Which substance is considered a synthetic hallucinogen?

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is considered a synthetic hallucinogen because it is chemically manufactured in a laboratory rather than derived from natural sources. Although MDMA primarily acts as a stimulant, it also has hallucinogenic properties that can alter perception, mood, and consciousness, classifying it within the broader category of hallucinogenic substances.

In contrast, psilocybin and peyote are derived from natural sources—psilocybin from certain species of mushrooms and peyote from a cactus—making them naturally occurring hallucinogens. Khat, on the other hand, is a plant whose leaves contain stimulants, primarily cathinone, and does not primarily have hallucinogenic effects. Thus, MDMA is distinct in its synthetic origin and its classification as a hallucinogen.