Lysergic Acid (LSD) is a hallucinogenic drug derived from lysergic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in certain types of fungus. It is usually taken orally, although it can also be absorbed through the skin. LSD has long been known for its psychedelic effects, which can include altered thinking, visual and auditory hallucinations, and open and closed-eye visualizations.
LSD is a potent hallucinogenic drug that can cause intense, often unpredictable effects. It is known for its ability to produce powerful trips, during which a person can experience profound changes in thinking, emotions, and consciousness. The effects of LSD are usually felt within 30–45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 12 hours.
LSD is known to have a wide range of effects. At low doses, it can produce feelings of mild euphoria, increased energy, and enhanced creativity. At higher doses, LSD can cause intense visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in perception, and heightened emotions. In some cases, users may experience synesthesia, a phenomenon in which one sense merges with another (e.g., hearing colors or seeing sounds).
LSD is considered a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. This means that it is illegal to possess or distribute without a prescription. The drug is not considered to be physically addictive, but users can develop a tolerance to it, meaning they need to take increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects.
For further reading, please refer to the following scientific journal articles:
1. Passie, T., Halpern, J.H., Stichtenoth, D.O., Emrich, H.M., & Hintzen, A. (2008). The pharmacology of lysergic acid diethylamide: A review. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 14(4), 295-314.
2. Nichols, D.E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355.
3. Gasser, P., Holstein, D., Michel, Y., Doblin, R., & Yazar-Klosinski, B. (2014). Safety and efficacy of lysergic acid diethylamide-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 202(7), 513-520.
4. Johnson, M.W., Richards, W.A., & Griffiths, R.R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: Guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 603-620.