LSD, or “acid,” has been around for decades in its current form. Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann developed LSD in 1938 while working for Sandoz laboratories on respiratory and circulatory stimulants. Hoffman swallowed LSD on Bicycle Day, April 19, 1943, to test its psychoactivity.
LSD was synthesised from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other crops. Midwives used ergot to relieve labour pains in the 1500s.
LSD has been studied dozens of times since then. It has been used recreationally and therapeutically for decades. This powerful psychedelic can heal alcohol and opiate addictions, according to clinical study.
Because of its cultural stigma, LSD scares many people. Timothy Leary, an ex-Harvard psychologist, popularised LSD during the 1960s counterculture movement by encouraging young Americans to “switch on, tune in, drop out.” LSD quickly became a party drug among American teenagers. The Nixon administration called Timothy Leary “the most dangerous man in America” and started the “War on Drugs” to discredit its use.
As psychedelic study grows, LSD has been demonstrated to help people have meaningful experiences and generate new ideas. LSD can modify and/or improve sensory perception and cognitive patterns.
LSD can cause mental and sensory abnormalities, euphoria, and powerful emotions. The medicine has led to unexpected findings.
Daydreaming activates the Default Mode Network (DMN), a neuronal circuit. LSD and other psychedelics may affect the DMN.
What LSD Forms Exist?
LSD has many forms. Blotter paper, liquid solutions, tablets/microdots, and gelatin sheets make up over 100 LSD products. Most LSD is on blotter paper.
LSD paper has 1/4′′ squares called “tabs.” The amount in a tab may vary, however the complete LSD experience can be expected between 100-200 ug. First-time LSD users should take a smaller dose. Soaking absorbent paper in LSD makes paper blotters. Batch-to-batch dose can vary substantially. Because of the manner blotter tabs are made, only testing or knowing the chemist can determine their dosage. Most sheet tabs have comparable LSD levels.
Liquid LSD
LSD dissolves in water or alcohol. Liquid LSD is taken two ways. Add it to a drink and drink it. Place droplets of the liquid under the tongue for a faster but more dangerous effect. Measure your dose of liquid LSD to avoid overdosing and side effects.
Sugar Cubes
“Windows” are gelatinous LSD. Mix liquid LSD with gelatin and create thin squares. Sugar cubes can contain liquid LSD.
Safety First
Safety should be the top consideration when taking LSD. Safety precautions should be taken when consuming LSD for any reason:
Avoid LSD if pregnant or sick. LSD users should be healthy. Avoid LSD and other psychedelics if you or a family member has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic conditions.
Avoid LSD with drugs that may interfere. Avoid LSD when using lithium or tricyclic antidepressants. Some people take LSD with MDMA or cannabis to have a different trip or alleviate nausea, although it might increase psychedelic effects and make the trip more difficult.
LSD test. Be sure to take pure LSD. LSD and other psychedelics from untrustworthy sources may be laced with other harmful chemicals. LSD from a reliable source should be tested for purity.
Have a trusted, sober, psychedelic-experienced sitter. A sitter ensures a safe and positive experience for the individual taking a chemical. Having a reliable, sober guide reduces trip risks. LSD-takers should trust this guy. They should be well-versed in psychedelics and safety.
If moods are low or thoughts are gloomy, LSD might be disturbing. Even seasoned LSD-takers can have “bad trips” at any time. “Set and setting” can help prevent a difficult trip. Psychedelic trips have psychological, social, physical, and cultural settings.
Consider these before using LSD
Mindset: How is the traveller feeling? Have they carefully considered rewards and risks? What do they hope to learn? Think long-term. The excursion may trigger past traumas.
Physical Setting: Is the person with trusted persons, including an experienced guide or sitter? Is the person indoors? In nature? Trips in clinical settings or with experienced guides are distinct from trips at parties or clubs.
Comfort: Some travellers enjoy darkness and evocative music. Others like nature-based vacations. Personal preferences determine comfort.
This page discusses setup and setting on psychedelic trips.
LSD dosage: how much?
LSD dosage depends on desired consequence. Depending on the type and source of LSD, dosage might be either full or microdose.
A full dose of LSD may range from 25ug to 200ug, with full effects being felt at 100-200ug. Clinical and recreational dosages may differ. One thousandth of a milligramme is one microgram. Full doses can induce psychedelic trips. First-time LSD users should start low to see how much is needed.
Those who want LSD’s health benefits without a trip can microdose. Microdosing has allowed people to investigate LSD’s benefits without fear or stigma. Microdosing can be safe and beneficial with enduring effects. Microdoses are usually one-tenth to one-twentieth of a full dose.
What’s LSD Like?
LSD’s effects depend on body chemistry and context. Some folks will have milder visions due to medication resistance. LSD experience depends on dose, mindset, setting, and body chemistry. Some folks are more resistant to the drug’s visual effects.
Some say LSD helped them understand themselves, life, and the universe. Apple founder Steve Jobs called LSD “one of the most profound experiences” of his life. Psychedelics may increase spiritual consciousness. LSD can be fun when the user and others around them are happy.
Traveling is hard because you never know when something horrible will happen (although taking safety precautions mentioned above can greatly reduce the chances of challenging experiences).
How Long Does LSD Kick In and Last?
LSD effects vary from person to person. Some people feel benefits 10–40 minutes after administration, while others wait up to two hours. Pharmacological metrics such “peak plasma level” and “half-life” are 90 minutes and 2.5 hours, respectively. The perceived effects “peak” 3-4 hours after consumption and last 8-16 hours. LSD’s extended endurance makes it hard to fall asleep afterward. LSD should be taken on a day with no other obligations or driving.
A vacation can distort time, making a person seem like they’re travelling forever. Knowing this and remembering that they will return to normal consciousness reduces worry and poor trips.
Conclusion
Respect and take LSD seriously. Never take LSD unprepared. People can have significant, good experiences when used properly and safely. Always get psychedelics from reliable sources and test for purity. Trusted and experienced professionals are also recommended.