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| Datura Stramonium - Jimson Weed |
Today finds us diving into the "seedy" side of Hunter Thompson's writing references. And to start, we have to look to the Jimson Weed. Known in some circles as the Devil's Trumpet or the softer version...Angels Trumpet.
Either way, the slightest amount above medicinal dose and depending on your religion, you will be seeing one or the other.
Datura Stramonium is a member of the nightshade family and possesses belladonna alkaloids atropine and scopolamine. This has been used to treat asthma and as a pain killer in early surgery. However, it is also a hallucinogen and deliriant that produces intense visions that may last for days.
This of course is what Hunter is relying on whenever he mentions using a "bit of the jimsonweed". He even referred to using it on his wedding night in 2003 at the age of 65. True or not it is hard to figure. But several of his papers reference the use. Curiously he almost never uses the word marijuana in his writing.
It is really unknown if he ever really smoked the jimmy weed or if he did, was there any productive writing?
But Jimson Weed is just the tip of the iceberg for the Gonzo journalist of our age. Saturday will enlighten you a wee bit more.
Until then, stay upright.
~Tempest Fugit~
11 comments:
Use this plant at 65 and the wedding night must be truly amazing.
Interesting plant. I've heard of this plant in my search for interesting ways to kill people (research for my books only) and was fascinated by it's properties. I've never heard of someone purposely using it on their wedding night.
So if I am an atheist who/what will I hallucinate?
I didn't realize jimson weed was a hallucinogen. But I'm not surprised that Thompson partook, even at the age of 65.
I used to have a whole field of jimson weed. Fascinating plant if you are careful what you do with it. Nice post.
Mary at Mary A to Z
HST was an intriguing, albeit peculiar man. I'm glad I found your blog.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Well - I didn't know the Daturas were part of the Bella Donna family! I've always thought they were elegant & fancied trying to grow some - I wonder if they're legal in the UK, given this hallucinogenic connection? (there's probably an EU prohibitive directive - they're always clamping down on our fun!)
Learning a lot about HST, Chuck - great theme for the meme ;-)
Plenty of writers were high when they wrote, and he might've been one of them.
Leovi: Sounds dangerous at any age!!
Clarissa: You know I actually thought of you when I was writing this post. I figured it would be something you had run across in your research.
PTM: You are now resembling your own post, my friend...The Joker!
Tim: The right amount might make you se things...the wrong amount, well you wouldn't see them very long.
Mary: I wonder how it acts on animals if they eat it, or do they naturally stay away from stuff like this?
Bear: Yes he was...thanks for stopping by.
Sue: I guess you will have to find something else to grow and not take any chances which the "law".
Alex: Yes there were many in altered states...and I am sure I have read some them too.
Hi Chuck .. I've known Datura is a dangerous plant - I had one growing in South Africa ... but this is interesting reading .. and I love the name ...
Tampering with/tempting our minds .. not a good idea ... cheers Hilary
Hilary: There are always those who will test the boundaries...we are after all, human.
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