LSD

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What is LSD? 

LSD, which stands for lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that belongs to the class of substances known as psychedelics. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. LSD is derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on certain grains, particularly rye.

LSD is known for its mind-altering effects, which typically include hallucinations, sensory distortions, and an altered sense of time and space. It primarily affects the serotonin system in the brain, binding to serotonin receptors and altering their activity. This results in profound changes in perception, mood, and thought processes.

LSD is known for producing a wide range of subjective experiences, including euphoria, intense introspection, visual and auditory hallucinations, synesthesia (mixing of senses), and a sense of connection or unity with the surrounding environment. It can also lead to changes in mood, perception of time, and self-awareness. These effects are highly dose-dependent, and the intensity can vary significantly from person to person.

It's important to note that LSD is classified as a Schedule I substance in many countries, meaning it is considered illegal and has no recognized medical uses. Its recreational use is associated with both potential risks and benefits. LSD can induce powerful psychological effects, and its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of trained professionals, as it may have significant impacts on mental and emotional well-being.

LSD & Clinical Trials

• Transcendent Therapeutics aims to use compounds like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT to develop what it calls “Coma Resurrection Therapy”. https://psychedelicspotlight.com/psychedelics-coma-patients/ 

• Potential therapeutic agent in psychiatry; the evidence to date is strongest for the use of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00943/full 

• This trial, the first commercial study of LSD in more than 40 years, builds on productive discussions with FDA and provides an opportunity to explore improvements in anxiety symptoms. https://fortune.com/2022/01/26/fda-clears-lsd-based-drug-clinical-trials/