic, depending on how much you take, and the method with which you take it. It’s great enough that I can use it every day, without concern of addiction, and I never tire of it. It helps with my insomnia, and the general boredom of every day life. Truly the miracle drug.

-Ketamine: Outstanding. Remarkable. Enlightening. Studies have shown Ketamine to have potential uses in treating depression, and once you’ve tried this drug that comes as no surprise. Snort a line of K, put on some headphones, and just zone the fuck out. You will wonder why you ever lived before that point.

-MDMA: Also known as ecstasy, this drug induces exactly that. I have had limited experiences with this psychoactive, but I plan on getting much more acquainted with it in the future. Everything from tactile sensations to music is enhanced, and life just seems worthwhile.

-Opiates: Sometimes I think I like opiates a little too much. These would probably be closer to the top of the list, if it weren’t for the addictive properties. They are amazing, though. I love popping some Vicodin and listening to music, going to a concert, playing music, or really doing just about anything. The one other problem I have is the motion sickness that plagues me every time I drive in a car. Oh but it’s all worth it to feel that warm glow that you only get from a nice opiate buzz.

-DMT: What a wild ride this little chemical is. I’ve done it alone, with weed, with opiates, with psychedelics, and it always seems to outdo itself. My friends and I call it a little burst of acid, and I love the occasional DMT experience. All that plus the fact that it’s a little chemistry experiment makes this drug one of my favorites.

-Nitrous: Whippits, as we call them, are a great way to pass the time. I love everything about these, and invested in a little whip cream dispenser to make things easier. Like DMT, you can apply to essentially any drug, and have a multiplied experience. It has a little minute long psychedelic experience, with ego death almost a certainty. Just as wonderful a drug as I could ask for. The only thing that puts it lower on the list is the addiction, cost, and headaches from extended use.

-DXM: This drug is my fall-back. If I can’t get a hold of any “real” psychedelics, and I’m feeling the urge to trip, it’s always nice to run up to the CVS and pick up a couple bottles of the ‘tussin. I’ve spent many a mile robo–walking around my neighborhood/parks, and it’s always fun to experience the slight visuals and strange feelings of a robo–trip.

-Adderall: This drug is alright, on occasion. The hyper-focus effect, along with the desire to “get shit done” makes this a useful drug more than a fun one. The most fun I’ve had on adderall was playing Rock Band for about 3 hours, constantly owning the expert songs. Incidentally, that was also the last time I’ve played Rock Band…

-Alcohol: This is a pretty “meh” drug for me. Some people think alcohol is just the bees knees, but I really don’t get it. It’s alright if there’s absolutely nothing else to do, but really it just isn’t that fun. I’ve never had a hangover, either, and if I did I would probably never use it. However, it does remove all social inhibitions, and it makes everything hilarious. It does have its uses. Not beer, though. Beer can suck a dick. EDIT!!! I’ve since changed my opinion on beer. I quite enjoy a fine brew, especially after a long day at work, and my refrigerator is now stocked with them pretty often.

-Psilocybe mushrooms: I’ve had a couple experiences with shrooms, but they were nothing spectacular. The experience was fairly uncomfortable both times, with fairly unspectacular visuals. I plan on trying them again, so I’ll save my final judgement till then.

-Salvia: This drug can either be the most enlightening, or the most frightening. It’s like a five minute dream state that feels like a lifetime. I’ve had good experiences, bad experiences, and just plain weird experiences. I’m usually down to do some salvia, but it’s just such an unpredictable drug, it’s getting stuck near the bottom of my list.

-Benzodiazepines: Xanax or Valiums, pick your poison. I have no real issue with them, they just bore me. It’s like fast forwarding through life, and I want to savor every second I have conscious on this planet. I suppose some of the effects are somewhat desirable; they make me feel pretty good, and music and food are generally more enjoyable, but they make me feel fairly…dumb. That plus the fast forward effect make these a very rare use for me. I’ll usually turn down the offer of benzos unless for some reason I really feel compelled.

-Cocaine: Holy shit I have discovered a new “least favorite” drug. I first tried cocaine a few days ago, and man did it suck. Let me walk you through what happened… First, I snort the coke  (obviously), which was actually the best part. It felt all cold and soft, and cleared my sinuses right out! So I chilled out for a minute, waiting for the effects to take place. About 3 minutes in, I start feeling really anxious, and since we were doing it in a bathroom, I thought I was getting a bit claustrophobic, which happens to me sometimes on drugs. So I go outside where we were hanging out, and sit on the tailgate of my friend’s truck. Immediately I start feeling really light-headed. My hearing goes really muffled and distorts, and my vision becomes “pixelated” and blurry. On top of all this, I start sweating fucking bullets (I hardly sweat at all even if I’m exercising outside in the 100˚ Texas summer). My friend notices something is up and asks me if I need to go inside. I do, and after sitting in front of a fan for 5 minutes, I feel fine. The effects of the coke were really uncharacteristic, too. I was very relaxed, and felt slowed down. All in all, something I would never do again.

Well, I think that about sums up my list. Drugs have done some amazing things for me over the years, and I wouldn’t trade anything for the experiences I’ve had (figuratively, if someone offered me a million dollars you can damn well bet you’d never see my anecdotes on this site again!). Feel free to comment on experiences you’ve had, or how much you think my experiences suck!

-Lotus