(65%) LSD-25 (L, Acid, Lucy, Tabs, Trips, Windowpane)

LSD-25


LSD is a psychedelic drug that can produce a strong change of perception. The effects may last for more than 12 hours at moderate doses.

It is the best known and most researched psychedelic. It is the standard against which all other psychedelics are compared. It is active at extremely low doses and is most commonly found on blotter paper or in liquid form [EroLSD (1) 2015].


*things to add:
THUMBPRINT section: forum post
https://mycotopia.net/topic/60686-the-thumbprint-lsd/
Interview with Albert Hoffman in 1976 (https://www.erowid.org/culture/characters/hofmann_albert/hofmann_albert_interview1.shtml)
Add long-term effects

Books to read
Telep - LSD-the problem solving psychedelic
LSD Psychotherapy


Common Names/Types: Acid, L, LSD, Tabs, Blotter, Doses, Trips, Lucy, Paper, Windowpane, Gellies, Liquid, Sour Patch
Chemical Name: d-lysergic acid diethylamide
Classifications: Psychedelic [EroLSD (1) 2015].

I would also classify LSD as being Pseudo-stimulatory.



OUTLINE


(*C*) indicates a 90%+ Completed section
(SSS) indicates the section has been started
No prefix indicates the section hasn’t been started


-(SSS)Basic Introduction of the Drug
-Informs the reader of the general background of this drug, usually focusing on the current world
-(SSS)History of the Drug’s Use
-A brief guide to the history and use of the drug
-(*C*)Legal Status
-What is the legal availability of this drug?
-(*C*)Testing your Drug and Handling your drug
-Doing an actual reagent test on your substance, taste testing, smell, sight, etc
-Ways to ensure the substance you have is the substance you want
-Handling  your drug without harming the contents or losing potency
-(*C*)Method of Ingestion
-How is this drug safely consumed or ingested?
-(SSS)Central (Desired) Effects,  Side Effects. What are the dosages?
-How much of the drug is needed for consumption
-What are some of the desirable effects of the drug?
-What are some undesirable effects?
-Long Term effects
Are there lingering long-lasting side effects
-(SSS)Mechanism of Action – How does this Drug work in the body? [Physical (Physiological) and Mental (Psychological) effects]
-What are some of the physiological effects on the body?
-How does the drug affect the brain?
-Which neurotransmitters are impacted?
-Recommended Uses and Doses (Varies by person)
-Suggestions for how the drug could be used
-(*C*) Addiction, Withdrawal, Tolerance
-Addiction profile of the drug. Is it physically or mentally addictive?
-What are the withdrawal effects?
-How does the tolerance of the substance impact the usage?
-(SSS) Drug Combinations with this Drug (Mixing Drugs, USE CAUTION!)
-When mixing drugs, which combinations are most dangerous with this drug
-Enjoyable Drug Combinations
-Medicinal Uses
-What has this drug been found to be beneficial for medicinally?
-(SSS)Detection in Biological Fluids (Drug Testing)
-How can this drug be best detected in the body? For how long?
-Personal Experiences
-Personal experience I have on the drug
-Friendly Experiences
-Experiences that close friends of mine have had on the drug
-Other notable experiences
-Experiences that others may have had on the drug, i.e. Sasha Shulgin, Terrence McKenna
-Useful Facts
-Are there any extra fun or useful facts about the drug that seem to be missing?
-Sources and Bibliography (Comments on sources)
-Sources of information on the drug.




-Basic Introduction of the Drug

LSD-25 is a highly enjoyable psychedelic drug compared to others in the same classification. Its long lasting effects are usually coupled with euphoria and enjoyable visuals. Occasionally unpleasantness could ensue from having a “bad trip” on the drug, but from past experience most bad trips I witnessed were from either an impure form of LSD-25 or a different drug altogether that was placed on paper and sold as LSD-25. I am of the opinion that this is a highly disrespectful practice when selling drugs especially with hallucinogens or psychedelics. Psychedelic drugs I consider to have a VERY significant mind-altering property. Sometimes this effect is so significant that it may cause a user to experience feelings of “craziness” or even mild “psychosis” due to the unknown effects.

The goal of this particular page is to provide as much information as possible, including different experience reports and information about how the drug interacts in the body and mind.

LSD-25 is very safe physiologically. Put simply, LSD does not cause death at recreational or therapeutic doses (less than 500 micrograms). There was an increase of news articles in 2012 and 2013 suggesting that deaths related to LSD are almost all related to 25I-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe which are two new chemicals that require a low dose for effects but can create a lethal dose with just a few extra hits of the drug [EroLSD (2) 2015]. Estimates of lethal doses of LSD are higher than 10mg which can be more than 100 times a normal moderate dose of LSD. It has been stated by two prominent doctors that the number of pharmacological fatalities from LSD is zero even though some users have had undesirable psychological effects that may have caused them to commit suicide or participate in risky behavior [EroLSD (2) 2015].

*Add dosage of thumbprint can be nearly 1000 hits





-History of the Drug’s Use

Having consulted several sources on the history of LSD-25, its creation still seems mysterious to me. I will attempt to elaborate on how it came to be from several sources.

From Erowid, on the LSD Timeline [EroLSD (3) 2015].

16 November, 1938 – Albert Hofmann, a chemist working for Sandoz Pharmaceutical in Basel, Switzerland, is the first to synthesize LSD-25. He discovered LSD, a semi-synthetic derivative of ergot alkaloids, while looking for a blood stimulant.

16 April, 1943 – Albert Hofmann accidentally experiences a small amount of LSD. This is the first human experience with pure LSD-25. He described the experience as seeing “an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures, extraordinary shapes with intense, kaleidoscope-like play of colors.”

19 April, 1943 – Bicycle Day – Albert Hofmann intentionally takes 250 micrograms of LSD for the first time. This is the first documented intentional use of LSD.

The next person to use LSD-25 was Ernst Rothlin on 22 April, 1943. He claimed to be resilient to drug effects but with just 60 micrograms (a quarter of Albert’s dose) he had a profound experience.

12 June, 1943 - Susi Ramstein became the first woman in the world to take LSD. She took 100 micrograms and had an enjoyable time. She also accompanied him from Sandoz to his home via bicycle on the day that Hofmann took his first intentional dose (19 April, 1943).

1947 - The first article on LSD’s mental effects was published by Werner Stoll in the Swiss Archives of Neurology. In the following two decades, hundreds of papers were published discussing LSD

20 April, 1950 – The CIA’s behavior-control program project BLUEBIRD officially begins. The CIA formally began investigating mind control technology in 1950 with Project BLUEBIRD which evolved into projects ARTICHOKE and MKULTRA. CIA operatives routinely committed serious crimes including covertly administering LSD to thousands of unwitting civilians in New York City, San Francisco, and in Marin County, California. This is often thought to be the stuff of spy novels or conspiracy theory, but unfortunately the facts are in public record. Please see Senate Committee Joint Hearing proceedings at www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/history/e1950/mkultra/index.htm

1951 – The CIA becomes aware of and begins experimenting with LSD

1953 – Unwitting subjects in the United States were given LSD in the CIA funded Project MK-Ultra to test the effects of the drug.

1955 – Aldous Huxley first takes LSD. The publication of Huxley’s ‘Heaven and Hell’ followed.

22-24 April, 1959 – The First International Conference on LSD Therapy was held in Princeton, NJ

1960 – Harvard University’s Timothy Leary establishes the Psychedelic Research Project

1962 – Congress passes new drug safety regulations and the FDA designates LSD an experimental drug and restricts research. The first arrests for LSD are made by the FDA,

1963 – LSD first appears on the streets liquid on sugar cubses.

Feb 1965 – Owsley Bear Stanley first succeeded in synthesizing crystalline LSD. The earliest known distribution was March in 1965

May 1965 – The Second International Conference on the Use of LSD in Psychotherapy and Alcoholism

6 October, 1966 – LSD becomes illegal in California

24 October, 1968 – Possession of LSD is federally banned in the U.S. after the passage of the Staggers-Dodd Bill which amended the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

1970 – By this year, an estimated 1-2 million Americans have used LSD. And in June, windowpane acid (gelatin squares) first reported by the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs in the U.S. came about. Blotter paper also started to be spread around with colorful designs at this time.

1979 – Albert Hofmann publishes “LSD: My Problem Child.”

19 April, 1985 – Bicycle Day is first celebrated as a counter-culture holiday

May 2006 – Survey results published in Neurology show that both psilocybin-containing mushrooms and LSD may reduce the severity and frequency of cluster headaches.

Marche 2014 – First government-approved experimental study giving LSD to humans published since 1966. The study showed that giving dying patients the drug in a therapeutic context reduced anxiety. The study was conducted in Switzerland

All are from source [EroLSD (3) 2015]





-Legal Status

LSD is regulated. It is scheduled as a schedule 1 drug under the classification of hallucinogen, which means that in the United states it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute without a DEA license [EroLSD (4) 2015].

In most other countries this drug is also illegal to buy or possess unless a special license is acquired [EroLSD (4) 2015].





-Testing your Drug and Handling your Drug

“If it’s bitter, it’s a spitter!”

This is a common way to test the validity of your product is simply to taste it. In the current market, LSD is commonly found on tabs (blotters, paper), and when you put it on your tongue the tab should have VERY little flavor. If it has a bitter, metallic, sour, or other strong taste then it is likely a different substance and it would be wise to spit it out unless you desire the effect of an unknown potentially harmful psychedelic drug.

There are several Testing Kits that might indicate the presence of LSD-25, but these tests are not foolproof. Some drugs may have impurities or other drugs that turn up similarly in test kits. According to EcstasyPillTest.com, LSD should turn orange over a period of a few seconds when a marquis kit is used. The Mandelin, Mecke, and Simon’s kits indicate an “unknown” reaction. It is noted that these test kits will NOT adequately test LSD tabs on blotter paper. There is even a disclaimer: “Even using this chart the reactions may look the same for some different mixtures of drugs and or impurities!” [EpillTest xxxx]. See below for the  explicit chart:

EcstasyPillTest Chart of Drug Test Kit Results

[EpillTest xxxx].

And from past personal readings I remember testing the paper does not work well because some test kits interact with the blotter paper itself and give inconclusive (inconsistent) results.

-------

Consequently, Dancesafe.org sells a four-pack of drug test kits and indicates potential colorations of material. LSD is number 21 on the list. It indicates LSD will turn a very dark green, nearly blackish color. This is very opposite what the last source has said. See photo below.

DanceSafe Chart of Drug Test Kit Results

Source: Dancesafe.org

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A third look at the Marquis kit comes from BunkPolice.com, yet another source of Drug Test kits.

According to their website, LSD might turn a dark grey/black color, similar to what DanceSafe.org cites LSD as becoming in the same kit. See photo below – LSD is listed under the main circle of chemicals on the right hand column near the middle.

BunkPolice Marquis Test Kit Results

[BPTestKits 2015 (1)].

The Ehlrich test is a test for indoles, predominantly psychedelic drugs. The beauty of this test lies in the fact that it will change positive for psychedelic drugs. The downside of this drug test kit is that it will NOT differentiate between the different indoles – it merely recommends using other kits to adequately differentiate.  The drugs that will show results on this test are 5-Meo-MIPT, 5-MeO-DMT, DMT, LSD, Psilocin, Psilocybin, 5-Meo-AMT, 5-Meo-DIPT, 4-AcO-DMT, and AMT [BPTestKits 2015 (2)].

This can be seen on the photo from Bunkpolice.com below

BunkPolice Ehrlic Test Kit Results

[BPTestKits 2015 (2)].

In conclusion, it seems the best and easiest way to test if you have LSD-25 would be to obtain pure crystalline LSD (usually very expensive) and have 5 different piles with roughly 5 milligrams in each pile and distribute the various drug test kits across these samples. This would likely be best done over a mirror because it would not react like a piece of paper might and it would be easier to see. I would like to replicate this idea of an experiment one day, but at the present moment I am unable to do this.

Otherwise, having someone well experienced with LSD sample the product would be another way to potentially determine which substance you have, but you could be subjecting this person to harm since the drug is presumably unknown.

HANDLING YOUR DRUG

I consulted the forum shroomery for various opinions with those experienced with handling the drug and then having an effective dose come from it some time later. The results are below:

http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/12890232
“People tend to say LSD is a lot more fragile than it really is. As long as it doesn't get wet or is exposed to fairly hot temperatures for a long time it's fine.
For instance many people say never let it see light, don't let it get above 70f or so, but in truth you can leave it in the glove box on a hot day and it'll be fine. You can toss it around without foil and it will be fine. Don't store it in the glove box, I would not leave it there, but it can be exposed to a bit of heat and light from, just nothing extreme, it's not going to melt.” –krypto2000

http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/20434829
“No I don't think it makes any difference. Blotters are designed to absorb material and retain it.” –D.M.T

“I agree with you to some extent. A little handling won't harm it but I know of friends who used to just pull out their tabs and touch them all the time, got some of the same batch that I had from one of them and noticed a significant difference. It could have just been unevenly laid but I don't know.” -Bluntlock

“Yea, I used to be mad careful when handling my L. Now I don't think much about it. just grab it, rip it, throw it around, leave it in a hot car/tent. Never really noticed much loss of potency if any. I laugh when people  use tweezers and freak out if you touch the surface of their L.” –toader123

http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/10523248
“Moisture isn't that big a problem compared to the main reason for LSD degrading ie temp it's stored at. Anyway, if you store LSD at say -18'C (average freezer operating temp), the amount of water vapour in te air is negligable.

Every drop of 10'C doubles the effective life of the LSD (an increase of 10'C generally doubles the rate of any chemical reaction and LSD degredation is subject to the same chemical kinetics as it is due to a conversion to the more stable d-isoLSD). Compared with storage at room temp (say 22'C), storing it in a freezer extends the life of LSD 16 fold

If you wrap them up in plastic foil and keep away from heat and light, they may last the rest of your life.

http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/8041003
Light, heat and (to some extent) oxygen are what you want to avoid. Moisture will not degrade LSD to any material extent. It is UV light that you want to worry about. UV light and any other reactive material (which could include water, or oxygen) will cause degradation. Moisture on its own is not a problem. Adding a weak organic acid, such as ascorbic acid, should help prevent degradation.” –madpsilo

“LSD is a lot more stable than this forum seems to incinuate. I used to be worried about touching it when I was a kid, but after you go through a few ten-lots you don't even worry about keeping it in foil or even a plastic bag. I've spilt beer on sheets and they were pretty much the same after drying out.

Same with mushrooms and heat on this forum, people here talk about the heat breaking down the actives. It may be true with extracted crystal, but inside the cells of the mushroom it is not the case. If you make tea without boiling the fuck out of them for at least 10 minutes until they sink when removed from heat, it is a waste, unless you eat the rubbery crap too.

If the drug had that short of a shelf life it would be sold differently than it is, or have experation dates. The people that make the acid and grow the mushrooms want you to get the most out of it.” -MasonsChild

CONCLUSION

Overall, it seems that LSD can be handled with the hands, best when dry, and still retain its effect for a period of weeks, perhaps months later. For long term storage, keep it in a cool, dark, dry place (perhaps a freezer) in an airtight casing, plastic or foil for maximum efficacy.

Sunlight, heat, open air, and contact will degrade the product to varying degrees depending on how high an effect of each is possible.

There was a situation where I had handled the LSD with my hands in a good amount of open air, and two months later when a trip was attempted it seemed to have lost some potency. Take these effects with a grain of salt as each situation and blotter lay is unique from another user’s. Good luck!

-Method of Ingestion

LSD-25 can be ingested several different ways. Personally I have found oral dosing (through the mouth) effective. It has also absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) both on blotter paper and in liquid form.Similarly a drop of LSD could be insufflated up the nose to get inside the body – all have worked.

A close friend of mine reported that rectal/anal administration was also effective, but she does not believe she did it right.

One method of ingestion that many are unaware of is transdermal absorption. In other words, the LSD is capable of entering the body through contact with the skin. This drug delivery method was popularized by Jimmy Hendrix, despite the fact that humans have been using this practice for thousands of years to deliver drugs into the body in order to achieve an altered state of consciousness [LSDIngest xxxx].

Rumors of this transdermal property are likely true considering that some of the first known use of LSD occurred when a Swiss scientist accidentally handled the substance and subsequently entered his first LSD “trip” [LSDInges xxxx].

Albert Hoffman, who allegedly created Lysergic Acid Diethylamide recounted his first experience, “Because of the known toxicity of ergot substances, I always maintained meticulously neat work habits. Possibly a bit of the LSD solution had contacted my fingertips during crystallization, and a trace of the substance was absorbed through the skin. If LSD-25 had indeed been the cause of this bizarre experience, then it must be a substance of extraordinary potency” [LSDInges xxxx].

And on a personal level, one friend took two 100 microgram drops of liquid LSD into his hand and reported felt as though he were  “beginning to trip” roughly an hour later.

-Central Effects of the Drug and Side Effects. What are the dosages?

                                    

From personal experience, some of what is said on the following sources is true, but I would also like to add that LSD can produce very inconsistent effects on different people, at different doses, and even at different times. This means that a person who takes 200 micrograms of LSD one day at a park with friends might have a very different experience when he or she takes 200 micrograms of LSD two months later in a dark sound-proof room alone by himself. One could be more positive than the other experience. One experience could emotionally scar the individual for some time while the other experience can produce a lasting positive euphoria for years to come.

It is for the reason of differences in environment, dosage, and individuality that several sources will be used, each denoting the effects of the substance. I may not generally relate to all of them, but I believe it is important to share this knowledge with as many users as possible

Source one is from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (Maps.org).

LSD causes a significantly altered state of consciousness. This alteration is characterized by a stimulation of affect, enhanced capacity for introspection, and altered psychological functioning. There are perceptual changes characterized by illusions, pseudo-hallucinations, synesthesia, and time dilation. The acute psychological effects of LSD last between 6 and 10 hours, depending on the dosage applied [PharmaLSD 2008]. The minimal recognizable dose of LSD in humans is about 25 micrograms, whereas the “optimum” dosage for a typical fully unfolded LSD reaction is estimated to be in the range of 100-200 micrograms. Traumatic experiences can come from various doses and usually earn the name “bad trip” which can produce long-lasting effects on LSD users including mood swings and flashbacks. A flashback is when a person experiences a recreation in memory of past events that are usually unfavorable. Conversely, under controlled and supportive conditions, the LSD experience may have lasting positive effects on attitude and personality [PharmaLSD 2008].

Side effects include impaired psychomotor functions, as well as coordination and reaction time impairment. LSD also decreases performance on tests of attention and concentration. Yet another study found that learning processes were unaffected in the 75-150 microgram range. It was found that memory was affected by LSD in a separate studies. For further details of these studies, please reference the Maps.org source that is currently cited. Toxicologically, there have been no documented deaths from LSD overdose. Also, LSD has no carcinogenic potential [PharmaLSD 2008].

Source two is from the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) of the United States. Information is pulled directly from the most recently updated fact sheet.

The effects on the mind include visual changes and mood changes. While hallucinating, the user may suffer impaired depth and time perception as well as distorted perception of the shape and size of objects. Judgment becomes impaired and the user may be more susceptible to personal injury. It is possible for users to suffer acute anxiety and depression after an LSD “bad trip”. Mentally, dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and sweating are all potentially side effects of LSD [DEALsdFact 2011]

On the comment of overdose, a longer more intense “trip” could ensue, as well as psychosis and possible death [DEALsdFact 2011].

Source three is from Erowid.org.

LSD’s oral duration depends on dose taken, but generally the experience lasts about 6 to 11 hours (consistent with Source one in this section).

Some positive effects include mental and physical stimulation. There could be an increase in creative thinking, mood, and awareness. The senses could become enhanced leading to closed and open-eye visuals such as trails, color shifts, and brightening colors. Life-changing spiritual experiences are possible as well as a feeling of connectedness to the universe. Therapeutic psychological reflection might also be prominent.

Some neutral effects include pupil dilation, difficulty focusing, and unusual thoughts or body sensations such as chills or goosebumps. Also there can be a change in the perception of time and emotional swings from happiness, to fear, to anxiety, to anger, to joy, and everything in-between.

And finally some negative experiences include anxiety, tension, increased perspiration, nausea, dizziness and confusion, insomnia, over-awareness, paranoia, fear and panic. Worst may be unwanted overwhelming feelings or unwanted life-changing spiritual experiences [EroLSD 2015 (6)].

As for comments on the three above sources, Maps.org supports psychotherapeutic study while Erowid.org supports informed usage of drugs. The DEA does not support the use of illicit drugs. The biggest inconsistency that was seen was that both Erowid and Maps.org both cite that there is no documented lethal overdose from pure LSD, while the DEA.gov site says that death is possible at “overdose”.

-Long Term effects

Some users report having been “permanently effected” or achieving lasting undesirable effects from LSD. Some users report positive lasting life changes after use of the drug.

Most commonly heard of is a “Flashback”, characterized by the World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases, Version 10, “as of an episodic nature with a very short duration (seconds or minutes) and by their replication of elements of previous drug-related experiences” [PharmaLSD 2008]. These experiences occur mainly folliwngin intense negative experiences with hallucinogense, but can sometimes be self-induced by will for positibe re-experiences and are in this case sometimes reffered to as “free trips”. The Diagnostic and Statstical Manual of Mental Disorders Version IV (DSM-IV) defines clinically significant flashbacks as “Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder” (HPPD), which appears to have a particular association with LSD. The occurrence of this disease is very rare [PharmaLSD 2008].

-Mechanism of Action – How does this Drug work in the body? [Physical (Physiological) and Mental (Psychological) effects]

I am quite curious about this, as I know LSD to be virtually tasteless and able to enter the body orally and even through the skin, which is not often found in drugs. How does it affect a person physiologically and psychologically? One source  I found to be of use was from maps.org, a website abbreviation for the “Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.” The information is consistent with Erowid.org’s history of LSD page saying that the synthesis of LSD occurred in 1938 and the first intentional dose was taken in 1943. Thousands of papers have been written in an attempt to understand the pharmacology of LSD, and some of the more prominent suggestions have been extracted for this paper, but the mechanisms of action are still not completely understood [PharmaLSD 2008].

LSD is physiologically well tolerated and psychological reactions can be controlled in the proper setting, but there are complications that may arise from uncontrolled use by layman. Though no physical damage results from the use of LSD, many psychiatric complications have been reported [PharmaLSD 2008].

When LSD is administered to rats and cats with very high doses, mild autonomic changes of mydriasis, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, hypertonia, and hyperglycemia may occur. These changes may come from the result of an excitatory syndrome caused by central stimulation of the sympathetic system. Most consistent neurological effects are exaggeration of deep tendon reflexes, slight unsteadiness of gait, and mild tremor. There is no evidence that LSD alters liver function [PharmaLSD 2008].

One pair of scientists studied the effects of LSD on biogenic amine excretion. LSD significantly reduced urinary dopamine excretion, but excretion of norepinephrine, serotonin, homovanillic acid, and vanillylmandelic acid was not affected. There’s a slight decrease in creatinine clearance, but no change in calcium clearace and serum calcium levels [PharmaLSD 2008].

As for LSD’s effect on sleep-wake cycles and dreaming, low doses of LSD (under 40 micrograms) immediately applied before or 1 hour before sleep onst lead to a prolongation of the first or second rapid-eye movement (REM) period by 30-240% and shortening of following periods. Eye movements during the periods are less numerous. Total REM sleep is prolonged. Sleep deprivation prior to LSD application leads to more intense psychological reactions [PharmaLSD 2008].

After ingestion, LSD is completely absorbed in the digestive tract. Two scientists, Upshall and Wailling, demonstrated that with a large meal, the plasma concentrations of orally ingested LSD were about half as much as on an empty stomach. When a smaller meal was eaten, plasma levels were somewhere between. The conclusion rests that the amount of the meal, as well as the pH of the stomach and duodenum, will influence the absorption of LSD [PharmaLSD 2008].

For information on metabolism and excretion, see the “Detection in Biological Fluids” section of this page.

What I have wanted to read most about in this section was Neurophysiological actions, and this source from Maps.org has pulled out very helpful bits of information on this topic.

First, an EEG test of LSD’s effects on the brain was reviewed. Defined:

“An EEG test (Electroencephalogram test) is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp. Your brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when you’re asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording” [MayoEEG xxxx].

The EEG shows mild and little specific signs of activation after LSD ingestion. Most common is an increase in a mean frequency. Other researchers describe a progressive desynchronization due to a quantitative decrement of the slow component after LSD. In one study with Goldstein and Stoltzfus, the analyzed human EEG amplitude levels in right and left occipital areas were found in most subjects to reverse the normal pattern of lateralization when LSD was ingested [PharmaLSD 2008].

INTERACTIONS WITH RECEPTORS IN THE BRAIN

There are complex  receptor interactions of LSD that are a significant topic of experimental work and speculation about the mechanism of LSD. The predominant hypothesis on how indole halluginogens affect serotonin (5-HT) is summarized as follows: LSD acts to preferentially inhibit serotonergic cell firing while sparing postsynaptic serotonergic receptors from upregulation/downregulation. This preference is shared in a somewhat limited fashion by non-indole hallucinogens. Nonhallucinogenic analogs of LSD show no such preference [PharmaLSD 2008].

Serotonin (5-hydroxytrptamine; 5-HT) is produced by a small number of neurons in the 1000’s that innervate as many as 500,000 other neurons. For the most part, these neurons originate in the raphe nuclei (RN) of the midbrain. One major target of these is the locus coeruleus (LC). The LC extends to regions of the brain such as the cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. It has been suggested that neurons in this brain region may inhibit sensation, therefore protecting the brain from sensory overload. The fact that the LC and the RN innervate virtually every part of the brain shows that serotonin can activate large portions of the brain from a relatively small area of origination [PharmaLSD 2008].

Interestingly, 5-HT (Serotonin) may be seen as a mainly inhibitory transmitter, so that when activity is decreased, the next neuron in the chain is freed from inhibition and becomes more active. This view is limited by the fact that few 5-HT receptors are excitatory ion channels. Since serotonergic systems appear to be intimately involved in the control of sensation, sleep, attention, and mood, it may be possible to explain the actions of LSD and other hallucinogens by their disinhibition of these critical systems [PharmaLSD 2008].

LSD acts as a 5-HT autoreceptor agonist on the 5-HT*1A receptors in the LC, the RN, and the cortex. The firing and release of serotonin is inhibited in these cells. LSD is a partial agonist on the postsynaptic 5-HT*1A site. LSD has a high affinity for other 5-HT*1 subtypes, 5-HT*1B, 5-HT*1D, and 5-HT*1E. Effects of LSD on 5-HT*2C, 5-HT*5A, 5-HT*6, and 5-HT*7 receptors are described, but with unknown significance. The hallucinogenic effect of LSD has been linked to its affinity for the 5-HT*2 receptor where it acts as an agonist, as this property is shared by hallucinogens of the phenethylamines group (mescaline, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, etc.) and indolamines (psyilocybin and DMT).  There exists a strong correlation between psychoactive doses of these hallucinogens and their respective potency at the 5-HT*2 receptor [PharmaLSD 2008].

There is also evidence that LSD interacts with dopaminergic systems. In comparison to other hallucinogens, LSD interacts agonistically and antagonistically with central dopamine D1 and D2-receptors. It is not established how these changes are involved in psychoactive effects of LSD, but studies with the related selective 5-HT*2A hallucinogen psilocybin demonstrated an increased release of dopamine, as evidenced by a 20% decrease of [11-C]raclopride binding after psilocybin in human subjects. One study done by Marona-Lewicka et al. discovered receptor activation of LSD to be time-dependent. LSD in rats 15-30 minutes prior to testing in a stimulus task leads to 5-HT*2A activation, while after 90 minutes, D2-receptors may then mediate major parts of LSD reactions. These results suggest an interaction between dopamine and serotonin receptors might be a possible explanation for the enormous range of effects LSD engenders in human beings [PharmaLSD 2008].

-Addiction, Withdrawal, Tolerance

According to TheGoodDrugsGuide.com, LSD has zero physically addictive potential. It is not physically addictive and it is not a drug that most will want to immediately ingest again.  This is not a type of drug where a user experiences withdrawal if another dose is not ingested within a short period of time after the last dose [LSDAddict xxxx].

What is further noted on this source is that as with many drugs, users can become psychologically dependent on LSD. Its “pyrotechnic” effects and dazzling high can become a distraction, perhaps even an escape for some people. If the first trip is good and the hallucinations are enjoyable, the user may continue taking the drug in an attempt to recreate the experience. What may not be realized is that each trip is unique and there is no way of knowing in advance what kind of experience they will have. Additionally some users may find that instead of using LSD to get a positive result, they may be using LSD often as a way to escape the negative aspects of their current life [LSDAddict xxxx].

There is a comment on tolerance and cross-tolerance on this source as well that is very similar to what is said below in the Maps.org source. Tolerance builds up rapidly with LSD. Using the same amount the next day gives a noticeably diminished effect, which wears off after about three days to a week. A regular user would need to take a higher dose to get the effect they are looking for by the next day and subsequently thereafter. Cross-tolerance exists with other psychedelic hallucinogen drugs taken in a similar timespan, such as DMT and psilocybin containing mushrooms [LSDAddict xxxx].

I have found LSD tolerance can be rather cumbersome at times to a person seeking consecutive doses over a short period of time. From experience, LSD is rather resilient to repetitive dosing and for the best (most desirable) effects for my person, I prefer a larger dose at first, rather than a moderate dose with subsequent moderate redosing. The maps.org source again proves useful when commenting on LSD tolerance.

According to the Maps.org source, tolerance is defined as a decrease in responsiveness to a drug after repeated administration. Tolerance to the effects of LSD occurs in humans and animals. Tolerance to autonomic and psychological effects of LSD occurs in humans after a few moderate daily doses of LSD. There were 5-100 microgram LSD doses given for 3-6 days to healthy volunteers. After 2-3 days solid tolerance developed as demonstrated in psychological and physiological tests. After tolerance to LSD is achieved and placebo instead of LSD is given for 3 days, the typical LSD effects will finally reoccur on the fourth day [PharmaLSD 2008].

In rats who were given LSD for 5 consecutive days that were previously trained to discriminate LSD from saline, a decrease in 5-HT*2A receptor signaling caused by a reduction of 50HT2A receptor density. This reduction in receptor density may point to possible mechanism for the development of acute tolerance to LSD. Derivatives of LSD such as UML-491 and MLD-41 are able to induce cross-tolerance if applied in the days prior to LSD [PharmaLSD 2008].

There is partial cross-tolerance (depending on whether LSD is given first or second) among LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. The most complete cross-tolerance is to mescaline in LSD-tolerant subjects. One study suggests that one-way cross-tolerance from LSD to DMT does not occur. Studies with d9-THC in subjects tolerant to LSD did not demonstrate a cross-tolerance between these drugs. There is no cross-tolerance between LSD and amphetamine [PharmaLSD 2008].

As a personal comment, I find the effects of LSD quite enjoyable most of the time depending on the setting and environment where I consume the drug. I find very little desire for consistent redosing (Addictive potential), because usually by the second repeat dosing, the desired effects subside significantly (Rapid tolerance) and a far higher dosage is needed than is worth the time or money. I have run into some people who desire this altered mind state and will continue to redoes despite the little effects that  may be achieved.

-Drug Combinations with this Drug (Mixing Drugs, USE CAUTION!)

First, sources will be obtained on allegedly enjoyable or dangerous combinations with drugs in this category, then my experienced input will be provided J.

Higher doses of chlorpromazine (CPZ) at 0.7mg/kg reportedly diminish LSD-induced side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or anxiety. CPZ did not appreciably alter the production of hallucinations or delusions, but associated unpleasant feelings were reduced or eliminated [PharmaLSD 2008].

Sedative-hypnotics such as the benzodiazepine, Diazepam [Valium] at 5mg intramuscularly injection are often used in the emergency room for acute LSD intoxication to help reduce panic and anxiety [PharmaLSD 2008].

Chronic administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s/common antidepressants) as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants are reported to diminish LSD effects [PharmaLSD 2008].

Lithium and some tricyclic antidepressants have also been reported to increase the effects of LSD. Lithium in particular can increase effects to a comatose level [PharmaLSD 2008].

TheGoodDrugsGuide.com has a few notes on combinations – some of which I agree with from personal experience, others not as much.

Alochol and LSD – takes the edge off the effect and can help you to relax. Drunkness disappears during the trip. Large amounts might increase nausea, and drinking on the comedown is not recommended [LSDAddict xxxx (2)].

Amphetamines and LSD is not really recommended as LSD has a speedy effect [LSDAddict xxxx (2)].

MDMA and LSD is known as “candy flipping”, the good feelings from MDMA can reduce the chance of a bad trip but safety is advised when taking MDMA and LSD together [LSDAddict xxxx (2)].

Mushrooms and LSD, according to this source says that cross-tolerance is present so there is no such point in taking other psychedelics at the same time [LSDAddict xxxx (2)].

Tobacco and LSD poses no dangers, but tobacco is bad for your lungs [LSDAddict xxxx (2)].

Tranquillizers, such as benzodiazepines (valium, xanax) are administered by medical staff when someone is having a bad trip. Since it is a depressant, it can reduce panic in those who are experiencing deep anxiety. Dosing of downers needs to be carefully inspected so as not to mix with other drugs that could cause severe damage such as Alcohol, GHB, Ketamine, or heroin [LSDAddict xxxx (2)].

Now for my personal experience…

I have combined LSD with several different drugs, sometimes multiple drugs at the same time. The list will go into relative dosage, time taken relative to LSD, and how the effect was (pleasant/difficult/etc).

Again, PLEASE HEED THE WARNING – one drug may have a completely different effect on one user than another user. One drug on one day might have a different effect than the next day. Drugs can be unpredictable, but very few of their effects can be consistent. I am trying to point out some consistencies and some warnings about drugs and their effects on various people. Take it with a grain of salt, keep in mind that you will not know for sure how drugs, especially combinations of drugs, will affect you until you try. Always use caution. DO YOUR RESEARCH.

Also it should be remembered that I was consuming Cannabis Sativa (Weed, marijuana) somewhat frequently at this time, perhaps frequently enough that I was operating on a “normal” level while being high often. This does throw in a confounding variable, but I do believe much of this information is still highly useful.

Combinations of two drugs

(1LBAX) LSD + Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam [Xanax], Clonazepam [Klonopin])

(2LMDM) LSD + MDMA

(3LPSI) LSD + Psilocybin Mushrooms

(4LKET) LSD + Ketamine

(5LAMP) LSD + Amphetamines (Amphetamine salts [Adderall IR])

(6LNIC) LSD + Nicotine (Cigarettes)

(7LCAN) LSD + Cannabis (d9-THC)

(8LSYN) LSD + Synthetic Cannabinoids (UR-144, JWH-018)

(9L25C) LSD + 25C-NBOMe

(10LSM1) LSD + Methylone

(11LMYS) LSD + MYSTERYrelaxer

Combinations of three or more drugs

(1MLK) LSD + MDMA + Ketamine

(2LMSA) LSD + MDMA + MDA

(3LMXA) LSD + MDMA + Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam [Xanax])

(4LMPSI) LSD + Psilocybin Mushrooms + MDMA

Combinations of two drugs

(1LBAX)

I have experimented with varying dosages of Benzodiazepines and LSD, most often Alprazolam (Xanax) and less often Clonazepam (Klonopin). There are several different time intervals where I have consumed these drugs together with varying effects. Note, benzodiazepines tend to have limiting effects on memory retention. This holds true for psychedelic drug combinations. Benzodiazepines are not recommended if you want the full experience of the drug – especially if you want to remember it for a long time.

Xanax 12-36 hours before taking LSD

If Xanax is taken in a moderate dosage the night before (1-2mg), at least 12 hours to about 36 hours before dosing LSD, there will still be some residual effect from the Xanax that limits the effects of LSD. As cited above, benzodiazepines are actually given to people who are tripping to stop the trip in the case of a bad trip or to cease the trip for another reason. I have found that Xanax at this early interval does not stop the trip, but merely limits some of the visuals as well as mental effects that are often desired by LSD users. The trip will also seem shortened from an average of 10 hours to approximately 7-8 hours, dosage depending. This is only really recommended for a potential first time tripper who has no idea what a psychedelic state may put them in, otherwise this is stated merely to indicate that there are residual effects from Xanax taken far in advance of LSD.

A friend of mine (Anx) backs up this knowledge by saying that approximately 24 hours before taking 100 micrograms of LSD he had dosed 4mg of Xanax. He informed me that his friend tripped far harder than he did on a similar dose – neither of them had LSD tolerance. Anx tells me he thoroughly enjoyed the trip but did not get any “tripped out” effects as he would describe them.

A final note here is that Clonazepam has been taken in advance of an LSD trip as well, and due to that drug having a longer duration of effect, has a greater likelihood of impacting an LSD trip the next day or even two days later.

Xanax and LSD co-administered (Used at the same time)

If Xanax (at 1-2mg) is taken in conjunction with LSD, either shortly before (1-2 hours) or right at the same time, a user can expect the trip to be much lighter and shorter lasting. As the effects of Xanax can last for several hours in an intolerant benzodiazepine user, the drug might wash away many of the visuals and much of the headspace. When I have taken these two drugs at the same time, I found that it did not completely inhibit the trip, but the visuals were much less intense, and I did not have a very profound mental headspace. LSD can make thoughts feel far more significant and lasting, but the Xanax hindered much of the thought process that is coupled with LSD. There was still much euphoria present and no anxiety of any kind which was enjoyable, but as I often desire a deeper thought process with complementary visuals, I might again only recommend this for the novice tripper who has never experienced LSD or someone who often gets high amounts of anxiety from general psychedelic drugs.

Xanax for when an LSD user is having a “bad trip”

This was mentioned earlier in two sources that benzodiazepines, specifically Diazepam (Valium), is used to stop someone from having a bad trip. While at a friend’s house where we were all under the influence of LSD, someone was fortunate enough to have Xanax for a friend, Brendon, who seemed as though he was having an unenjoyable trip. I had never seen someone react this way, but it seems as though Brendon was trying to fight the effects of LSD. I often council people who take the drug to let the drug take effect – it will not kill you – however it may feel a bit weird and unfamiliar at first. He was resisting the effects physically, his body kept spasming, he could not speak English, and we just did not know what was going on. Perhaps he was under the influence of medications such as SSRI’s or other mood regulating drugs that alter the effect of psychedelics. He took about 1mg of Xanax and laid down for about 15 minutes, then re-emerged from his room with a look on his face of confusion. He asked “What happened?” as if he did not recall the effects of LSD whatsoever. He still felt an inner glow and things seemed to be moving around, according to Brendon, but the physical effects and mental headspace had worn off. He was grateful that someone had given this counter-drug to him.

On a side note, Xanax can also calm down the potentially nauseating feelings of psychedelic drugs. LSD does not usually present nausea unless a person has a mental side that produces it, but Xanax is often of good use with other psychedelics for powerful nausea such as 4-AcO-DMT or Psilocybin mushrooms (in some users).

Xanax to “come down” from the end of an LSD trip to go to sleep.

This is when I find Xanax most useful when used with LSD. If a user takes LSD and finds the effects stimulating and is awake far into the night, the user might desire another substance that will quell the pseudo-stimulatory effects and produce sleep. In this instance, Xanax is recommended for this function, but not totally necessary. The recommended dosage, depending on how intensely sleep is desired is again around 1-2mg, relative to how much LSD was taken. I have used Xanax for this purpose several times and it proves a useful and relaxing way to terminate the LSD experience (perhaps around hour 10 or 12), which I personally find not as enjoyable as the first 6-8 hours.

(2LMDM)

MDMA when taken with LSD has produced some of the more “fun” effects of the drug for me. In general, this combination tends to intensify a roll (the state of mind described when under the influence of MDMA) while adding a trippy mindset. There is almost always euphoria that comes in waves, feelings of empathy, and an overall appreciation of life. Friends of mine agree with this statement and also tend to enjoy the effects of these drugs. This combination is frequently called “Candy Flipping”

MDMA taken shortly before an LSD trip

If MDMA is taken a few hours prior to an LSD dosing, the user might find themselves having a less visual trip and having more of a body high. There will be residual euphoria and empathetic feelings that come from the MDMA and is handed down to the LSD trip. The trip will be slightly more mild, and likely with shorter duration. I quite like the experience at large outdoor parties when meeting many people, however I believe this experience could also be useful therapeutically as the barriers of social interaction are often broken and extensive empathetic feelings are possible even with people that the user may not have met before.

MDMA taken shortly after an LSD trip

If MDMA is taken a few hours into an LSD trip, the effects of MDMA are somewhat lessened from past experience. The “rolling” feeling of MDMA will be more of a trip. The visuals will be altered slightly and the duration of the LSD trip will likely feel shortened, while the duration of the MDMA roll will likely feel extended.

(3LPSI)

LSD and Psilocybin mushrooms I find very “intense” for lack of a better term. I disagree with TheGoodDrugsGuide.com above when it was said that there is not much point in combining psychedelics. I find that the combination can be a very useful and therapeutic experience. This combination I have heard referred to as “Jedi Flipping”.

Psilocybin Mushrooms taken shortly after LSD

I have tried this experience three times; two times that I can recall – a dosage of Mushrooms about 1-2 hours after LSD ingestion.

The first experience was at an outdoor music festival. I had only read about Jedi Flipping a little bit, but I knew I enjoyed both drugs on their own at the time, so I thought why not together? I was just trying to get a bit higher on substances at the time. I had consumed approximately 200 micrograms of LSD and about 1.5 grams of mushrooms. I was getting very heavy auditory sensory distortions and time dilation. My clearest memory is when I would look at the sky the clouds were moving and melting in a warm matter. It was truly incredible. I sat down with a couple other friends who were also enjoying the same combination of drugs and we just watched the sky as if it were some sort of live action motion picture. There was dominating euphoria and a very trippy mindset. I was recollecting old memories I had not thought of in years with a more positive mindset and communicating them to friends. It was however difficult to communicate because of the way these drugs cross-potentiated each other (made themselves stronger).

The second experience was at my own house when I had just received some seriously unfortunate news. I decided to indulge in high doses of psychedelic drugs to “cope” with recent news that was communicated to me. This is NOT ADVISED and can lead some to making rash decisions, especially when under the influence of drugs. At least 800 micrograms of LSD (I had some tolerance, this number could be looked at as about 300 micrograms with minimal tolerance) were consumed, and 5 grams of mushrooms (I also had a slight mushroom tolerance at the time) caused a very intense experience. I felt the need to be very honest and answer every question asked of me as honest as possible, no matter how much I knew about the matter or no matter how uch I would have felt comfortable sharing in a sober mindset. I had a nearly ego-shattering experience. About 1.5 to 2 hours into the experience, I began deeply contemplating issues that were bothering me without having the ability not to think about them. I decided that the experience was overwhelming, and took my own advice and ceased it with a mild dosage of Xanax (1.5mg). I would like to repeat a high dose combinatory psychedelic experience one day when I am in a more comfortable mindset.

I can say that low doses of these drugs used together can be enjoyable, but only for the seasoned psychedelic traveler. There is an enjoyable side, but the intensity of emotions and feelings that are provided by this experience will likely overwhelm the novice user.

(4LKET)

Ketamine when used while under the influence of LSD has very interesting effects. Ketamine, being a dissociative drug can often cause people to feel a little unlike themselves. Since the duration of effect of ketamine is often short, more will be elaborated on when ketamine is ingested after LSD. The combination of drugs is sometimes called “Kitty Tripping”.

Ketamine shortly before LSD use

Ketamine produces a mildly dissociative effect that usually does not persist for more than an hour, sometimes two if the dosage is high enough. From experience, doing ketamine before LSD will cause a weaker come-up for LSD and sometimes the trip will be more mild, less visual, but not shortened whereas Xanax would produce a more dulling and shorter trip when combined with LSD.

Ketamine repetitively dosed while already tripping on LSD

I have found this combination of two drugs to be one of the most euphoric, but perhaps that is just because my fondest memory of the combination was in a great setting surrounded by great people. On this particular day, we adventured to the beach in the early part of summer to enjoy the warmth of summer. We each ate about 200 micrograms of LSD, and I went for a short yet quick run, something I find very exhilarating while tripping on LSD. I was in good spirits when returning, and was glad that we brought some ketamine with us, as I had never tried ketamine with LSD on its own. About 20 minutes after insufflating a small amount of ketamine, approximately 20-30mg, the visuals of LSD were dampened as well as the complicated thoughts I had at the time. What came next was a soaring euphoria. I found myself smiling often for no reason and laughing. I would occasionally turn back into a trip state, but the ketamine definitely provided a significant mood lift. I was able to do higher doses of ketamine than I would if ketamine were ingested on its own, possibly because of the stimulatory effects of LSD. This could be said similar to alcohol and LSD where I would be able to consume more alcohol than I normally would without feeling heavily intoxicated from its effects. I ended up ingesting a higher amount of k than I was used to, but it was not problematic as I was fully functional and had a thoroughly enjoyable time with the drug combination. If I could make a recommendation, I might say this would be a fun union of drugs at a party or some other social gathering – if others who were participating in similar drug combinations were present.

(5LAMP)

I have only experienced the combination of LSD and amphetamines once. The amphetamines were from a generic brand of Adderall Instant Release (Adderall IR) and contained a 3:1 ratio of Dextroamphetamine: Levoamphetamine.

Amphetamines taken 2 hours prior to LSD ingestion

I do not often get anxiety or panicky feelings from psychedelics on their own, but amphetamines and some other stimulants can generate residual anxiety in me at higher doses. When these two drugs were used together, (about 20mg of Adderall and 150 micrograms of LSD) it may have been one of my least enjoyable LSD combination experiences. The amphetamines gave me a slight edge to the trip and a mildly undesirable sharpness. There was euphoria present, but it was overly focused and somewhat stern. I could hear myself coming out as somewhat disrespectful towards friends of mine around me without intending to sound this way. I did manage to cook a good meal very carefully, likely as a result of the amphetamines, but it was not a very worthwhile experience. The visuals and mental clarity of LSD were hindered and I desired a more relaxed state. Cannabis was smoked more frequently during this session to calm down the amphetamine rush that I was feeling.

(6LNIC)
Nicotine and LSD was a combination of substances that I have enjoyed previously, but I now no longer see the point. Nicotine is just a cancerous substance. For further reference, please see the "Nicotine" page of this blog under the list of substances. A nicotine cigarette administered shortly before LSD ingestion has had little effect, so the experience will be described during the experience

Nicotine taken intermittently throughout an LSD experience
I will predominantly be referring to the smoking of a cigarette, rather than other nicotine administration instruments (patches, gum, hookah, etc). While under the influence of LSD, I have previously found the act of smoking to be fascinating. When having mild visuals on LSD, the smoke seems to take on a beautiful appearance to me. I very infrequently have "hallucinated" on psychedelic drugs, including LSD, but in the case of smoke, it tends to take on shapes of objects that are relatable to me. Being able to make my own clouds of smoke has taken on an element of fun. This is what I found to be the most positive. The negatives of smoking nicotine cigarettes on LSD far out weight the positives. Aside from the first few puffs which give a mild head-rush, the rest of the cigarette leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth that is more noticeable on LSD than on other substances or in a sober mind state. Aside from the taste which impacts my mind state more dramatically when under the influence of LSD, I find that the feeling that results from a fully smoked cigarette to be inhibiting. There is a mild residual anxiety and jitteriness that resides after a nicotine cigarette. Friends of mine enjoy the head-rush feeling provided by the cigarette, but I have often disagreed. Now that I no longer smoke cigarettes, I highly doubt I would find the head-rush enjoyable.



(7LCAN)
Quite possibly simultaneously the most enjoyable and healthful combination of drugs is cannabis and LSD together. So far, most of my LSD experiences have included a moderate amount of cannabis sativa and are therefore somewhat diluted and this is mainly the reason why I desire a separate experience of LSD on its own without the assistance of any other substances, including my favorite drug: Cannabis.

Cannabis consumed at various intervals of an LSD experience
Whereas TheGoodDrugsGuide.com (cited above) states that Cannabis dulls the come-up of LSD, I find that cannabis aids the come-up and eases in the LSD experience. When I am of a completely sober mind from cannabis and I partake in the consumption of LSD, I find that the first hour after taking the drug to be a bit more confusing and catches me off guard. Cannabis makes the come-up more pleasant and normal. When cannabis is smoked throughout the experience, it can sometimes heighten the "trippy" nature of the experience. Sometimes, if I had not smoked for several hours into the experience, and then a few large hits of cannabis are ingested, the visuals and mental headspace will get more "intense" and change rapidly. It can sometimes be more enjoyable; for others, it can be more spiritual. It varies from individual to individual how cannabis and LSD combine. I have had several friends who enjoy cannabis, who were too "tripped out" or in a part of their trip where they were stuck (for lack of a better term) have themselves be "brought back" by cannabis. It has saved them from being in a bad trip or from losing grip. I have also personally found cannabis to be helpful when easing the trip back into baseline on the "come down". Even though I rarely have an uncomfortable feeling at the end of LSD, sometimes it is late at night and I desire sleep and cannabis can then prove to be effective in this instance.



(8LSYN)
I have personally witnessed a wide array of effects on different people from synthetic cannabinoids depending on the chemical (there are many different chemicals that make up this group) when used on their own. When psychedelic drugs such as LSD are combined with synthetics, the effects can be even MORE varied, sometimes highly unpleasant or anxiety enducing. Please proceed with caution!

Synthetic Cannabinoids consumed intermittently during an LSD experience
There was a point in time where I chose to smoke synthetic cannabinoids over natural cannabis sativa in order to evade drug testing as most drug tests do not test for synthetics. I experimented with LSD during this time as well. Since I was smoking synthetics to get high luke regular cannabis, I followed what I would normally do during LSD trips and smoked synthetics to get high. The effects were PROFOUNDLY different than when I would get high om natural cannabinoids while tripping. About 10 seconds after a synthetic cannabinoid hit of UR-144 in this case, I found myself launched into a completely different headspace. I ft as though I was tripping Very hard for the next 10 or 20 minutes. Other friends agreed, and some felt scared by how intense the effects were. I would occasionally enjoy the way my mind would think when I indulged in this chemical cocktail, but sometimes the effects would mildly terrify me as well. When JWH-018 wad consumed, which is one of the originally manufactured synthetics for recreational usage would feel most similar to cannabis sativa while tripping and had the least amount of undesirable outcomes.

-Detection in Biological Fluids (Drug Testing)

As for metabolism and excretion, different species metabolize LSD at different rates. The half-life in mice is about 7 minutes, 130 minutes in cats, and about 175 minutes in human subjects. Animals have varying, sometimes unique ways of metabolizing the drug, but I humans, LSD is metabolized rapidly into some structurally similar metabolites. The major metabolite detected in urine is 2-oxy-3-hydroxy-LSD (which could not be detected in blood plasma. Other metabolites include 2-oxy-LSD, nor-LSD, di-hydroxy-LSD, LAE, 2-oxo-LSD and 14-hydroxy-LSD as glucoronides, and trioxylated LSD [PharmaLSD 2008]. LSD and its metabolites are reported to be detectable in urine for as long as 4 days after ingestion. Using a radioimmunoassay screening test, the detection limit for 100 micrograms of LSD is usually around 30 hours. Each doubling of this initial amount will add about 5 hours. LSD and its cross-reactive metabolites were detectable for periods of 34-120 hours at concentrations of 2-28 micrograms/Liter in urine [PharmaLSD 2008].

On the topic of detection, since the amount of LSD ingested is usually quite small in amount, the LSD to be detected in biological samples is also very small. The amount of LSD that can be detected in the body varies by the test being used, the detection limit on the test, the point of collection, the type of sample fluid, and the amount of LSD that was ingested. Routine forensic methods for confirmatory and quantitative testing for LSD employ high-performance thin layer chromatography and different forms of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with detection limits set to approximately 0.4 micrograms per Liter. The practical detection limits are as low as .1 and .25 ng/mL for LSD and N-desmethyl-LSD respectively. The average time for determination of LSD in blood specimens is estimated to be 6-12 hours and in urine, 2-4 days. The metabolites can often be detected in higher concentrations than LSD itself. Determination of LSD in hair specimens is now available even for low and single time dosing, but not for LSD metabolites [PharmaLSD 2008].

Erowid seems to concur with the results above:

They indicate that it is not tested for in standard drug tests, sometimes tested for in extended drug tests, but definitely possible to test for. It is said that the detection period in urine is about 1-4 days (including metabolites) [EroLSD 2015 (7)].

It is also noted that the test for LSD is difficult and expensive and quite uncommon. Unless there is a particular reason to look for the drug, it is extremely unlikely that most people will ever run into this test. It is not chemically similar to any of the drugs tested for, so should not trigger the tests as another substance [EroLSD 2015 (7)].

-Sources

EroLSD 2015

LSD-25

(1) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd.shtml

(2) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_death.shtml

(3) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_timeline.php

(4) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_law.shtml

(5) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_testing3.shtml  (2013)

(6) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_effects.shtml

(7) https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_testing.shtml

Author: Erowid.org, Date Updated: 10 February 2015

PharmaLSD 2008

The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review

http://www.maps.org/research-archive/w3pb/2008/2008_Passie_23067_1.pdf

Author: Torsten Passie, John H. Halpern, Dirk O. Stichtenoth, Hinderk M. Emrich & Annelie Hintzen

EpillTest xxxx

New Reagent Chart

http://www.ecstasypilltest.com/pdf/New%20Reagent%20Chart.pdf

Author: EcstasyPillTest.com, Date Published: ????

BPTestKits 2015

Bunk Police Marquis Kit

(1) http://bunkpolice.com/basic-test-kit/

Bunk Police Ehrlic Kit

(2) http://bunkpolice.com/ehrlichs-test-kit/

Author: BunkPolice.com, Date Updated: 14 February, 2015

LSDIngest xxxx

Drug Delivery Methods Part 3

http://www.recoveryfirst.org/drug-delivery-methods-part-3.html/

Author: James F. Davis, Date Published: xxxx

DEALsdFact 2011

LSD

http://www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia-library/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=65

Author: A DEA Resource Guide, Date Updated: 2011

MayoEEG xxxx

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eeg/basics/definition/prc-20014093

Author: Mayo Clinic Staff, Date Published: ????

LSDAddict xxxx

LSD Addiction

http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com/lsd/addiction.htm

(2) http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com/lsd/mixing.htm

Author: TheGoodDrugsGuide.com, Date Published: ????