LSD
(lucy, tabs, blotter, acid)
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a hallucinogenic drug that was first synthesised by Albert Hofmann in 1938. Its hallucinogenic properties were discovered in 1943 when Hofmann accidentally ingested some and had a now iconic bike ride home. LSD generally comes absorbed onto a small square of paper and is sometimes available as a clear, tasteless liquid or dropped onto sweets/sugar cubes.
Effects | Dosage | Advice | Support
Effects
The effects of LSD generally take around 30-90 minutes to kick in and will last 9-14 hours:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Distortions of time and perception
- Spiritual connection to the earth/other people
- Confusion
- Anxiety/paranoia
- Disorientation
- Psychosis-like symptoms
Dosage
As always, the appropriate dose will depend on your weight, tolerance and gender, amongst other factors. This is a guide only:
- Low: 25–100 µg (people report feeling some effects with as little as 20 µg)
- Medium (common): 65–175 µg
- High: 175–250 µg
- Heavy: 250+ µg
Harm Reduction Advice
- Use a low dose. Your trip will last a long time and you won’t know how strong it’s going to be until you’re already feeling the effects. Don’t be tempted to re-dose. The effects can take a while to kick in and can creep up on you.
- Use with people you know and trust and in a safe, calm environment to reduce the chance of having a bad trip. Don’t use LSD if you’re already feeling worried, anxious or depressed.
- If you’re having a bad trip, remind yourself you have taken a drug and that the effects will wear off.
- Consider having a ‘trip sitter’, someone who remains sober and can help out if someone is having a bad time.
- If someone can’t be ‘talked down’ from a bad trip, consider seeking medical assistance.
- More physically harmful substances such as the NBOMBe series are sometimes sold as LSD. Follow the mantra “if it’s bitter, it’s a spitter” and remove the tab from your mouth if it has a bitter, chemical taste it is likely your tab isn’t LSD (which is tasteless).
- Do not attempt to get in the car and drive. Make sure you find a safe alternative.
Access Support
The Drop is BDP’s one stop shop for support, advice and resources around party drugs.
External Resources
Visit drugsand.me for more information.
Image Credit: Dominic Milton Trott
