Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (Acid, LSD, Lucy, Blotter)

New Jersey Drug Possession and Distribution of Acid (LSD) Defense Attorneys

LSD is one of the most powerful substances human beings have come into contact with. Experiences vary from overwhelmingly positive and euphoric to intensely horrific, delusional, and terrifying experiences that leave victims with emotional and psychological problems that last their entire lives.

Hallucinogenic Drugs – Lysergic Acid Diethylamide

Street names:  LSD, Acid, Tabs, Cid, L, Lucy, Hits, Stars, Trips, Blotter

Drug Classification:  LSD is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. It is illegal to produce, posses, or distribute without a DEA license.

General Information

LSD is the most potent, well-known, and researched psychedelic drug of all time. It is active at extremely low doses and produces intense visual hallucinations and highly altered states of consciousness. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, found in a fungus that grows on rye and grain. LSD is produced as a crystal, then mixed or diluted into liquid to make it easier to ingest. This liquid can be found in a variety of forms, most commonly small tabs of blotter paper (sheets of absorbent paper perforated into individual dosage units or squares, colored with designs, cartoons, or artwork, soaked in LSD, and then dried). Blotter is easy to ingest, conceal, and prevents the existence of adulterants. It can also be found on sugar cubes, on small sheets of gelatin (‘windowpanes’), or on small tablets (‘microdots’). The effects of LSD are extreme and unpredictable, potentially including euphoria and mood lift but also terror and anxiety. Those under the influence of LSD will have substantially impaired judgment and decision-making, and may perceive dangers differently or irrationally, leaving them at risk of causing injury to themselves or others if left unsupervised.

Dose

A standard dose of LSD ranges from 50-150 micrograms (ug), though it is impossible to determine the dose of any given tab of paper or sugar cube. The pill versions of LSD popular in the 60’s and 70’s contained on average higher doses, ranging from 200-400ug.

Effects

The onset of effects is between 30 and 90 minutes, but is highly variable depending on the individual, the route of administration, and if they have eaten prior to the experience.

There may be a slight feeling of energy or stimulation, even nervousness or anxiety, or some feelings of anticipation. As effects become more intense, users will experience drastic perceptual changes, including visual hallucinations of patters, colors, and textures. Changed thought patterns, feelings of insight, and rapidly changing and overwhelming emotions are other common effects. Senses may switch or cross over, with users saying that they can smell colors and see sounds.

Effects are generally prolonged and last between 8 and 15 hours, though some users report shorter trips or experiences lasting for over 24 hours.

Physically, LSD will cause increased heart rate, pupil dilation, increased salivation and mucous production (sometimes causing coughing), sweating, dry mouth, and unusual bodily sensations such as chills, flushing, numbness, or goose bumps. Many users find it difficult to sleep after an experience, even after the acute effects of the drug have subsided. LSD is an incredibly powerful psychoactive substance and is easily affected or changed by a users mood, set, and setting. It is very important that users understand before they ingest the drug that they may encounter unpleasant or frightening states of consciousness. While users can experience strong feelings of wonder, discovery, and insight, they may also feel paranoia or think they are dying. These feelings or sensations can be so intense they can stay with the user days or weeks after the drug has left their system. Unsettling events may blossom into more serious problems or trauma, so surroundings and environment and deeply important and should be controlled so as to increase the likelihood of a positive experience. Those who are having upheaval, disruptions, or otherwise difficult times in their lives should avoid using strong psychedelics, especially LSD, as this may exacerbate or worsen those feelings or the situation.

Dangers

People taking trycyclic antidepressants like lithium, any SSRI’s, or MAO inhibitors should not use LSD. Use may result in seizures or other dangerous and even fatal conditions.

Some of the dangers associated with LSD pertain to strange actions or behavior while under the influence of the drug, e.g. walking on the freeway or fighting with law enforcement.

Bad trips are only one of the dangers of using LSD. Users may experience lengthy episodes of psychosis including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, or simply strong belief in mystical or spiritual forces and ideals. Many LSD users experience flashbacks, or the return of some aspect of their LSD experience into everyday life. These may manifest themselves suddenly and without warning, and depending on the environment may be unwanted or scary, but are not necessarily unpleasant.

Addiction

While LSD is considered non-addictive and does not produce compulsive, drug-seeking behavior, it can be habit forming and does create a tolerance in heavy users. Transient depression often follows an LSD experience, and chronic use may be linked to permanent feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts.

While LSD may produce dramatic changes in thinking, it is not physically addictive and has not been shown to damage any organ of the human body. Most of the health concerns pertaining to chronic LSD use relate to the drugs physiological effects such as overheating, rather than actual damage to the brain. But chronic use of LSD is known to cause changes in personality, worldview, or behavior that are completely different and strange compared to that person’s original beliefs or behavior.

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