Certain varieties of morning glory seeds generally contain a substance known as lysergic acid amide (LSA), which is closely related to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Seeds of glory or morning glory seeds as well as plants are legal and at the same time can be bought at nurseries as well as garden around the globe. But many are chemically treated to discourage ingestion. Extraction of LSA from the morning glory seeds, for achieving pure form is illegal in the United States.

Looking back to the history, Mexican and Central American cultures, particularly shamans have utilized LSA for thousands of years, basically for medicinal purposes as well as to achieve communication with the spirit world. It is called as tlitlitzin by the Aztecs, and in 1900, tlitliltzin was recognized botanically as morning glory.

The varieties of morning seeds of glory which contain highest amount of LSA include crimson ramblers, flying saucers, heavenly blue and pearly gates. What is important is that you need to be sure that the seeds are free from the synthetic chemicals, if not they are not fatal but can get you sick. Basically, the seeds of the morning glory are ground in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle, and then it is well mixed with water or stuffed into gelatin capsules and eaten.

LSA is close relative of LSD; it is chemically as well as structurally similar to LSD so the effects are also similar. But one should know that LSA is naturally occurring and LSD is man-made. According to many users, the psychedelic experience of LSA is less intense and usually doesn’t last long. Some of the common effects of LSA include breathing walls, increased awareness of patterns as well as difficulty in social settings. Other common effects include nausea, dizziness and vertigo.

Similar to other psychedelic substance, the consumption of morning glory seeds also associates certain risks. In the effects is too high when taken with MAOIs, a common ingredient in various prescription drugs, especially anti-depressants. Consumption of morning glory seeds causes uterine contractions increasing the risk of miscarriage so, pregnant women should avoid it. You should avoid taking morning glory seeds if you have a family history of schizophrenia or any mental illness as they can act swiftly any symptoms you are predisposed to experience.

In United States, the possession of LSA in pure form is punishable but in some states like Arizona morning glory seeds are considered invasive species but the possession of the plant is illegal. Globally, many countries don’t control morning glory seeds but do control LSA except Italy where the seeds are considered as narcotic and in South Africa, the morning glory plants are considered invasive.