Definition of Terms #
The words and terms used to introduce each chemical or botanical are defined as follows:
COMMON NOMENCLATURE #
This is the commonly used name for the particular substance, as opposed to the more formal less user-friendly systematic name.
ANTICIPATED DURATION #
This is the expected duration of the trip or psychoactive experience. It is the time expended from reaching threshold to the point at which normality or baseline is broadly reached. This does not include after effects, such as tiredness, hangover, or simply the residue of a state or frame of mind, which can persist for a considerable time in some cases.
ANTICIPATED ONSET #
This is the expected time it will take to reach the point at which the psychoactive experience has reached its threshold level. In other words, the length of time before the subject is aware that the effects of the chemical or botanical are active.
Safety warning: when using a compound, if there is no effect within the expected time scale, do not redose. Onset can vary considerably from person to person, and it can be influenced by a variety of factors (related to both the individual and the substance).
REFERENCE DOSES #
These are figures published by the major psychoactive related communities, on the Internet. They are not scientific, in that they are generally produced from feedback, anecdotal material, and estimation. They should not form the basis to determine an individual’s dose, but are commonly used as one of a variety of inputs for consideration. They do not indicate that a particular dose is safe for you.
The specific community sources used were: erowid.com, tripbot.tripsit.me, psychonautwiki.org, and drugs-forum.com. A point to bear in mind here is the possibility that a drug related community may have higher tolerance than ordinary members of the public.
Remember that inexperienced users should always start with a very low dose. Note also that where it is not specified or clear, the relevant RoA should be assumed to be oral.
STREET & REFERENCE NAMES #
These are alternative names by which the chemical or botanical are known. They can range from slang or street names, to alternative forms of nomenclature framed by organisations or professional bodies.
MAXIMUM DOSE EXPERIENCED #
This is the highest dose which I personally experienced. In some cases, this is represented in the form of an arithmetic addition (a+b+c). This represents an initial dose, and subsequent redosing, thus accumulating a total exposure to the psychoactive. Note that in some cases I dosed foolishly and recklessly.
As my personal attributes are relevant with respect to this, I declare these as: male; 5ft 10” (177cm); 12st (76kg).
PERSONAL RATING ON THE SHULGIN SCALE #
This is the personal assessment of the author’s own experience whilst testing a particular chemical or botanical, measured against the Shulgin Scale. Note that such measurement is not suitable for all experiences, but was adapted for use where possible.
FORM #
This is the form in which the substance was used. Common forms include powder, fluid, plant matter, blotter and pill.
SOURCE / JURISDICTION #
The source indicates from where the chemical was procured. The jurisdiction specifies where it was sampled.
ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION (RoA) #
This is the path by which the active molecules of the chemical or botanical are taken into the body. A variety of possibilities are available, which are discussed later in this section.
INDIGENOUS SOURCE #
This specifies the region or country the botanical is native to or originates from.
BINOMIAL / BOTANICAL NAME #
This is the formal name of the species, or the general name of the plant or fungi, which pertains to the botanical being researched.
MAJOR ACTIVE COMPOUND #
This is the primary psychoactive chemical which is present and active within a botanical. Note that some botanicals can have a multitude of active chemicals, not all of which are listed.
For a general dictionary of drug-related terms and phrases see Section 4.8.