Hallucinogen facts for kids

Hallucinogens are substances that can make people see, hear, or feel things that are not really there. They can change how a person thinks, feels, and understands the world around them. These changes are often called "hallucinations."

What Does "Hallucinogen" Mean?

The word hallucinogen comes from the word hallucination. The term hallucinate first appeared a long time ago, around the years 1595 to 1605. It comes from a Latin word, hallūcinātus, which means "to wander in the mind." So, a hallucinogen is something that makes your mind wander or see things that aren't real.

Images for kids

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  Salvia divinorum is a plant that can cause hallucinations.

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  The Datura innoxia plant has flowers and can be a source of hallucinogens.

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  This is a berry from the Atropa belladonna plant. It looks nice but is very poisonous.

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  These are the flowers and leaves of Nicotiana tabacum, which is used to make tobacco.

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  This is a Amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as Fly Agaric.

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  This picture shows a Myristica fragrans fruit cut in half. You can see the red seed (nutmeg) inside.