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Beyond Consciousness: Rebirth and the Effects of LSD

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to encourage the use of LSD or other illegal drugs. We do not recommend the use of LSD.

What is LSD?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a semi-synthetic illegal drug that is produced from a substance contained in ergot. Pure LSD takes the form of a colourless crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is a potent hallucinogen, meaning that it produces visual and auditory hallucinations, altered thinking, perception and mood.

It is sold in the form of crystals, tablets, gelatine, solution or small coloured absorbent papers impregnated with LSD (trips).

History of LSD

LSD was first synthesised by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938 when he was researching pharmacologically active derivatives of lysergic acid. However, he did not discover the hallucinogenic effects of LSD until 5 years later, when he returned to this research and allegedly accidentally dropped some of a substance known as LSD-25 on his hand.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, LSD was used to treat alcoholism and also as an experimental tool to induce temporary psychotic states and to enhance psychotherapeutic treatment.

In the mid-1960s, LSD became a symbol of the countercultural movement and the "psychedelic revolution". It was part of spiritual and cultural practices and permeated art, music and literature.

One of the most important figures in the history of LSD was the American psychologist Timothy Leary.

Leary conducted research with psychedelics at Harvard University, where he sought to understand their potential in psychoanalysis and therapy. However, his work and views led to conflicts with academic authorities, and he was eventually expelled from Harvard.

In the second half of the 1960s, LSD was banned in many countries and its clinical use restricted. Research stopped, mainly because it became synonymous with countercultural activities, hedonism and drug abuse.

Current research is again focusing on hallucinogens, including LSD. A new generation of physicians is interested in the potential use of psychedelics in the treatment of various psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and in the treatment of addiction. Another area of potential use is palliative care - psychedelics could become part of psychological therapies that help people better accept death.

 

LSD - its effects, history and overview

LSD: Basic overview

Before we take a closer look at the production, effects and risks of LSD, please see the following table for some basic information.

Name

Lysergic acid diethylamide

Classification

Psychedelic drug (hallucinogen)

Production

From the alkaloid (ergotamine) contained in ergot

Method of use

Orally in the form of crystals, tablets, gelatine, solution or small picture papers (trips)

Start of the effect

Usually 20-90 minutes after ingestion

Duration of effect

Usually 6-12 hours (but longer)

Risks
  • Bad trip
  • Anxiety, paranoia
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Possible worsening of psychological disorders
  • Insomnia
  • Increased heart rate

Addiction

Physical dependence is not common; if a habit of use develops, psychological dependence may occur.

Legal status

LSD is illegal in most countries and is listed as a controlled substance.

Possible therapeutic uses

Still in the research phase, some studies suggest potential in treating anxiety, depression, psychosomatic illnesses and addiction.

 

LSD production

The precursor to LSD is lysergic acid, which is derived from ergotamine. Ergotamine is an alkaloid that is extracted from a fungal fungus (ergot) of the genus Claviceps. Ergot is often found on cereals such as barley, rye and wheat. The lysergic acid obtained is reacted with other reagents (diethylamine) and then undergoes several purification steps to isolate pure LSD. The production of LSD requires advanced knowledge of organic chemistry and a well-equipped laboratory.

Ergometrine (also known as ergonovine), ergotamine and lysergic acid are listed in the Annex to the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

How does LSD work?

The effects of LSD occur in 20-90 minutes, can last up to 15 hours, and depend, among other things, on the user's mood and other circumstances (society, environment). Users may experience states of complete bliss but also feelings of terror.

What are the common effects of LSD?

  • change in perception and thinking
  • visual and auditory hallucinations
  • intense sensory experiences (brighter colours)
  • distorted perception of time and space
  • blending of the senses (the user hears colours or sees sounds)
  • panic, paranoia, feelings of helplessness
  • the inability to distinguish reality from a dream
  • scary thoughts

The positive effects of hallucinogens are associated with the ability to induce profound insights and mystical-type experiences.

As for the physical effects of LSD, they can occur:

  • tremor
  • increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Sweating
  • dilated pupils
  • Insomnia
  • dry mouth
  • elevated temperature

As with pharmaceuticals, cannabinoids and other similar substances, the effects of psychedelic drugs vary from person to person and depend on many factors such as the age, weight, health, experience and tolerance of the user.

 

Laboratory tests for LSD

Bad trip

LSD and other hallucinogens carry the risk of a bad trip. This can occur if a person has taken too high a dose, is in a bad mood ('setting') at the time of taking the drug, is in an unpleasant or unsafe environment, or has combined a psychedelic drug with alcohol. A bad trip is characterised by the user becoming excessively fearful or agitated.

The following conditions may occur during a bad trip:

  • The feeling that time has stopped.
  • Problem with orientation in space.
  • Extreme and sudden mood changes.
  • The feeling of being persecuted.
  • Loss of connection with your own body and mind.
  • A sense of ego dissolution.

A person experiencing LSD intoxication should remain under the supervision of a sober person, away from distractions or noise. Certain prescription medications may help to stop the bad trip, but these can only be given in a hospital. It is always better to call the emergency services, especially if uncertain or serious.

A bad trip can happen to anyone, even someone who has had a positive experience with psychedelics. In some cases, intoxication can have long-term consequences in the form of persistent anxiety, depressive moods and psychotic symptoms.   

Why is microdosing popular?

LSD is one of the most potent classical hallucinogens, with effective doses between 0.5 and 2 mcg/kg (100-150 mcg per dose). In a review of scientific studies conducted, LSD was administered to patients at doses ranging from 20 to 800 mcg.

Microdosing, the use of low doses of psychedelic drugs (or medication), has become quite widespread in recent years. The most commonly cited motives for microdosing LSD users are: stimulating productivity, increasing concentration, energy levels and creativity, and inducing a positive mood. Micro-dosing typically involves 5-10% of the dose used to produce psychoactive effects.

In 2018, an international online survey explored people's experiences of using psychedelics for their own therapeutic purposes:

  • 21% of respondents said that microdosing helped them treat depression.
  • 7% were taking microdoses to help them reduce anxiety.
  • 9% were taking a microdose to treat other mental disorders.
  • 2% used psychedelics to reduce or stop substance use.

Although the results of this survey are interesting, thorough clinical research on microdosing is needed to determine its potential role in psychiatric treatment.

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Conclusion

LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that causes perceptual changes, intense sensory experiences, visual and auditory hallucinations. The effects are unpredictable and can be pleasurable but also frightening, especially if the user goes into a psychedelic state known as a bad trip. LSD is illegal in most countries - it is a criminal offence to manufacture, possess, sell or distribute it illegally. Studies suggest that LSD could be effective in treating various psychiatric disorders, but more research is needed.

 

Author: Canatura
Photo: Shutterstock

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