Seeds from Jimson weed and Angel’s trumpet plants have been used by youths in Canada and the United States to get high, with often-dangerous consequences, including death. This report comes from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Windsor.

     Youths ingest the seeds or flowers of the toxic plants, either by chewing or in tea to create hallucinatory effects. Both Jimson weed and Angel’s trumpet plants are subject to control by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and as communicated to the provincial and federal agriculture departments, these plants should not be composted, but instead be bagged, dried and burned, as the seeds are very hardy.

     These weeds are a menace to farmers in Essex County who experienced damage to their combining equipment. As reported by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one farmer has tried for 10 years to eradicate the plants from a field.

     The Jimson weed has become very popular with gardeners. The bulk of its dissemination in the Essex area has been through gardeners sharing seeds. However, some nurseries have been selling the plants, most probably the Angel’s trumpet.

     More information on these plants and their effects can be obtained by contacting your local public health office, or call Blanche Bénéteau- RN BA Program Consultant, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ste. 118, 3200 Deziel Dr., Windsor, ON N8W 5K8, Tel: 519-251-0500, Fax: 519-251-0494.