LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD)

LSD is an hallucinogenic substance produced from lysergic acid, a substance derived from the ergot fungus (Clavica purpurea) which grows on rye. It can also be derived from lysergic acid amide which is found in morning glory seeds.1 LSD is also refered to as LSD-25 because it was the twenty-fifth in a series of compounds produced by Dr. Albert Hofmann in Basel, Switzerland.

Hoffman was interested in the chemistry of ergot compounds, especially their effect on circulation. He was trying to produce compounds that might improve circulation without exhibiting the other toxic effects associated with ergot poisoning. One of the products he produced was Methergine™, which is still in use today.

When LSD-25 was first tested on animals, in 1938, the results were disappointing. Five years later, in 1943, Hoffman decided to reevaluate LSD-25. The hallucinogenic experience that ensued when he accidentally ingested some of the compound led to the start of experimentation with “psychedelic” drugs.

LSD is the most potent hallucinogenic substance known to man. Dosages of LSD are
measured in micrograms (one microgram equals one-one millionth of a gram). By comparison, dosage units of cocaine and heroin are measured in milligrams (one milligram equals one-one thousanth of a gram). LSD is available in the form of very small tablets (“microdots”), thin squares of gelatin (“window panes”), or impregnated on blotter paper (“blotter acid”).

The most popular of these forms in the 1990s is blotter paper perforated into 1/4 inch squares. This paper is usually brightly colored with psychedelic designs or line drawing. There have been recent reports of LSD impregnated on sugar cubes.2 These LSD-laced sugar cubes were commonplace in the 1970s. The precursor to LSD, Lysergic Acid, is a Schedule III controlled substance. LSD is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.