🔮 LSD

Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB

Overview

LSD is a powerful long-duration psychedelic drug that causes intense visual hallucinations and profound alterations in consciousness.

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), or 'acid', is a psychedelic drug derived from ergot fungus, first synthesised by Albert Hofmann in 1943. It is the archetypal psychedelic to which all others are compared. Pure LSD is a white crystalline substance, but because an effective dose is virtually invisible (75–150 μg), it is usually dried onto blotting paper tabs, gelatin sheets or sugar cubes.

LSD is an extremely powerful hallucinogen with a long history of use, known to be relatively safe despite its high potency. It has significant therapeutic, spiritual and cultural potential and is currently being studied for treatment of mental health conditions, including PTSD and depression.

Safer Using

Only use LSD if you feel well physically and emotionally — it amplifies your current state Use in a safe, comfortable environment with people you trust Have a sober trip sitter present if possible Eat 30 minutes before use and have water and snacks ready Always dose yourself — be careful measuring liquid drops Pure LSD is tasteless — if it tastes bitter or metallic, it may be contaminated ('If it's bitter, it's a spitter!') Cut tabs into smaller pieces if uncertain of potency — handle with tweezers as LSD absorbs through skin If redosing, wait at least 3–6 hours or until well past the peak Avoid major life decisions during or immediately after the experience Research 'Psychedelic Integration' for processing experiences afterwards

⚠ Avoid Combining With

CAUTION: Ice, cocaine and other stimulants (increased psychosis risk); Other psychedelics (unpredictable, intensified effects); Cannabis (confusion or rare psychosis — wait until peak has passed); Ketamine (intensifies the trip to potentially overwhelming levels); Alcohol (nausea, vomiting, blurred experience); Benzodiazepines (counteract subjective effects — useful in an emergency to reduce intensity); Antipsychotics and antidepressants (may counteract or inhibit LSD's effects). Particularly dangerous with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

🚨 If Things Go Wrong

For a difficult experience: move to a calm, quiet space; have a trusted person present; encourage slow breathing; reassure the person the drug will wear off. Benzodiazepines can reduce the intensity of a difficult trip. Call 000 if the person is in danger of harming themselves or others.

LSD is not detectable by roadside saliva tests. Driving while impaired is illegal — wait at least 24 hours.

Effects

Intense visual and auditory hallucinations (open and closed eye) Dilation of pupils and sensory enhancement (taste, touch, smell) Euphoria, sense of unity and deep connectedness Heightened range of emotions and possible life-changing spiritual experiences Increased heart rate, jaw clenching, perspiration, nausea during onset Increase in associative and creative thinking Distortion of time perception, ego dissolution Anxiety, panic, confusion or disorientation Rare: HPPD (persistent visual disturbances after use) Risk of triggering psychosis in those predisposed

Dose & Duration

Swallowed (75–150 μg single dose) or micro-dosed (below 25 μg, 1–2 times per day). Total Duration: 6–14 hours. Onset: 20–90 minutes.

Peak: 3–6 hours. Coming Down: 2–4 hours. After Effects: 12–24 hours.

LSD remains active for up to 24 hours — effects may linger until sleep. LSD is not detected by roadside saliva tests. Drug testing: Urine up to 3 days; Hair up to 90 days; Blood up to 12 hours.

Reagent tests: Ehrlich — Purple; Marquis — Olive Black.