Hallucinogens 101: LSD
by MADELINE FERGUSON
Mushrooms Fast Facts
DEA Classification: Schedule 1
Other Names: Acid, Dots, Dose, Lucy
Synthesized
Comes on blotter paper, thin squares of gelatin, tablet, liquid
Orally ingested
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a potent hallucinogenic with a complicated past in the United States.
LSD is a synthetic chemical made from ergot, a fungus found on grains. It causes changes in perception and thought while also known to produce auditory and visual hallucinations. People also report distortions of space and time. LSD takes effect about 30 minutes after ingestion lasts about 8-10 hours. It is typically taken by ingesting a smaller blotter paper, sugar cube or gelatin sheet.
With LSD, like all hallucinogens, there is a risk of a “bad trip”. It is considered one of the most potent hallucinogenic substances. You can learn more about bad trips and how to avoid them here.
Acid is often associated with the hippie movement in the 60s but it was discovered first by a Swiss chemist in the late 30s. LSD became known first in the United States as the drug that was used in the “mind-control experiments” by the CIA. It was later determined it was too unpredictable to be used in the field and soon became the drug associated with the counterculture movement first popping up in “Acid Test” parties where it was paired with music (like the Grateful Dead) black lights and art in San Francisco.
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Two scientists at Harvard, Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert, conducted research that was later discredited on the effects of LSD on the brain. It was soon declared schedule 1 and research halted due to media coverage and government scare tactics.
Now, more research is being done under today’s scientific standards on the use of LSD in a controlled setting to treat various psychiatric conditions like PTSD, depression, addiction and more. The results are early but promising, like most other psychedelics used in a therapeutic setting.
If you’d like to keep learning about LSD and other hallucinogens, the Utah Bee is committed to educating readers on this and other psychedelic compounds. Browse here.
Follow the links to see more in the Hallucinogen101 series on MDMA and Mushrooms.