Morning glory

No, it's not just the bump in the duvet that blokes get first thing in the morning. It's also a powerful psychedelic plant that can cause strong hallucinations. So what's the story (morning glory)?

Remember you take the seeds, not the pretty flower

What is morning glory?

Morning glory comes from the Ipomoea violacea plant, a tropical ornamental vine with heart-shaped leaves and large colourful flowers. The plant has small black seeds that contain LSA (lysergic acid amide), which is similar to LSD. The seeds are usually eaten to induce hallucinations and are known to have a slightly milder effect than Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds.

What are the effects of morning glory?

• Hallucinations, with similar effects to LSD, but with less intense visuals.
• A feeling of insight into the world, with intense interest in minor things you normally ignore.
• Uncontrollable giggling or laughter.
• The trip usually lasts between six to eight hours.
• Sleep after taking the drug can be deep and refreshing.

What are the risks of taking morning glory?

• A common side effect is nausea, stomach cramps or vomiting.
• Trips are unpredictable, and users can experience paranoia, panic, and anxiety.
• Sensitivity to the seeds varies from person to person, and only a small amount can induce a very severe reaction.
• The seeds can produce intense dizziness and confusion which can be upsetting.

Morning glory and the law:

Buying or selling the seeds is legal in the UK.

Morning glory is also known as:

MG seeds, tlililtzin, Aztec seeds, badoh negro, piule, heavenly blue, flying saucers.

If you are planning on taking morning glory:

• Take them in an environment where you feel safe to reduce the risk of a frightening trip.
• Avoid them if you are going through a period of emotional or psychological upheaval, as psychedelics can trigger more difficulty.

• Keep a sober friend with you who can calm you down if the trip gets too much, or stop you from hurting yourself.
• These seeds can cause miscarriage, so don’t take them if you are pregnant.
• Do not take morning glory if you are on anti-depressants containing MAOIs as it is potentially dangerous to mix the two.

Photo of a morning glory flower by Shutterstock