Kids Are Using Nutmeg for a High—What Parents Need To Know

A new viral video is bringing attention to this old method of getting high.

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

A TikTok creator is warning parents and teachers about an old method of getting high that may be coming back in popularity among teenagers: nutmeg. Yes, that glorious key ingredient for our beloved pumpkin spice blend can make a person intoxicated if they ingest enough.

TikTok user @lakeviewliving posted an eyebrow-raising video on March 11, 2024, that has since gone viral. In it, the creator describes a conversation she had with a teacher friend who shared a wild story about how teenagers at their local high school got caught with bottles of nutmeg during backpack checks.

When asked why they had so much of the ordinary spice, they said it was for culinary class. But when the culinary teacher was asked about it, they responded that no such assignment required nutmeg.

"They're all suspended–because these flipping teenagers have figured out that you can use nutmeg to get high," the creator says to the camera, adding, "Is nothing sacred anymore? Like, what!? I want to know how they even figured this out."

It turns out nutmeg has long been known to cause intoxication. As far back as 1966, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime published a report on the use of nutmeg as a psychotropic drug, describing it as "a narcotic not only because it can induce stupor but also because many persons now consume it deliberately to escape reality."

How concerned should parents be? Here’s what experts have to say about a nutmeg high.

How Nutmeg Can Make a Child High

Nutmeg is a popular and powerfully flavored spice—a tiny bit goes a long way. This is what helps pumpkin spice lattes and autumn-themed baked goods get their flavor. That's why it may be hard to imagine anyone tolerating eating large enough amounts to get high. That high comes from myristicin, a naturally occurring compound in nutmeg. It’s also found in other spices, such as dill and parsley.

"It is unclear exactly how much nutmeg is required to produce hallucinogenic effects, but the effects are thought to be caused by inhibition of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of serotonin and other catecholamines in the brain," says Joshua Nogar, MD, Fellowship Director and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology & Addiction Medicine at Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Dr. Nogar adds, "It has been postulated that an ingestion of as much as 15 grams of nutmeg can produce these effects, but there is no clearly-established 'dose' of nutmeg that will reliably induce hallucinations in a teen or adult."

What a Nutmeg High Looks Like

So, what does it look like when a person is high on nutmeg? According to Jessica C Foltin, MD, Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Hospital-based Pediatrics at Phelps Hospital, Northwell, the effects of nutmeg can be downright nightmarish.

"If an individual manages to swallow enough, the effects can be variable, ranging from a mild floating sensation, accompanied by anxiety, fear, and a feeling of impending doom, to full-blown delirium. A ‘Jack-in-the-box' sensation has been reported," says Dr. Foltin. "These effects don't occur immediately and may take four hours." They can also last up to 48 hours, adds Dr. Foltin.

Research shows large consumption of nutmeg can also cause facial flushing, a fast heart rate, dry mouth, and hypertension, after the hallucinogenic effect.

Nutmeg High Risks

The good news is that few deaths have ever been reported from nutmeg use alone, and nutmeg poisoning itself is quite rare. That's comforting no matter the age of your child.

"Small children who may accidentally inhale or get the powder in their eyes can be affected," says Dr. Foltin, adding, "early adolescent patients are more likely to experiment with nutmeg because it is more available and inexpensive."

Dr. Nogar points out that it is unclear what the toxic dose of nutmeg is for a human. "It is also important to note that anything consumed in excess can become a poison, including table salt, tap water, baking soda, sugar, etc.”

Should Parents Be Concerned About Nutmeg?

Caregivers may not need to worry too much about nutmeg compared to other ways of getting high. "Parents should be more concerned about any and all prescription drugs, alcohol, illicit drugs, and/or cannabis that is in the home, as these pose far greater risk to teens than myristicin," says Dr. Nogar.

After all, nutmeg is a common and usually harmless spice that most people keep in their pantry. It is unlikely that nutmeg ingestion as a method to get high will catch on, especially given how awful it can make you feel.

But, Dr. Foltin adds that parents should consider taking time and effort to create and maintain open lines of communication with their kids and teens about tough subjects like drugs and alcohol.

"Communication between parents and teens is a great way to ensure a good relationship with your child,” says Dr. Foltin, “and keep teens informed about the dangers of this and other activities.”

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