INFORMATION REGARDING LSD
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction
LSD is a highly iconic, and widely used psychdelic substance which incurs the 'Classical Psychedelic" effects (Which are also associated with other psychedelics such as Mescaline, Psilocybin Mushrooms, DMT - AKA Tryptamine Hallucinagens).
LSD was originally synthesized by the chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. However, it was only in 1943 that Hofmann became aware of the chemical's mind-altering effects; as a result of accidental consumption of the chemical. The chemical was introduced to the world in 1947 for commercial medication for psychiatric conditions.
Following this introduction, LSD created a large impact in psychatric treatments. In the 15 years after its release, research on LSD and other hallucinogens generated over 1,000 scientific papers, several dozen books, 6 international conferences, and was prescribed to over 40,000 patients. Interestingly enough, during this time it was selected for investigation by the CIA as a potential agent for mind control in a project dubbed MK-ULTRA.
Due to the large widespread adoption, and proselytization for rereational usage, and proclaimed 'spiritual purposes' by Western Youth of the counterculture generation of the 1960s eventually resulted in the banning and global prohibition in 1971. A collateral result of this (retarded) reactionary political move was the suppression on the CONTROLLED research regarding its properties, in addition to research on its therapeutic applications. This suppression has only recently been lightened after nearly 40 years of sustained efforts by major psychedelic research institutions.
LSD is mostly distributed in various forms for oral or sublingual administration. It is one of the few substances which is potent enough for distribution via small squares of 'blotter paper' [Note the safety section below regarding counterfeit substances].
Unlike most highly prohibited substances, LSD is not considered addictive by the scientific community. However there are some adverse effects, such as uncontrollable anxiety, paranoia, delusions, and psychotic breaks (Very rare) - these effects are more common among those who are already subject to psychiatric disorders. While these effects can inflict a 'bad trip', it is often due to the user's inexperience or improper preparation of their set, and setting. However these effects can still occur to even seasoned users. Despite the scientifically-backed reputation for possessing negligible acute toxicity, it is still highly advisable that individuals approach this highly potentent, unpredictable, long lasting (8-12 hours), hallucinogenic substance with a responsible amount of precaution, preparation, and harm reduction practices if choosing to utilize the mystic effects of it.
1.2 Chemistry
LSD is a semisythetic alkaloid of the lysergamide family. LSD contains a core structure of lysergic acid, with n N,N-diethylamide function group bound to RN of the chemical structure. This core polycyclic structure of LSD is an indole derivative and has tryptamine and phenethylamine groups embdded 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.
Binding affinities of LSD for various receptors. The lower the dissociation constant (Ki), the more strongly LSD binds to that receptor (i.e. with higher affinity). The horizontal line represents an approximate value for human plasma concentrations of LSD, and hence, receptor affinities that are above the line are unlikely to be involved in LSD's effect. Data averaged from data from the Ki Database. 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.
1.3 Pharmacology
LSD acts as a 5-HT1A, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C and 5-HT6 receptor partial agonist. LSD binds to most serotonin receptor subtypes except for 5-HT3 and 5-HT4. 5-HT5B 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-HT2A 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.
1.4 SUBJECTIVE EFFECTS
The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of a mixture of Erowid, /r/Drugs, and PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include injury or death.
1.4.1 Physical Effects
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 - It should be noted that 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.
Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the physical energy levels of the user, 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 decreased weight - The stimulation and energy LSD produces can often lead one to feel as if they are moving weightlessly.
Temperature regulation suppression
Increased bodily 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 tripper has vomited or gradually fades by itself as the peak sets in.
Bodily control enhancement
Stamina enhancement - This is generally mild in comparison to traditional stimulants.
Appetite suppression
Dehydration
Difficulty urinating
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Increased perspiration
Muscle contractions
Muscle spasms
Excessive yawning - This effect is significantly less pronounced than it is with psilocybin and its related compounds, the four-position substituted tryptamines.
Pupil dilation
Salivation
1.4.2 Cognitive Effects
Analysis enhancement - This effect is consistent in its manifestation and introspection dominant.
Anxiety & Paranoia - This effect is not as common at low to moderate doses and is less likely to occur when the basic rules of set and setting are taken into account. It should be noted that this inconsistently induced effect is seemingly more likely to manifest when used with cannabis. This combination should be used with extreme caution if one is not experienced with psychedelics, meaning that the user should adequately pace themselves with a fraction of their usual amount. 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 headspace which can trigger a "bad trip".
Conceptual thinking
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 simply due to an enhancement of the user’s current psychological and emotional state coupled with its more regularly occurring effect, physical euphoria.
Introspection
Personal bias suppression
Creativity enhancement
Novelty enhancement
Focus enhancement - This effect is experienced exclusively on low or threshold dosages and feels less forced than it does with stimulants.
Immersion enhancement
Personal meaning enhancement
Emotionality enhancement
Delusions
Déjà vu
Increased libido
Increased music appreciation
Increased sense of humor
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.
Memory suppression
Ego death
Multiple thought streams
Ego replacement
Personality regression
Simultaneous emotions
Suggestibility enhancement
Thought acceleration
Thought connectivity
Thought loops
Time distortion
Wakefulness
Addiction suppression
1.4.3 Auditory Effects
Enhancement
Distortions
Hallucinations
1.4.4 Visual Effects
Enhancements
Visual acuity enhancement
Colour enhancement - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect is often reported to be brighter and more "radiant" in its character.
Pattern recognition enhancement
Magnification
Distortions
Drifting (melting, breathing, morphing and flowing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed yet cartoon in its appearance. The distortions are slow and smooth in motion and fleeting in their appearance.
Colour shifting
Tracers
After images
Depth perception distortions
Environmental geometry
Perspective distortions
Recursion
Symmetrical texture repetition
Scenery slicing
Geometry The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip 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. At higher dosages, it almost consistently results in states of Level 8A visual geometry over Level 8B.
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:
Transformations Machinescapes - 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, and 2C-P, and atypical psychedelics like salvia.
Internal hallucinations (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; alterations in perspective 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; alterations in perspective and scenarios and plots)
1.4.5 Multi-Sensory Effects
Synaesthesia - 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.
1.4.6 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 interdependent opposites
Unity and interconnectedness
1.5 Combinations
Cannabis - When used in combination with cannabis, both the visual and cognitive effects of LSD can be intensified and extended with extreme efficiency. This should be used with extreme caution if one is not experienced with psychedelics as this can also amplify the anxiety, confusion and psychosis producing aspects of cannabis significantly.
Dissociatives - When used in combination with dissociatives, the geometry, euphoria, dissociation and hallucinatory effects are often greatly enhanced. Dissociative-induced holes, spaces, and voids while under the influence of LSD have significantly more vivid visuals than dissociatives alone present, and more intense internal hallucinations, and corresponding confusion which can spontaneously manifest as delusions and psychosis.
MDMA - When used in conjunction with MDMA, the physical and cognitive effects of MDMA are amplified. The visual, physical and cognitive effects of LSD are also intensified with an overwhelming euphoric pleasure manifested through uniquely pleasurable body highs and headspaces, and uniquely colorful and awe-inspiring visuals. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and it is best to start with markedly lower dosages than one would take for both substances individually. Additionally, users should be aware that there are reasons to believe that this combination may result in unforeseen neurotoxic effects, so a strong sense of caution and independent research are highly advised if one decides to experiment with this combination.[citation needed]
Alcohol - This interaction is not typically recommended due to alcohol’s ability to cause dehydration and nausea and physical fatigue which can negatively affect a trip if taken in moderate to high dosages. This combination is, however, reasonably safe in low doses and can often "take the edge off" a trip as well as dull its psychedelic effects in a fashion somewhat similar to benzodiazepines, albeit in a more physically distressing way.
Benzodiazepines - When used in combination with benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines can, depending on the dosage, slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of an LSD trip. They are very efficient at stopping "bad trips" at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose due to the very high addiction potential that benzodiazepines possess.
Psychedelics - When used in combination with other psychedelics, each substance's physical, cognitive and visual effects intensify and synergize strongly. The synergy between those substances is unpredictable, and for this reason generally not advised. If choosing to combine psychedelics, it is recommended to start with significantly lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually.
1.6 Forms & Counterfeits [IMPORTANT]
LSD can be found in a number of forms, with blotter paper being the most common:
Liquid solutions are often found in vials with a pipette. It is often dropped into the mouth, tongue, or dropped into sugar cubes before being consumed.
Tablets and "Microdots" are very small tablets which are swallowed.
Blotters are typically small squares pulled off sheets of perforated blotting paper that are dipped into an LSD/alcohol solution which are then either swallowed or chewed sublingually. There should not be a bitter metallic taste which numbs the mouth when chewing the blotters as this likely indicates the presence of a 25x-NBOMe compound.
Powder can be taken orally, sublingually, via injection or by insufflation, but would usually be diluted to a liquid or 'laid' on blotter to allow for more accurate and consistent dosing.
Gel tabs can be taken orally and are small pieces of gelatin which contain LSD. These have been less common, but are still occasionally present in some areas of the world.
Counterfeits LSD has been noted for being an unusually potent substance among psychedelic substances, displaying activity starting from just 20-30 micrograms (µg)1. It is commonly counterfeited by the few other psychedelics potent enough to be laid onto blotter paper. This is likely due to the major difference in cost and black-market connections required to produce these compounds as well as the general inability of inexperienced users to tell the difference.
It should be noted that while pure LSD, in theory, is almost completely tasteless, the blotter paper it is laid on can take on a mildly bitter taste from the ink if it contains any; counterfeits are often described as having a marked "metallic", "numbing", "chemical-like" or "extremely bitter" taste. It is generally advised to spit out blotters of "acid" if they have a distinctly bitter taste (hence the saying, "If it's bitter, it's a spitter"). That being said, one should always test each tab of purported LSD before they take it with a reagent test kit, as counterfeits are considerably less predictable and pose significant safety risks that LSD does not.[citation needed]
Counterfeit types 25x-NBOMe series (Common) DOx series (Relatively uncommon) 5-MeO-aMT (Extremely rare)
1.7 Studied Therapeuic uses
Alcoholism Some studies in the 1960s that used LSD to treat alcoholism resulted in reduced levels of alcohol misuse in almost 60% of those treated, an effect which lasted six months but disappeared after a year. However, a 2012 meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials found evidence that a single dose of LSD in conjunction with various alcoholism treatment programs was associated with a decrease in alcohol abuse, lasting for several months.
Trauma-related pain LSD was studied in the 1960s by Eric Kast as an analgesic for acute and chronic pain caused by cancer or other major trauma.
Even at low (i.e. sub-psychedelic) dosages, it was found to be at least as effective as traditional opiates, while being much longer lasting in pain reduction (lasting as long as a week after peak effects had subsided). Kast attributed this effect to a decrease in anxiety; that is to say that patients were not experiencing less pain, but rather were less distressed by the pain they experienced. This reported effect is being tested using a similar psychedelic substance, in an ongoing (as of 2006) study of the effects of psilocin on anxiety in terminal cancer patients.[citation needed]
Cluster headaches LSD has been used as a treatment for cluster headaches, an uncommon but extremely painful disorder. Researcher Peter Goadsby describes the headaches as "worse than natural childbirth or even amputation without anesthetic."[citation needed]
Although the phenomenon has not been formally investigated, case reports indicate that LSD and psilocin can reduce cluster pain and also interrupt the cluster-headache cycle, preventing future headaches from occurring. Currently existing treatments include various ergolines among other chemicals, so LSD's efficacy in this regard may not be surprising. A dose-response study testing the effectiveness of both LSD and psilocin was planned at McLean Hospital, although the current status of this project is unclear. A 2006 study by McLean researchers interviewed 53 cluster headache sufferers who treated themselves with either LSD or psilocin, finding that a majority of users of either drug reported beneficial effects.
Unlike the use of LSD or MDMA in psychotherapy, this research involves non-psychological effects and often sub-psychedelic dosages.
End-of-life anxiety From 2008 to 2011 there was ongoing research in Switzerland into using LSD to alleviate anxiety for terminally ill cancer patients coping with their impending deaths. Preliminary results of the study are promising, and no negative effects have been reported.
1.8 Toxicity and harmful usage
LSD is considered to be non-addictive, is not known to cause brain damage, and has an extremely low toxicity relative to dose.
Similar to other psychedelic drugs, there are very few physical side effects associated with acute LSD exposure. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a sufficiently prepared context, it is very unlike to present negative physical, cognitive, psychiatric or other toxic consequences. However, it has been postulated that it can act as a potential trigger for those with underlying psychiatric conditions, so those with a family history of mental illness are generally advised not to use this substance.
Lethal dosage The median lethal dose or dosage at which 50% of participants die (LD50) for human beings has never been reached in any setting and is predicted to be roughly 12,000 micrograms, based on studies involving rats whereas the active dosage is between 100 and 500 micrograms. This means that assuming a person has unusually potent tabs, each of which is 200 micrograms in strength, they would have to consume at least 60 of them to reach a potentially lethal dosage. You're more likely to die from a single glass of beer to be honest.
Nevertheless, despite its lack of physical toxicity, it is strongly recommended that one uses harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Tolerance and addiction potential LSD is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. As with most psychedelics, it is generally considered to have a built-in, self-regulating aspect to it, though cases of dependence and addiction have been documented in the scientific literature.[citation needed] Notably, there is virtually no withdrawal syndrome when the chronic use of this substance is ceased.
Tolerance to the effects of LSD is built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 5-7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 14 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). LSD presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the use of LSD all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.
Dangerous interactions Although many substances are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be relatively harmless in low doses of each but can still increase the risk of unpredictable injury or death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.
Tramadol - Tramadol lowers seizure threshold and psychedelics may act as triggers for seizures, particularly in those who are predisposed to them. Stimulants - Combining stimulants with psychedelics may induce states of uncontrollable anxiety, over-stimulation, thought loops, and increase the risk of psychosis. Lithium - Individuals who take lithium for bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions should not take LSD. There are numerous anecdotal reports of seizures and or unsafe psychosis from this combination.
1.9 Literature
Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478
Passie, T., Halpern, J. H., Stichtenoth, D. O., Emrich, H. M., & Hintzen, A. (2008). The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review, 14, 295–314. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00059.x
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Muthukumaraswamy, S., Roseman, L., Kaelen, M., Droog, W., Murphy, K., … Nutt, D. J. (2016). Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1518377113
Vollenweider, F. X., & Kometer, M. (2010). The neurobiology of psychedelic drugs: implications for the treatment of mood disorders. Nature Publishing Group, 11(9), 642–651. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2884
Halberstadt, A. L. (2015). Recent advances in the neuropsychopharmacology of serotonergic hallucinogens. Behavioral Brain Research, 277, 99–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.016
Thisted, D. M. R. A., & Nichols, D. E. (2005). Distinct temporal phases in the behavioral pharmacology of LSD: dopamine D2 receptor-mediated effects in the rat and implications for psychosis, 427–435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-005-2183-9
Nichols, C. D., Garcia, E. E., & Sanders-bush, E. (2003). Dynamic changes in prefrontal cortex gene expression following lysergic acid diethylamide administration, 111, 182–188. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-328X(03)00029-9