What Is Datura? Uses, Side Effects, & More

Datura is a dangerous and unpredictable plant from the nightshade family that has been used for centuries in rituals and medicines. Today, it’s most known for its toxic and hallucinogenic effects. Often called devil’s trumpet or Jimson weed, every part of this plant contains potent chemicals that can cause severe harm.

While some people seek out the Datura plant drug for its mind-altering effects, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. From hallucinations to life-threatening overdoses, experimenting with Datura can quickly turn deadly. This guide highlights the many dangers of Datura and shows you how to connect with compassionate and effective treatment for substance abuse. 

Datura Drug Definition

The Datura plant belongs to the nightshade family and contains powerful chemicals that can alter how the brain works [1]. Often referred to by names like Jimson weed, devil’s trumpet, or thorn apple, the Datura flower has been known for its dangerous and hallucinogenic properties. The plant contains alkaloids that are responsible for its toxic effects. 

What Is Datura Made Of?

The danger of Datura comes from the chemicals it produces naturally. These chemicals are tropane alkaloids and include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine [2]. Each of these alkaloids affects the brain and body in ways that can be both harmful and unpredictable.

• Atropine: This chemical is often used in medical settings to treat heart conditions and to reduce saliva during surgery. However, when taken in large amounts or without medical supervision, it can cause dangerous effects like rapid heartbeat, confusion, and blurred vision.
• Scopolamine: Known for its use in treating motion sickness, scopolamine can also cause serious side effects like hallucinations and memory loss [3]. In Datura, the amount of scopolamine can be much higher than in a medical dose, making it very dangerous.
• Hyoscyamine: This chemical is sometimes used to treat stomach issues like ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome, but like atropine and scopolamine, it can be deadly when used in an uncontrolled way [4].

These chemicals disrupt the CNS (central nervous system), blocking certain neurotransmitters that control the body’s functions [5]. This can lead to a range of effects, from dry mouth and dilated pupils to more severe symptoms like delirium, Datura hallucinations, and seizures. Because the amount of these alkaloids can vary greatly depending on the plant and its growing conditions, it’s nearly impossible to predict how much of these chemicals a person might ingest if they use Datura recreationally. 

What Do People Use Datura For?

Datura flowers have been used for many reasons, often tied to cultural or spiritual practices. Indigenous cultures in the Americas, India, and Europe, have used Datura in religious rituals or shamanic ceremonies. In these settings, it was believed the plant may help people communicate with spirits, enter altered states of consciousness, or gain special visions. 

More recently, Datura has been used recreationally by people seeking its hallucinogenic effects. Some individuals experiment with the plant to experience intense, dream-like hallucinations. The line between a desired experience and a life-threatening reaction is thin. Many people who use Datura for its mind-altering effects end up in hospitals with severe poisoning symptoms, and some even die from overdose [6]. 

In addition to its spiritual and recreational use, Datura has a long history of use in folk medicine. Some cultures have used it to treat ailments ranging from asthma and inflammation to pain relief. Because of the extreme risk involved, these uses are not recommended without medical supervision.

Other Names for Datura

Datura goes by many names. Here are some of the most common names for Datura: 

• Jimson weed: This name is believed to have originated from the term Jamestown weed, after the plant caused severe poisoning during an incident in Jamestown, Virginia. This event made it infamous for its toxic effects [7].
• Devil’s trumpet: The large, trumpet-shaped flowers of the plant inspired the devil’s trumpet flower name. The word devil is often used because of its association with danger and hallucinations.
• Thorn apple: Datura produces spiky, apple-sized fruit, which is why it is called a thorn apple. The fruit looks similar to an apple but is covered in sharp spikes.
• Moonflower: Datura’s flowers often bloom at night, giving rise to the name moonflower. This name makes the plant sound beautiful, but it hides the dangerous effects the plant can have.
• Devil’s weed: Another reference to its highly toxic nature, this name highlights the plant’s ability to cause extreme harm.
• Stinkweed: This name refers to the strong, unpleasant smell that some Datura plants can produce.
• Angel’s trumpet: While this name is more commonly used for a similar plant called Brugmansia, some people use this term for Datura. 

While some names might sound harmless or even enchanting, the reality is that Datura is a highly poisonous plant with the capacity to cause serious and life-threatening complications. 

Is Datura Poisonous?

Datura is extremely poisonous. Every part of the plant, from seeds and flowers to the leaves, contains dangerous toxins that can be deadly if ingested or touched in large amounts. The primary toxic components are atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, all of which detrimentally affect the central nervous system. The symptoms of Datura poisoning can begin within 30 minutes to an hour after exposure and can last for several days, depending on the amount consumed. 

One of the most dangerous aspects of Datura is how unpredictable it can be. The amount of toxins in each plant can vary widely, depending on the environment, weather, and age of the plant. This makes it nearly impossible to judge how much of the plant would cause poisoning, and even a small amount can be deadly. 

Datura poisoning is a serious medical emergency, and anyone who has ingested or been exposed to the plant should seek immediate help. Hospitals can treat Datura poisoning by giving medications that counteract the effects of the toxins, but the treatment must be given as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage or death. 

What Does Datura Feel Like?

Datura causes intense, often terrifying experiences, unlike typical hallucinogens [8]. Instead of colorful, dream-like visions, people experience confusion, fear, and complete detachment from reality. Datura hallucinations are hyper-realistic, making it difficult to tell what’s real and what’s imagined. 

People often report feelings of panic, dread, and being trapped in disturbing, nightmarish situations. Time may seem to slow down, and the hallucinations can involve frightening figures or scenarios. Datura is not known for producing pleasant effects – most people find the experience deeply unsettling, with many ending up in medical emergencies due to the unpredictability of Datura’s drug effects.

Datura’s Physical Effects

Datura causes physical complications by interfering with the CNS. Common physical Datura effects include: 

• Dry mouth and throat: The plant’s chemicals block saliva production, leading to extreme dryness.
• Dilated pupils: Datura enlarges the pupils, causing light sensitivity and blurred vision, sometimes lasting for days.
• Increased heart rate: It speeds up the heart, leading to irregular beats or heart failure.
• High body temperature: Datura can cause dangerous overheating, similar to a fever.
• Muscle cramps and spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions can cause pain and loss of movement control.
• Loss of motor control: People using the drug may stumble or struggle to perform basic movements.
• Difficulty urinating: It can cause an uncomfortable inability to pass urine.

These effects can last hours or longer, making Datura extremely dangerous when combined with its severe mental effects. 

Cognitive Effects from Datura Intoxication

The effects of datura on the brain can be powerful, causing confusion, memory loss, and severe disorientation. People using the drug often experience a complete detachment from reality. Hallucinations are common and feel very real, leading to dangerous behaviors or accidents. 

Memory loss often occurs, with many people unable to recall what happened during their experience. Delirium and paranoia accompany the hallucinations, causing extreme fear and irrational thoughts. In some cases, people may experience psychosis, where they lose all connection to reality. Datura psychosis can result in long-term mental health issues. 

Datura’s cognitive effects are chaotic and can lead to serious harm. Most people require medical help to manage these symptoms, making the drug extremely risky. 

Side Effects of a Datura Trip

A Datura trip can cause a range of severe side effects. The hallucinations are often disturbing and feel incredibly real, causing confusion and disorientation. People may struggle to tell reality from imagination, leading to risky behaviors. Anxiety and paranoia are common, often turning the experience into a nightmare.

Physical side effects include loss of coordination, difficulty moving, extreme dry mouth, and an accelerated heart rate. These effects can last for hours and vary in intensity, making Datura trips highly unpredictable and dangerous. 

Short-Term Effects

Datura’s short-term effects can start within 30 minutes and last 8 to 24 hours. Common effects include:

• Hallucinations: Vivid and often frightening, making it hard to tell what’s real.
• Dilated pupils and blurred vision: Sensitivity to light and trouble focusing.
• Increased body temperature: Fever-like symptoms with sweating and flushed skin.
• Rapid heartbeat: A fast heart rate that can cause anxiety or panic.
• Dry skin and mouth: Extreme dryness, making speaking or swallowing difficult.
• Muscle stiffness and spasms: Cramping and stiffness, hindering movement. 

These effects, although temporary, are highly dangerous, especially without immediate help.

Long-Term Effects

Datura’s long-term effects are severe and can cause lasting damage after just one use. Some common long-term effects include:

• Memory loss: People often struggle with ongoing memory problems, making daily tasks difficult.
• Vision issues: Sensitivity to light and trouble focusing may persist for weeks, and in extreme cases, vision damage can be permanent.
• Mental health problems: Datura use can lead to depression, anxiety, and paranoia [9] that last long after the trip.
• Psychosis: Some people experience ongoing hallucinations or delusions, requiring medical treatment.
• Addiction risk: Repeated use of Datura can lead to psychological dependence.

Datura’s powerful toxins make recovery difficult, with long-term effects that may last months or even years, posing serious risks to both mental and physical health.

Datura’s Effects on the Brain

Datura has a powerful impact on the brain due to its chemical compounds like atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These chemicals block neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly acetylcholine, responsible for memory, learning, and muscle movements. When these chemicals are blocked, the brain struggles to process information, leading to confusion, memory loss, and distorted thinking [10]. 

The most dangerous effect of Datura on the brain is its ability to cause hallucinations and delirium. The hallucinations are often vivid and feel real, which can make people unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. This disconnection from reality can result in dangerous behaviors like wandering into unsafe areas or intentional self-harm. 

Dangers and Risks of Datura Drug

Datura is considered one of the most dangerous plants due to its unpredictable effects and high toxicity [11]. The risks associated with Datura use are significant and can lead to life-threatening situations. Some of the most common dangers include:

 

• Severe hallucinations: Datura’s hallucinations are often so real and terrifying that people may hurt themselves or others while trying to escape or fight imaginary threats.
• Heart problems: The chemicals in Datura can cause a rapid heartbeat, which can lead to heart attacks or other heart-related issues, especially in those with pre-existing conditions.
• Dehydration and overheating: Datura can cause extreme dryness and sweating, leading to dehydration and dangerous increases in body temperature.
• Respiratory failure: In severe cases, Datura can cause the respiratory system to shut down, making it impossible to breathe without medical help. 

These risks make Datura highly dangerous, and its unpredictable nature means there is no way to gauge a safe amount. 

Datura Overdose Risk

Overdosing on Datura is common due to its highly toxic nature. Even a small amount of the plant can lead to serious poisoning or death. The problem with Datura is that each plant’s amount of toxic chemicals varies widely, so it’s impossible to know how much is too much.

Symptoms of an overdose include: 

• Severe confusion and disorientation
• Intense hallucinations that feel real
• Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of consciousness or coma 

An overdose of Datura is a medical emergency. Without immediate treatment, the chances of death are high. 

Datura Addiction Risk

While Datura is not as addictive as other drugs like opioids or alcohol, it still carries a risk of psychological dependence. Some people may become fascinated by the intense hallucinations and the strange experiences Datura provides, leading them to use the drug repeatedly. Over time, they may develop a habit of chasing these dangerous effects, which can lead to repeated hospitalizations or even death. 

However, because the experience is often terrifying and dangerous, many people who use Datura once do not want to repeat the experience. Still, the addiction risk exists, especially for those seeking powerful mind-altering effects. 

Can You Die From Datura?

Datura can be fatal. The plant contains highly toxic chemicals that can easily cause death if ingested in the wrong amounts. Even small doses can lead to severe health problems, and a slightly larger dose can result in death. 

The most common ways Datura leads to death include: 

• Respiratory failure: The body can lose the ability to breathe on its own.
• Heart failure: The toxins can cause the heart to beat too fast or irregularly, leading to heart attacks or cardiac arrest.
• Seizures: Datura can cause intense seizures that may result in brain damage or death if not treated immediately. 

Because the plant’s toxicity varies from one specimen to another, there’s no safe amount of Datura. People have died from consuming as little as a handful of seeds or a small portion of the plant. For these reasons, Datura is considered one of the most dangerous substances to experiment with. 

Get Effective  Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you have been misusing any addictive substance, we can help you fight back at Renaissance Recovery. Our welcoming and inclusive rehab centers in California and Florida offer outpatient programs for all addictions and mental health issues. 

When you choose a Renaissance outpatient or intensive outpatient program, you can tackle the physical and psychological components of addiction while carrying on at home, work, or school.

The unique nature of every addiction means that Renaissance treatment plans are personalized. Therapies may include:

• Motivational therapies
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• Medication-assisted treatment
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Sources

[1] https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/solanaceae.shtml

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412926/

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/scopolamine-transdermal-route/side-effects/drg-20072848?p=1

[4] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684010.html

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9478010/ 

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5555431/

[7] https://www.bbg.org/article/weed_of_the_month_jimson_weed

[8] https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Hallucinogens-2020.pdf

[9] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/

[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750019301398