LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide (also known as Lysergide, LSD-25, LSD, L, Lucy, and Acid) is a popular semisynthetic psychedelic substance of the lysergamide class that produces "classical" psychedelic effects when administered.

LSD was first synthesized by the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938, although it took until 1943 for its psychoactive properties to be discovered. It was introduced in 1947 as a commercial medication under the trade-name Delysid for use in clinical psychiatry and research.

Following its release, LSD had a major impact on scientific research and psychiatry. Within 15 years, research on LSD and other hallucinogens generated over 1,000 scientific papers and was prescribed to over 40,000 patients. During this time, it was investigated by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a potential mind control agent in a clandestine project named MK-ULTRA. Its widespread adoption by the Western counterculture in the 1960s eventually resulted in its global prohibition in 1971.

 

LSD is typically distributed in various forms for oral or sublingual administration. It is one of the few psychedelic substances potent enough to fit onto small squares of "blotter paper", and has a long history of being counterfeited by similarly potent psychedelics that do not have its established safety profile.

LSD has been noted for its elusiveness,impact on various youth subcultures and alternative spiritualities, the arbitrariness of the restrictions on its research, as well as the difficulty of its clandestine production. It is considered by some to be the first modern entheogen, a category which had been limited to traditional plant preparations or extracts.

Unlike most highly prohibited substances, LSD is not considered to be addictive or toxic by the scientific community. Nevertheless, unpredictable adverse reactions such as uncontrollable anxiety, delusions and psychosis can always occur, particularly among those who are predisposed to mental disorders.While these negative reactions or "bad trips" are often attributable to user inexperience or improper preparation of set and setting, they have been known to happen among even highly experienced users as well. It is therefore highly advised to approach this very powerful hallucinogenic substance with the proper amount of precaution and harm reduction practices if using it. 

LSD was first synthesized on November 16, 1938, by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland as part of a large research program searching for medically useful ergot alkaloid derivatives. The abbreviated form of LSD comes from its early research code name LSD-25 which is an abbreviation for the German spelling "Lysergsäure-diethylamid" followed by a sequential number. However, its psychedelic properties were not discovered until five years later when Hofmann purported to accidentally ingest an unknown quantity of the chemical before proceeding on a bike ride home. This event would come to be known as "Bicycle Day", and is celebrated to this day.

The first intentional ingestion of LSD occurred on April 19, 1943, when Hofmann ingested 250 micrograms (µg) of LSD, believing it would be a threshold dose based on the dosages of other ergot alkaloids. Hofmann found the effects to be much stronger than he anticipated and was impressed and puzzled by its radically mind-altering effects. In 1947, Sandoz Laboratories introduced LSD to the world as a psychiatric drug and made it easily accessible for research and experimental therapy.

Beginning in the 1950s, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency began a research program code named MK-ULTRA which investigated the compound for potential applications in mind control, chemical warfare, and the development of a 'truth serum.' Experiments included administering LSD to CIA employees, military personnel, doctors, other government agents, prostitutes, mentally ill patients, and members of the general public in order to study their reactions, usually without the subjects' knowledge, which resulted in at least one death. The project was revealed in the U.S. congressional United States President's Commission on CIA activities called the Rockefeller Commission report in 1975.

In 1963, the Sandoz patents expired on LSD. Several prominent intellectuals, including Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, and Al Hubbard, began to advocate for the consumption of LSD. LSD became central to the counterculture of the 1960s. In the early 1960s, the use of LSD and other hallucinogens was advocated by new proponents of consciousness expansion such as Leary, Huxley, Alan Watts and Arthur Koestler and according to L. R. Veysey, they profoundly influenced the thinking of the new generation of youth.

On October 24, 1968, possession of LSD was made illegal in the United States. The last FDA approved study of LSD in patients ended in 1980, while a study in healthy volunteers was made in the late 1980s. Legally approved and regulated psychiatric use of LSD continued in Switzerland until 1993.

In popular culture, the Grateful Dead became inextricably linked to LSD in the United States, and Grateful Dead concerts provided the primary distribution network for LSD through the mid-1990s.

LSD, or d-lysergic acid diethylamide, is a semisynthetic alkaloid of the lysergamide family. LSD contains a core structure of lysergic acid, with an N,N-diethylamide functional group bound to R_N of the chemical structure. This core polycyclic structure of LSD is an indole derivative and has tryptamine and phenethylamine groups embedded within it.

LSD's structure contains a bicyclic hexahydroindole ring fused to a bicyclic quinoline group (lysergic acid). At carbon 8 of the quinoline an N, generally N-diethyl carboxamide is bound, LSD is additionally substituted at carbon 6 with a methyl group. LSD is a chiral compound with two stereocenters at R₅ and R₈. LSD, also called (+)-D-LSD, has an absolute configuration of (5R, 8R). The three other stereoisomers of LSD do not have psychoactive properties.

 In terms of its physical properties, LSD is sensitive to oxygen, ultraviolet light, and chlorine (especially in solution). Its potency may last for years if it is stored away from light and moisture at cold temperatures around 0°C or below, but will slowly degrade at normal room temperature (25°C). In one study, there was a 10% loss of potency after LSD was kept at room temperature for one month. However, there are also many anecdotal reports from users who have successfully stored LSD at room temperature for years which contradict the findings of this study.
 

LSD acts as a 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT_2C and 5-H_T6 receptor partial agonist. LSD binds to most serotonin receptor subtypes except for 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₄. 5-HT_5B receptors, which have not been found in humans, also have a high affinity for LSD. The psychedelic effects are thought to come from LSD's efficacy at the 5-HT_2A receptors.
LSD also possesses efficacy at all dopamine and all adrenoreceptors. Most serotonergic psychedelics are not significantly dopaminergic, so LSD is therefore rather unique in this regard. LSD's agonism of D2 receptors has been shown to contribute to its psychoactivity^.
However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain the subject of ongoing scientific inquiry.

The subjective effects of LSD can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage in a nonlinear manner. In comparison to other psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms, LSA and ayahuasca, LSD is significantly more stimulating and fast-paced in both its physical and cognitive effects and produces a large number of effects that can potentially be attributed to its binding activity at a wide range of CNS receptors other than serotonin, such as receptors for dopamine and norepinephrine.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS

STIMULATION - In terms of its effects on physical energy levels, LSD is usually regarded as being very energetic and stimulating without being forced. For example, when taken in any environment it will usually encourage physical activities such as running, walking, climbing or dancing. In comparison, other more commonly used psychedelics such as psilocybin which are generally sedating and relaxed.

PERCEPTION OF BODILY LIGHTNESS - The stimulation and energy LSD produces can often lead one to feel as if they are moving weightlessly.

SPONTANEOUS PHYSICAL SENSATIONS - The "body high" of LSD can be characterized as prominent in comparison to its accompanying visual and cognitive effects. It behaves as a euphoric, fast-moving, sharp and location specific or generalized tingling sensation. For some, it is manifested spontaneously at different, unpredictable points throughout the trip, but for most, it maintains a steady presence that rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached. At moderate to high doses of LSD, many users have reported that if this sensation hits its highest level it can become so overwhelming that users find themselves writhing in pleasure.

PHYSICAL EUPHORIA - This effect is not as reliably induceable as it is with substances like stimulants or entactogens, and can just as easily manifest as physical discomfort without any apparent reason.

TACTILE ENHANCEMENT - Feelings of enhanced tactile sensations are consistently present at moderate levels throughout most LSD trips. If level 8A geometry is reached, an intense sensation of suddenly becoming aware of and being able to feel every single nerve ending across a person's entire body all at once is consistently present.

CHANGES IN FELT BODILY FORM - This effect is often accompanied by a sense of warmth or unity and usually occurs during and up to the peak of the experience or directly afterward. Users can feel as if they are physically part of or conjoined with other objects. This is usually reported as feeling comfortable in its sensations and even peaceful, compared to other substances that induce this effect like salvia.

INCREASED BODY TEMPERATURE - Potentially dangerous states of overheating have been reported to occur in certain conditions, particularly with higher doses. Users are advised to monitor their core temperature and be cautious if taking LSD in hot or overcrowded outdoor environments.

NAUSEA - Mild nausea is occasionally reported when consumed in moderate to high dosages and either passes instantly soon after the user has vomited or gradually fades by itself as the peak sets in.

 

STAMINA ENHANCEMENT - This is generally mild in comparison to traditional stimulants.

EXCESSIVE YAWNING - This effect is significantly less pronounced than it is with psilocybin and its related compounds, the four-position substituted tryptamines

APPETITE SUPRESSION
DEHYDRATION
DIFFICULTY URINATING
INCREASED HEART RATE
INCREASED PERSPIRATION

MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS
MUSCLE SPASMS
EXCESSIVE YAWNING
PUPIL DIALATION
INCREASED SALIVATION
SEIZURE

 COGNITIVE EFFECTS

ANALYSIS ENHANCEMENT - This effect is consistent in its manifestation and introspection dominant.

ANXIETY AND PARANOIA - This effect is not typically observed at low to common doses and is less likely to occur when the basic rules of set and setting are taken into account. It should be noted that these effects are more likely to manifest when used with cannabis. It is commonly reported that psychedelics can to a certain extent counteract some of the perceived mental cloudiness or intoxicating effects of THC causing the user to in turn use more cannabis than is needed which can often lead to an overwhelmingly anxious and paranoid experience.

COGNITIVE EUPHORIA - This component is, generally speaking less consistent and pronounced than it is with substances like psilocybin and MDMA. The mental euphoria experienced on LSD is usually due to an enhancement of the user’s current psychological and emotional state coupled with its more reliably occurring effect, physical euphoria.

 FOCUS ENHANCEMENT - This effect is experienced exclusively on low or threshold dosages and feels less forced or sharp than it does with stimulants

LAUGHTER FITS - . This can manifest prominently during an LSD experience, particularly during the come up phase, often resulting in bouts of uncontrollable giggles and laughter that can form a feedback loop if around others who are also under the influence.
 

TIME DISTORTION - This effect typically takes the form of time dilation, or the experience of time slowing down and passing much slower than it would when sober.

INTROSPECTION
PERSONAL BIAS SUPRESSION
CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT
NOVELTY ENHANCEMENT
IMMERSION ENHANCEMENT
PERSONAL MEANING ENHANCEMENT
EMOTION ENHANCEMENT
DELUSION
DEJA VU
INCREASED LIBIDO
INCREASED MUSIC APPRECIATION
INCREASED SENSE OF HUMOUR
MEMORY SUPRESSION
EGO DEATH
MULTIPLE THOUGHT STREAMS
EGO REPLACEMENT
PERSONALITY REGRESSION
SIMULTANEOUS EMOTIONS
SUGGESTIBILITY ENHANCEMENT
THOUGHT ACCELERATION
THOUGHT CONNECTIVITY
THOUGHT LOOPS 
WAKEFULNESS
ADDICTION SUPRESSION

AUDITORY EFFECTS

AUDITORY HALLUCINATION, DISTORTMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

MULTI-SENSORY EFFECTS

SYNTHAESTHESIA - In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of this occurring, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states.

VISUAL EFFECTS

COLOUR ENHANCEMENT - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect is often reported to be brighter and more "radiant" in its character.

DRIFTING, MELTING, FLOWING, BREATHING AND MORPHING - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed, realistic, slow and smooth in motion and static in appearance.

GEOMETRY - The visual geometry that can be produced by LSD can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 2C-B or 2C-I than psilocin, LSA or DMT. It can be comprehensively described through its variations as primarily intricate in complexity, algorithmic in form, unstructured in organization, brightly lit, colourful in scheme, synthetic in feel, multicoloured in scheme, flat in shading, sharp in edges, large in size, fast in speed, smooth in motion, angular in its corners, non-immersive in-depth and consistent in intensity.

PATTERN RECOGNITION ENHANCEMENT
MAGNIFICATION
FRAME RATE ENHANCEMENT
COLOUR SHIFTING
TRACERS
VISUAL ACUITY ENHANCEMENT
AFTER IMAGES
DEPTH PERCEPTION DISTORTIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL PATTERN
PERSPECTIVE DISTORTIONS
RECURSION
SYMMETRICAL TEXTURE REPETITION
SCENERY SLICING
HALLUCINATORY STATES

LSD is capable of producing a full range of low and high-level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is significantly less consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics, specifically tryptamines like DMT or psilocybin mushrooms. These effects include:

MACHINE SCAPES - This component is a rare effect that typically only occurs at very strong to heavy doses, and not as consistently as with certain psychedelics such as DMT, psilocybin mushrooms, and 2C-P, and atypical psychedelics like salvia.

INTERNAL HALLUCINATIONS (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots) - Although LSD is technically capable of producing hallucinatory states in a fashion that is on par with psilocin or DMT in its vividness and intensity, these effects are extremely rare and inconsistent in comparison. While traditional psychedelics such as LSA, ayahuasca and mescaline will induce internal hallucinations near consistently at level 5 geometry and above, some users report that LSD will for most simply go straight into Level 8A visual geometry. This lack of consistently induced hallucinatory breakthroughs means that for most, LSD is relatively limited in as deep of an experience as certain other psychedelics can be, at doses that do not come with excessive side effects. On the rare occasion that they are induced, however, they can be comprehensively described in terms of their variations as lucid in believability, interactive in style, new experiences in content, autonomous in controllability and geometry-based in appearance.

EXTERNAL HALLUCINATIONS (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots)

TRANSFORMATION

TRANSPERSONAL EFFECTS

It should be noted that these effects are the rarest and least reproducible those that can occur during a psychedelic experience. They are considered unique in that that simply taking more of the substance does not necessarily increase the chance they will occur, and are said to rely more on contextual factors such as the user's set and setting rather than the substance or dose itself. Their fullest manifestations are sometimes called "peak", "transcendent" or "transformative" experiences; however, they can still occur on a conceptual or cognitive level that can leave a lasting positive impact on the user.

EXISTENTIAL SELF-REALIZATION

SPIRITUALITY ENHANCEMENT

PERCEPTION OF ETERNALISM

PERCEPTION OF SELF-DESIGN

PERCEPTION OF PREDETERMINISM

PERCEPTION OF INTERDEPENDANT OPPOSITES

UNITY AND INNER CONNECTEDNESS

DOSAGE:

Threshold - 10-20 ug
Light - 20 - 75 ug
Common - 50 - 150 ug
Strong - 150 - 400 ug
Heavy - 400 + ug