LSD

All drug use has risks. This page is for information only and does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have medical concerns about your drug use, please speak to a medical professional.

LSD is a psychedelic drug first synthesized by scientist Albert Hofmann in 1938. It became increasingly popular as a recreational drug in the 1960s.

Other names

acid, sid, sidney, trips, L, lucy

Appearance

Small squares of blotting paper or microdots (very small tablets or 'tabs') and occasionally in gel capsules or as a liquid

Drugs Wheel Category

Psychedelics

Legality

Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) – Class A.

Penalties for possession are up to 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Penalties for supply are up to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

How it’s taken

Capsules – swallowed, blotter – left on tongue to dissolve

Dose

The following information on dosage was taken from PsychonautWiki, but this should not be taken as a recommendation: duration and effects of any drug will depend on purity, regularity of use, other medications or drugs you have taken, your body and how it is taken (route of administration).

Swallow:

Light: 25–75 micrograms (ug)
Common: 75–150 micrograms (µg)

Accessed November 2020

An average dose for sublingual administration is around 75μg (this dose should not be taken as a recommendation). The concentration of LSD on blotter paper may vary considerably and people taking LSD should be careful with doses and start with a half or quarter. Blots should be halved by cutting diagonally across the paper.

It is essential to use accurate scales – ones that are capable of measuring to 10 micrograms (0.001 of a gram). Knowledge of how to use them and how to ensure they are measuring accurately is important.

A slight difference in dose can create a different experience or effect. Find out more about reducing the risk from dosing including volumetric dosing.

General information on dosing.

Effects

It can take up to an hour to feel the effects which can last from 6-12 hours.

LSD can alter your senses and thinking, causing colours to appear more vivid and music to sound clearer. It also increases your heart rate and blood pressure. People using it can experience a high, spiritual insight, wakefulness and reduced appetite as well as a feeling of time slowing down, confusion, anxiety and paranoia.

Negative effects will pass – telling someone that you are experiencing them or changing environment can help reduce these feelings. The experience you have will depend on your mind set and the environment also known as set and setting.

Risks

The quantity of LSD on a blotter is hard to know and can vary – even within batches. It can also be unevenly spread on an individual blotter
Blotters sold as LSD may contain other substances including synthetic psychedelics which are riskier

Harm reduction

If you choose to take LSD then the following steps can help to reduce harm.

Start low and go slow – the amount of LSD contained on a blotter can vary even with in batches
Cut a blotter tab in half diagonally – this can reduce the risk of one half containing more
Avoid mixing with other drugs – the results can be unexpected
Avoid swimming as your perception and coordination are altered

Detection time

People taking LSD have reported the following detection time, but this cannot be taken as a recommendation; detection of any drug will depend on purity, regularity of use, other medications or drugs you have taken, your body and how it’s taken.

up to 3 days