What Is LSD And Is LSD Use Worth Trying?

Some people who use drugs do so to experience hallucinogenic or psychedelic effects. One of the most iconic and potent psychedelics is lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). It has over 80 street names, including Acid, Blotter, Dots, Mellow Yellow, and Window Pane.

This guide tackles what LSD is, its legality, effects, risks, and clinical studies. This article will also cover frequently asked questions about drug abuse, overdose, and more.

What Is LSD?

The highly potent hallucinogen LSD lysergic acid diethylamide was first produced in 1938. Albert Hoffman, a Swiss chemist, first synthesized the chemical to use it as a potential treatment for respiratory depression and other health illnesses. In the 1960s, LSD was at the height of its popularity as a recreational drug and was thought to enhance one’s spirituality. 

LSD is synthetically made from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Research into ergot’s medicinal properties began in the early 20th century, ultimately resulting in the discovery of lysergic acid and LSD. Ergot was initially studied as a possible treatment for a variety of ailments. 

LSD is an odorless and colorless crystalline with a mildly bitter flavor. It can be combined with other inactive ingredients or diluted as a liquid before becoming suitable for ingestible forms. It lacks odor and color and has a slightly bitter taste.

Legality

In the United States, LSD is categorized as a Schedule I drug, which indicates that:

• LSD has a high potential for abuse
• LSD has no currently accepted medical use
• LSD lacks safety even when used under medical supervision

However, LSD is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in Canada. This means that LSD can be purchased, used, and produced as long as the user has an s.56 exemption. An s.56 exemption allows LSD for scientific, medical, or industrial purposes.

Despite being classified as a controlled substance, LSD is being researched for its potential medical applications, including treating mental health problems like alcoholism and severe depression. Studies that comply with modern research standards are currently being conducted to enhance our understanding of the use of LSD.

In Canada, some dispensaries sell LSD products that are ideal for microdosing, in which you take small amounts of the substance to test or benefit from its physiological benefits while minimizing adverse effects. 

Products like Wreck Beach LSD 100 µg, Acid Patch Kids LSD Microdose 200µg, and Slippery Wizard LSD 150µg are available here at Ahuevo.

Effects

LSD’s effects are referred to as “LSD trips,” which can be pleasurable, enjoyable, and mind-altering. However, it may still result in an unpleasant and terrifying experience, referred to as a “bad trip.” 

Due to its high potency, typical doses of LSD are measured in the microgram, usually abbreviated as mcg or µg. It is most effective when administered in levels ranging from 0.5 to 2 µg. Its half-life ranges from two to five hours, and its psychoactive effects can last up to twelve hours.

LSD is typically available in various forms, including the examples below:

• Blotter paper: Consists of LSD that has been soaked onto sheets of absorbent paper with colorful designs and then cut into little, individual dosage units
• Window panes: Thin squares of gelatin with LSD
• Microdots: Tiny tablets or capsules containing LSD
• Sugar cubes: Sugar cubes with LSD in it

Some LSD users choose to inhale the substance, while others prefer to inject it directly into a vein. Either way, there is no reliable method for estimating the quantity of LSD that will be absorbed. Learn more about the effects of LSD here.

Risks of Using LSD

LSD can alter your state of consciousness. This hallucinogenic effect is caused by the interaction between LSD and the serotonin receptors in your brain. Serotonin helps regulate your behavior, mood, senses, thoughts, and perception.

It is impossible to precisely predict how LSD will manifest in your body because its effects are subjective. When the medication is taken orally, the effects of the drug often begin to show 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion, reach their peak after 2 to 4 hours, and may last for 12 hours or longer.

The effects will occur much more quickly when administered through the intravenous (IV) route, typically within ten minutes. Below are the possible effects of using LSD:

• Hallucinations
• Altered sounds 
• Visual distortions
• Flashbacks or the return of a “trip” after a few days or months
• Anxiety
• Severe depression
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased body temperature 
• Dilated pupils

Most users will often experience mood alterations, delusions, and visual hallucinations if LSD is consumed in adequate quantities. However, extreme psychosis is a potential outcome if the substance is taken in extremely high causes. 

Other side effects of LSD include dry mouth, nausea, lack of appetite, elevated blood sugar, insomnia, tremors, and seizures. There is no confirmed lethal dose of LSD. Often, the cause of death when under the influence of LSD is mostly due to direct injury. 

The user may also experience impaired perceptions of depth and time, size and shape of objects, movements, color, sound, touch, and even body image. These changes can be unsettling and may even trigger panic, terrifying thoughts, and the fear of going insane or dying.

People already prone to developing psychosis, depression, aggressive behavior, or schizophrenia may experience adverse effects when they use LSD.

LSD Flashbacks and Other Potential Hazards

When under the influence of LSD, you may make irrational decisions, which increases your risk for potential physical and mental hazards. You can also experience flashbacks or a condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Before purchasing or considering the substance, use this dosing guide for a better and safer LSD experience.

LSD and Its Interaction With Other Drugs

LSD, in contrast to many other powerful drugs, does not interact negatively with various substances, whether legal or illegal. In fact, it has been discovered to be used as a cutting agent or diluent in other drugs, such as ecstasy and Molly. One possible explanation for this is that LSD does not interact with the same regions of the brain as other chemicals that produce similar effects. 

For instance, consuming alcohol while taking LSD does not cause adverse symptoms associated with being drunk, even though LSD may block some of the effects that alcohol has on making a person intoxicated.

However, LSD can have an effect when combined with other narcotics. For instance, a person who has developed a tolerance to LSD will also acquire a tolerance to psilocybin, even if they have never consumed that substance before.

LSD may also negatively interact with lithium and fluoxetine, which are medications used to treat bipolar disorder and depression. Using LSD while taking any of these prescribed drugs can increase the risk of experiencing seizures.

Medical Research Concerning LSD

Research conducted between the 1950s and 1970s revealed that LSD might have therapeutic potential. This potential includes the possibility of using the substance to treat mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. 

Researchers from Spain conducted a systematic review of LSD back in 2020 through controlled and randomized clinical trials. A 20 µg to 800 µg dose of LSD was given to each of the 567 subjects in the study. Oral and IV administration was used in the studies.

The researchers concluded that LSD has potential medical applications, with the most compelling data supporting its use in the treatment of alcoholism.

Two major adverse events were reported: one subject experienced convulsions, and another experienced psychosis. Both of them had a history of these problems in the past but recovered without complications.

Is LSD Use Worth Trying?

If you have a mental illness or a history of one, you should opt out of taking LSD. LSD leads to hallucinations and psychoactive effects, which may induce physical withdrawal symptoms or cause Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder.

Not fond of psychedelics? Try marijuana and other cannabis products here at Ahuevo! We offer same-day delivery around Metro Vancouver. We may even deliver your parcel within an hour, except for peak hours.

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