8/28 Nightshades Poisons and Potatos
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The following text is a work of satirical fictitious creative writing and should not be misconstrued as advice of any sort.
"Poisonous Nightshades". Plants that induce days of deliriant hallucinations; sometimes lethal. Employed in power magic traditions across the world.
Potatos, Tomatos, Peppers, and Eggplants are also in this "deadly" family!
All these common vegetables naturally produce nicotine.
Today you will handle and hold several of Earth's deadliest poisonous plants.
None of these plants are fit for human consumption.
Ipomoea, Rivea, Argyreia "Morning Glory"
Produce lysergides including ergine (Lysergic Acid Amide or LSA)
Interactions with sentient non-physical intelligences are commonly reported.
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is the LSA molecule + two ethyl groups.
Seeds have been used by many across central mexico since at least 1,200 B.C.E.
Practice illegalized by genocidal European invaders. Countless practioners executed; traditions lost.
No evidence LSA is addictive, no lethal dose has been determined.
And yet LSA is is the only illegal controlled substance in this list of lethal poisons.
Thus continues the criminalization, genocide, and erasure of the first peoples.
Nicotiana, "Tobacco"
N. tabacum, the tobacco plant commercially sold in cigarettes in cigars.
1,200,000,000 habitual Human users. 7,000,000 annual tobacco-related mortalities.
N. rustica Possibly Humanity's first cultivated crop. 9% nicotine content by weight.
Hardened for extreme climates. Higher potency of β-carbolines than N. tabacum.
Nicotine's structure has inspired many insecticides and nerve agents.
Datura Brugmansia, "Trumpet Flower"
Contain Tropane Alkaloids: Atropine, Scopolamine, and Hyoscyamine.
Popular pharmaceuticals, can reverse some nicotinic nerve agents
Brugmansia are South American trees. Datura shrubs occur in North America and Afroeurasia.
Despite geographic distance, every tradition reserves these plants for the most powerful magicians.
Consensus is these plants will make any regular person who consumes them "go mad".
3-dimensional hallucinations of conversations with people or being in other locations can occur.
Users may lose the ability to urinate, while having to balance a painfully dry mouth.
Effects may last several days. Further invesigation needed to develop long-lasting pharmaceuticals.
No way to quantify dosage without analytical instruments. Do not consume these plants.
Atropa, Hyoscyamus, Mandragora "Plants of Witchcraft"
Each contain the toxic Tropane Alkaloids.
Plants have historical association to witcraft throughout Afroeurasia.
Ricinus communis, "Castor"
Contains ricin, an irreversible lethal poison. 4 seeds will kill an adult man within 3 days.
Castor oil extract is a common ingredient in supplements and cosmetics.
A ricin pellet was shot out of a modified umbrella gun to assassinate Georgi Markov.
Nicandra physalodes, "Peruvian Shoofly"
A rather obscure poisonous yet potentially hallucinogenic plant.
Some people make gelatinous deserts with the seeds. Others use them to kill head lice.
Potatos, Tomatos, Peppers, and Eggplants
These common vegetables naturally produce nicotine to deter herbivores.
Many peppers produce capsaicin, which stimulates mammalian pain receptors.
General Procedure for Live Nightshade Specimens
Identify hairy non-glandular trichomes.
Identify node points (where leaves and new branches emerge)
Compare morphology of leaves.
Wash your hands after handling specimens.
Morning Glory Procedure
Collect seeds from seed pods.
Place seeds on moist paper towel in plastic bag.
After root radicle emerges, place in dirt.
Provide support for plant to vine upon.
During germination, endophytic fungi produce elevated levels of ergolines.
Exercise extreme caution so as not to accidentally swallow the seeds.
As little as seven of the seeds may produce hallucinogenic "LSD-like" effects lasting 6 hours when consumed orally.
Brugmansia Procedure
Make a diagonal slice of brugmansia branch with atleast 3 nodes.
Submerge half of branch cutting in water.
Observe bubbles appear on branch as clone begins to respirate.
Pre-prepared rooted cuttings will be available for interested horticulturists.
Datura Procedure
Cut thorny exterior shell of seed pod.
Shake pod to release seeds.
Continue to dissect seed pod and release more seeds.
Place seeds on moist paper towel in plastic bag, keep warm..
After root radicles emerge, place in moist soil.
Potato Procedure
Cut chunks of potato with "eyes" on the surface.
Allow chunk to dry and callous.
Plant in soil, wait for vegetative growth.
Castor Procedure
Compare several cosmetic products that contain castor oil.
Hold real castor beans in your hand... if your dare...
N. rustica Procedure (21+ only)
Dissect seed pod.
Collect small seeds in a plastic bag.
Place on surface of warm soil.
Cover to maintain humidity.
You have just participated in a several thousands year old plant cultivation tradition.
N. tabacum Procedure (21+ only)
Remove a yellowed leaf from one of the many N. tabacum plants that grow on San Francisco State University campus.
Hang it up to dry and cure.
Wait 6 weeks.
Destroy the leaf.