A mom from Georgia went on TikTok to warn other parents about a concerning trend among teenagers: getting high by sniffing nutmeg.
Nutmeg, a common spice found in most kitchens, can be dangerous when consumed in large amounts, causing a condition known as nutmeg intoxication.
In her viral video, the mom shared her shock at learning from a teacher friend that some students were bringing small bottles of nutmeg to school.
These teens claimed it was for a culinary class, but when questioned further, it turned out there were no nutmeg-related activities in the curriculum. The school’s resource officer stepped in, confiscating the spice and suspending the students involved.
Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which, when metabolized by the body, can produce hallucinogenic effects similar to certain drugs. Symptoms of nutmeg intoxication include drowsiness and hallucinations, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal.
Many parents expressed concern and shared their own experiences with nutmeg sniffing. Some recalled it being a trend years ago, while others joked about its inclusion in the “Anarchist Cookbook.”
However, the mom emphasized her frustration with teenagers finding ways to get high instead of focusing on more productive activities.
Historically, nutmeg has been used for various medicinal purposes, but its abuse as a drug is a more recent phenomenon.
The mom lamented the loss of innocence and questioned why teenagers would resort to such risky behavior.