You Won't Believe What People Have Started Snorting to Get High

Partiers at dance clubs and raves around the world are snorting a new drug to get their high: the chocolate ingredient cacao.

You read that right. Raw cacao's rise as the hot new party drug started in Berlin — which IFL Science calls the "hipster capital of the world." There, Ozy reports, an alcohol-free dance party called Lucid has been serving it as a drink. The organizer of Lucid calls it a "smooth, sensual hug in a cup."

But drinking it wasn't enough: A major rave organizer started offering cacao in pill form, and a Belgian chocolatier crafted a $50 device that allows partiers to snort cacao powder like it's cocaine chocolate. (You can see video of it here. According to Maxim, the device was invented as a birthday gift for members of the Rolling Stones.)

IFL Science explains that cacao was used by the Aztecs and Mayans "during rituals and ceremonies in order to elevate participants to a state of ecstasy." It contains endorphins; an amino acid that plays a role in the production of dopamine; blood-flow boosting antioxidants; and magnesium, which Ozy describes as having "de-tensing" characteristics.

A number of studies have shown cacao improves cognitive function, the Independent adds. But a chocolate scientist tells Ozy there's not enough of any of those compounds in cacao to actually alter people's moods, meaning the trendy millennials rolling on cacao at the club are probably enjoying a placebo effect. Plus, just because it's safe to eat, doesn't mean it's safe to stick up your nose, notes IFL Science.

(In related news, did you know that during WWII, Nazis turned chocolate bars into secret weapons?)