Over 200 plant species and numerous basidiomycetes have been reported as hallucinogenic or euphoriant, but only a few have been scientifically confirmed. This review catalogs plants with a proven hallucinogenic effect in humans or strong ethnobotanical evidence, while also listing unsubstantiated reports to encourage further study. Hallucinogenic higher plants span 146 genera across over 50 families, and their active constituents are chemically unique to each genus or close relatives. Notably, only two species—Cannabis sativa and Tabernanthe iboga—are federally prohibited in the United States, with a few others restricted in certain states.
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen derived from certain mushrooms, significantly enhances artistic creativity. In a study with 100 participants, 70% reported improved creative output after consuming psilocybin compared to a placebo. Notably, those who received the higher dosage exhibited a 30% increase in self-rated creativity scores. This aligns with findings from other drug studies indicating that psychedelics can alter perception and cognition. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin allows for controlled exploration of its effects on artistic expression, unlocking new avenues for creative potential.