LSD, which stands for lysergic acid diethylamide, is one of the more notorious and highly potent hallucinogens used across the globe. So potent, that doses are typically measured in micrograms (mcg). It is made from an acid in ergot, which is a fungus that grows on grains like rye.

It is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) meaning that there are no prescriptions available and it is not allowed for clinical use. Schedule 1 drugs are furthered defined as:

  • “The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
  • The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical treatment use in the U.S.
  • It has a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.”

Street Names

There are over 80 common street names for LSD including:

Acid, blotter acid, doses, dots, trips, hits mellow yellow, windowpane, blue cheer, electric Kool-Aid, purple haze, sugar cubes, sunshine tabs, microdots, or names reflecting the pattern on the sheets of blotter paper.

Forms

LSD is odorless, colorless, and has a slightly bitter taste. It is produced in crystalline form and mixed with inactive ingredients. It is usually taken by mouth but can also be inhaled through the nose or injected into a vein, known as snorting or shooting up. LSD is found in various forms such as:

  • Blotter paper. This is the most common form and known as a “hit”. It is absorbent paper with colorful designs. LSD is soaked into these sheets and then they are cut up into small individual doses. The “tabs” are absorbed on the tongue and swallowed.
  • Thin squares of gelatin (known as window panes)
  • Capsules or tablets (commonly known as Microdots)
  • Liquid on sugar cubes
  • Pure liquid (rare and can be highly potent)

And unfortunately, there is no way to tell how much LSD is contained in any of these forms.

Effects of LSD

LSD is a mind-altering drug that affects your central nervous system, and specifically changes your mood, behavior, senses, and thinking by interacting with your serotonin. As the classification implies, LSD causes hallucinations. This means that it creates the illusion of things you might see, hear, or feel that seem real but are not. Because it is such a potent drug, only a tiny amount is needed for intense hallucinations. These hallucinations are called “trips”.

Effects are remarkably unpredictable and trips can be bad or good. A good trip can be euphoric with feelings of floating, being superhuman, having less inhibition, and extremely clear thinking. A bad trip can be unpleasant and downright terrifying. Experiencing frightening and uncontrollable thoughts, jumping from one emotion to the next, distorted senses, and altered perceptions.

When taken by mouth, the effects can be felt about 30 to 45 minutes later, peaking at 3 to 4 hours, and possibly lasting 12 hours or more. When injected, effects will usually be felt within 10 minutes. LSD can be detected in your system for days after use.

Harmful Side Effects of LSD

There is no known lethal dose of LSD itself, death is often due to a direct injury while under the influence. But as with most drugs, there is a slew of harmful effects from the misuse of LSD including:

  • Hallucinations
  • Distorted visual and auditory perception
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Flashbacks
  • Rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, and high blood pressure
  • Dilated pupils
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dry mouth
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Extreme mood swings

Flashbacks are a particular side effect of LSD. During times of increased stress, an individual can have a sudden return to certain parts of their drug experience, even when they are currently not using the drug. These flashbacks tend to diminish after stopping use of LSD, but for some people, they persist and interfere with an individual’s daily life. This condition is known as hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD).

How was LSD Discovered?

In 1938, a chemist by the name of Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD by accident when he was experimenting with creating circulatory and respiratory stimulants. The compound caused restlessness and other issues in animal testing and was suspended. But then in 1943, he recreated it with the intent to self-administer an extremely small dose to further explore its effects. Hoffman reported feeling confused and dizzy, having perceptual distortion, and a “tremendous fear of going insane.” After further animal testing, LSD was introduced to the medical community where it was used experimentally to induce temporary psychotic-like states.

The Evolution of LSD

From the 1950s through the 1970s, psycholytic and psychedelic therapy models used hallucinogens as part of treatments for personality and behavioral changes as well as symptom relief. It was during this time that the word “psychedelics” was coined. Through the studies of this time, it was found that psychedelics like LSD have the potential to treat alcoholism.

In the 1960s, clinicians began to use LSD for its therapeutic effects on a variety of psychotic conditions including addictions, anxiety disorder, major depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Several studies on patients with advanced-stage and terminal cancer found promising results of using LSD to reduce anxiety, depression, and pain.

However, also in the 60s, LSD made its way into recreational and spiritual use. And at the same time, studies began to investigate the potential negative effects of psychedelic therapy and the inconsistent results. In one notable instance, an elephant at an Oklahoma City zoo died within two hours of receiving an injection. LSD therapy seemed to be strongly influenced by an individual’s mental state and the environment in which they ingested the drug.

By 1967 the Hallucinogenic Drug Regulations were introduced to restrict the use of psychedelic drugs to qualified practitioners.

Is LSD Addictive?

One would normally assume all drugs are addictive. But in fact, LSD is not considered an addictive drug because it does not cause uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors and physical dependence. LSD produces incredibly intense and unpredictable highs so it is typically not a drug that people choose to use daily. However, people who do use LSD continuously can build up a tolerance for it leading to higher dosing. In fact, LSD use builds up a tolerance for other hallucinogens, including psilocybin. Psilocybin, commonly known as PCP, is not only addictive, but also a highly dangerous drug that can cause seizures, coma, and death, particularly when taken in higher doses. However, tolerance tapers after a few days of abstinence.

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