Active Agent
D-lysergic acid diethylamide is one of the most powerful pharmicologic substances. LSD has a chemical configuration similar to seratonin, a neurotransmitter. It was discovered in 1938 by Albert Hoffman while working with compounds derived from ergot fungus. Ergot is a naturally occuring fungus which can grow on rye. The old story is that Hoffman was riding his bicycle home from work and discovered that he had been contaminated with LSD and was hallucinating.
Effects
The effects of LSD include colorful visual hallucinations, spatial, time, and color distortions, and auditory alterations. A sense of leaving one’s body is common. In the first 30 minutes effects first become noticeable. If multiple tabs are taken, effects become very noticeable earlier. From the first to third hours spatial distortions and hallucinations become intense. There may be a breakdown of a sense of reality.
Addiction Potential
Physical – None. Psychological – Moderate.
Method of Use
A typical dose is 50 micrograms (a tab). The LSD is delivered to a small piece of paper (blotter) which is placed in the mouth. Occasionally the dose will be in a sugar cube or on a small piece of plastic. The doses are generally kept in aluminum foil. One tab will have very substantial hallucinatory effect.
Pros
As far as hallucinogens go, none is much stronger than LSD. This is the atom bomb of hallucinogens.
Cons
Illegal. A bad trip can ruin your life (avoid playing in traffic or going for subway rides while high). Driving is impossible.
Additional Information
CAMH’s LSD Site – A thorough discussion of LSD with a nice history.
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