ALL ABOUT LSD

All about lsd

All about lsd

Blog Article

What is LSD?

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a psychedelic drug that produces effects similar to those produced by mescaline.3

The term "acid trip" refers to the experience of having been exposed to LSD.4

Although LSD has been used recreationally since the 1950s, it is illegal in most countries.5

In the United States, LSD is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.6

A person convicted of possession of LSD could face up to 10 years imprisonment.7

However, the law regarding LSD use varies from country to country.8

Some countries have decriminalized LSD use and even legalized its recreational use.9

For example, in Canada, there are no laws against possessing small amounts of LSD for personal use.10

In some states in the U.S., such as California, people can legally possess small quantities of LSD for their own use.11

What it looks like

LSD is often referred to as "acid." This name stems from the fact that the drug produces visual hallucinations, known as acid trips. These are caused by tiny crystals of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which are absorbed into the bloodstream.1,2

The effects of LSD vary widely among people, depending on their age, gender, physical health, mental health, level of experience with psychedelics and many other factors.1,2

While some people report having intense mystical experiences while tripping on LSD, others describe feeling nothing special. Some people even find themselves unable to remember what happened during their trip.1,2

Effects of LSD Use

LSD is a powerful psychedelic drug known for causing hallucinations. It is thought to cause its characteristic hallucinogenic effect via interaction with the serotonin receptor sites in the brain. Serotonin is a neurochemical that regulates many physiological functions including sleep, appetite, sexual arousal, aggression, and pain perception. This chemical is found throughout the body, particularly high concentrations being found in the brain and spinal cord. In addition to regulating bodily processes, serotonin plays a role in emotional responses such as anxiety and depression.

The physical effects of LSD are quite variable among individuals and depend largely on how the drug is administered. Typically, the first effects of oral ingestion are experienced approximately thirty to forty five minutes after administration, reach maximum intensity about two to four hours later, and generally last twelve hours or longer. Intravenous use produces a faster onset of effects, usually occurring within ten minutes. Effects include increased awareness, altered perceptions, feelings of euphoria, visual distortions, and alterations in thinking patterns.

Medical Research with LSD

LSD remained a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law until 1966. Then, it became a schedule II drug. This classification meant that the use of LSD could continue without restriction, but that it couldn't be distributed freely.

In the 1950's to 1970', there was growing evidence suggesting that LSD had some therapeutic value. Researchers found that people who took LSD tended to report improvements in mood and sleep quality. Some scientists even believed that LSD might help treat alcoholism.

However, many studies contained methodological problems and only recently has the more info use of medical LSD resurfaced. A recent systematic review published in JAMA Network Open suggests that LSD has potential benefits for treating psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The authors searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. They included all English language articles up to January 31, 2020. Only randomized controlled trials were eligible.

They found 11 studies meeting their inclusion criteria. These studies involved a total of 567 participants. All of the studies compared a group receiving a single dose of oral LSD versus another group given placebo.


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