Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

A potent psychedelic compound that can cause hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, distorted perception of time, and other reality-altering effects.

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Also called:

Acid

Lucy

Sheets

Dots

Tabs

Sunshine

What you need to know

Your individual experience may vary based on your medical history, genetics, environment, habits, and other factors.

How you might feel

Energized, giggly, euphoric, anxious, overwhelmed

The effects on your body

Enhanced colors, visual and auditory hallucinations, altered sense of time, dilated pupils

How long it takes to work

30-90 minutes on average (varies based on genetics, food intake that day, etc.)

How long the effects last

8-12 hours

Common Risks

Paranoia, anxiety, panic, fear. Do not take LSD if you’re in a bad mood or uncomfortable environment, or if you’re around people whom you don’t like or trust.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions people have about LSD.

Who invented LSD?status

Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, first synthesized LSD by accident in 1938. He didn’t discover its effects until 5 years later, in 1943, when he was synthesizing it again and accidentally spilled some on his hand and began to hallucinate.

How do you microdose LSD?status

A standard LSD microdose is 10-20 micrograms, which is about 10-20% of a full dose of LSD. It’s difficult to microdose LSD accurately because it’s so potent. Most people who microdose buy LSD-infused blotter paper and cut one square into 5-10 tiny pieces, each of which is one microdose.

What does LSD do to your brain?status

LSD binds to a special type of serotonin receptor called a 5HT2A receptor, increasing serotonin levels in several areas of your brain. Increased serotonin activity is what causes most of LSD’s most well-known effects, including hallucinations and a distorted sense of time and space.

What is LSD made from?status

LSD is a synthetic psychedelic compound, meaning it was created in a lab and does not occur in nature. It’s derived from ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rye. Ergot produces toxins that cause hallucinations, but can be fatal; LSD causes hallucinations without any physiologically toxic effects.

How can you get LSD?status

LSD is federally illegal in the United States. Possessing, ingesting, buying, or selling LSD is a felony, punishable by fines and at least a year in prison. If you’re going to buy LSD, be sure you trust the person selling it and be aware that you’re breaking the law.

Learn more about

emergency

What to do in an emergency

For immediate medical or attention, call 9-1-1 in the US. If you live outside the US, call your emergency line.

If you or someone you know are struggling with substance use or addiction, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information about support and treatment facilities in your area.

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