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[Lucky Pittman <Lucky.Pittman@murraystate.edu>]

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At 10:03 PM 09/05/2000 -0700, you wrote:

> Jimson weed = LOCO weed.  inhaling the
> fumes and getting the extract on the
> skin may cause problems

Actually, locoweed refers to members of the genera Astragalus and
Oxytropis.
Jimsonweed is Datura stramonium.

 From Poisonous Plants of the Southern United States:
"TOXICITY:
The toxic principles of this common hog lot and barnyard plant are the
alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine.  All parts of the
plant are considered poisonous, whether green or dry.  However, the
seeds are particularly poisonous.  Usually, this plant is not eaten
except when other forage is unavailable.  Cattle and swine are
primarily affected, but horses, poultry, dogs and humans have been
affected.  Cows can be poisoned by consuming one-half to one pound
of the green plant.
SYMPTOMS:
Early symptoms include a weak and rapid pulse and heartbeat.  The
eyes are widely dilated, the mouth and other mucous membranes are dry and
animals may appear blind.  Later, slow breathing may be observed as
well as lowered temperature, convulsions or coma.
After eating the plants, sheep have been observed to have abnormal leg
movements, disturbed vision, intense thirst, and to bite at imaginary
objects in the air.
Pregnant sows consuming jimsonweed during their second and third months
of gestation have produced deformed pigs.  Some pigs may be born
alive but exhibit varying degrees of flexed hips, stifles and
forelegs.  The hocks may be overextended."

Probably not a 'trip' I'd care to take, just from eating an apple.

Seems like I've read accounts of the native Americans using jimsonweed in
some of their rituals - along with peyote and psilocybe mushrooms, this
probably accounts for some of the 'visions' revealed to the shamans and
warriors, like Crazy Horse, etc.

Louis L. "Lucky" Pittman, Jr., DVM

Veterinary Pathologist/Asst. Prof.

Murray St. Univ.-Breathitt Veterinary Ctr.

Hopkinsville, KY