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Morning glory Facts

Psychedelic; Lysergamide; Serotonin 2A receptor agonist

Description

Morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor Cav., Convolvulaceae) is an annual climbing vine whose seeds contain psychoactive ergoline alkaloids. Its principal active compound, LSA (ergine), is structurally related to LSD. Ergine activates serotonin pathways in the brain,[1] producing altered perception and cognition.

Subjective effects include visual distortions, altered thinking, sedation, lethargy, and introspective thought. The experience is shorter and less visually intense than LSD, defined as much by physical discomfort as by perceptual change.[2]

Dependence liability is presumed low based on the ergoline class,[3] but documented adverse events include cardiovascular disruption, psychosis-like states, and suicidal ideation.[4][5] Commercially sold ornamental seeds are often pesticide-coated, adding toxic risk unrelated to the alkaloids.[6]

Dose and duration

No dose or duration recorded for any route.

Body and dependence

Acute toxicity
Moderate
Chronic toxicity
Low
Physical dependence
Negligible
Psychological dependence
Negligible
Withdrawal
None recorded
Compulsive redosing
Negligible

Tolerance

Builds
Rapid
Fully resets after
10 days
Carries over to
LSD; psilocybin; mescaline

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
none likely · 30 possible, including Spatial disorientation, Visual haze / noise, Vestibular distortion
Body
Nausea; Pupil dilation; Vasoconstriction; +28 possible, including Dizziness, Headache, Vomiting
Thinking
none likely · 33 possible, including Cognitive dysphoria, Cognitive impairment, Confusion
Feeling
none likely · 10 possible, including Anxiety, Emotional lability, Dysphoria
Self
none likely · 10 possible, including Depersonalization, Derealization, Communication suppression
Time
none likely · 4 possible, including Temporal disorientation
Transpersonal
none likely · 1 possible
Awareness
Lucid dreaming enhancement; +3 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Cardiovascular disease; Personal or family history of psychosis; Active depression or suicidal ideation; Pregnancy; Concurrent serotonergic medications; Lithium co-administration
Relative
Hepatic impairment; CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status

Combinations61 recorded

Lethal (1)
MAOIs
Dangerous (17)
Dopamine agonists; Lithium; MDMA, MDA; NRIs; GHB, Baclofen; GHB, GBL; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; Local anesthetics; MDMA, Amphetamines; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); Psychedelics; Salvia, Ibogaine; SNRIs; SSRIs; Stimulants; Synthetic cannabinoids
Caution (38)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/morning-glory
Not graded (5)
Not listed never means safe.

Seek help immediately if

Most difficulty is psychological (intense fear, panic, confusion) and passes with calm support — the signs below mean seek emergency help:

  • Very high body temperature; hot, dry skin
  • Seizures
  • Chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Severe muscle rigidity, tremor, or twitching (possible serotonin syndrome)
  • Cold, pale, or blue fingers/toes — severe vasoconstriction (notably NBOMe / DOx)
  • Persistent vomiting; unconsciousness; uncontrollable agitation or risk of self-harm

What to do

  1. Stay calm and reassure — remind them they took a drug and the effect will pass
  2. Move to a calm, quiet, safe space with low light; reduce noise and sensory input
  3. Keep them from harm — they may act on fear or confusion; stay with them, don't leave them alone
  4. Talk them down gently; don't grab or restrain unless they're in danger
  5. For the medical signs above (overheating, seizure, chest pain, vasoconstriction, unresponsive) call emergency services
  6. If overheating, cool the body; be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR

The experience is time-limited and usually resolves with calm reassurance in a safe setting — psychological first aid, not medication. Serious physical harm is uncommon for classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) but real for some potent phenethylamines (NBOMe, DOx), where hyperthermia, seizures, and vasoconstriction warrant emergency care.

988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE

Version r2 · Not medical advice

References

  1. [1]
    ^Halberstadt AL, Geyer MA (2011) Multiple receptors contribute to the behavioral effects of indoleamine hallucinogens — Neuropharmacology doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.01.017
  2. [2]
    ^Juszczak GR, Swiergiel AH (2013) Recreational use of D-lysergamide from the seeds of Argyreia nervosa, Ipomoea tricolor, Ipomoea violacea, and Ipomoea purpurea in Poland — Journal of Psychoactive Drugs PMID:23662334
  3. [3]
    ^Schifano F, Vento A, Scherbaum N, Guirguis A (2023) Stimulant and hallucinogenic novel psychoactive substances; an update — Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology doi:10.1080/17512433.2023.2279192
  4. [4]
    ^Kremer C, Paulke A, Wunder C, Toennes SW (2012) Variable adverse effects in subjects after ingestion of equal doses of Argyreia nervosa seeds — Forensic Science International doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.06.025
  5. [5]
    ^Klinke HB, Muller IB, Steffenrud S, Dahl-Sorensen R (2010) Two cases of lysergamide intoxication by ingestion of seeds from Hawaiian Baby Woodrose — Forensic Science International doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.11.017
  6. [6]
    ^DrugWise (2020) Morning Glory
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