Altered States

Tabs of LSD (1)

Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD is a hallucinogen. Less than a microgram of LSD is required to induce euphoria, hallucinations, distorted perceptions and excitement. The average dose needed to experience these effects is around 100 micrograms (2).

Albert Hoffman first synthesized LSD in 1938 in Switzerland (3). He was working with medicinal plants when he accidentally created LSD, without knowing it, and the experiment was placed aside (3). Upon re-examination many years later, he accidentally came in contact with the substance either by touching his mouth, nose or eye and noticed the effects of the drug (3). 3 days later he intentionally ingested 250 micrograms of LSD and rode his bicycle home, this being the first intentional acid trip (3). Some people say that micro doses of LSD could be used as an alternative to drugs such as Adderall for people with ADHD.

The initial effects of taking LSD can be unpleasant and can include nausea and vomiting, and after one to two hours you will start to experience hallucinations and changes in perception (2). All of these are symptoms but the useful aspect of LSD applies mostly to the latter effects because if you are going to take it you are most likely doing it for the spiritual purposes and changes in mindset, which can be beneficial under the right circumstances. However, there are some drawbacks, including feelings of insanity. Going into an acid trip with any negativity could bring on a bad trip.

Effects resulting from LSD can last up to an entire day, and sense of time and space can be distorted (2). People predisposed to mental illness such as schizophrenia are not advised to take LSD because the hallucinogen may induce the illness (2). Doctors in the 60’s would take LSD to try and understand the mind of a mentally ill patient. They felt that the experiences brought on by LSD use was what it felt like to have psychosis, and were able to empathize with patients as a result.

If you choose to take LSD, be responsible and don’t panic. As it is an illicit substance, I do not condone the use of it, however some people would argue that it is spiritually enlightening. 

(1) Lysergic Acid Diethylamide. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysergic_acid_diethylamide (accessed April 6, 2016).

(2) Lysergide. In Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions; J. K. Aronson, M. N. G. Dukes, 15^th Eds.; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2006; pp 2177-2179.

(3) Albert Hoffman. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hofmann (accessed March 25, 2016).