LSD is a synthetic psychedelic, quite possibly the most popular one that has ever been designed. LSD singlehandedly led to the counterculture revolution of the 1960s and, despite being illegal, has remained influential throughout the world ever since.
LSD in its original form is derived from a fungus called ergot. Ergot is a rare fungus that grows on rye bread and inadvertently changed the shape of the world. Read on to find out more about what LSD is made from and how it became so popular.
History of LSD – Discovery & Synthesis
LSD, also known as acid, is a powerful and extremely potent psychedelic compound. When taken, the drug produces significant physical and psychological changes. Users experience a profound shift in mood, visual changes, spiritual insight and changes in beliefs and thought patterns.
The first person to recognize this was the man who originally synthesized LSD, Albert Hofman. At the time of its discovery, Hofmann was studying a compound found in the ergot fungus. By isolating the compound he inadvertently isolated the single most profound chemical that has influenced society in the last century.
However, Hofmann wasn’t actually aware of the substance’s psychedelic effects until several years after he synthesized it. Originally, he wrote the chemical off as uninteresting and shelved it.
It wasn’t until 1943 when he was working with the compound that he began to recognize its power and potency. Simply by absorbing into his skin, the LSD was able to produce significant changes to Hofmann’s psyche which he described as a “not unpleasant intoxicated-like condition, characterized by an extremely stimulated imagination.”
Encouraged by the experience, he decided to intentionally increase the dosage. 3 days later, he ingested what he considered a ‘small amount’ of the substance. The experience was much stronger than he expected.
He quickly left work and rode his bicycle home as the LSD began to exert its powerful effects. This day has become known among psychonauts and hippies as “Bicycle Day,” and it’s a cultural rite to consume LSD on this day.
Hofmann was impressed by LSD and its ability to produce powerful changes in thoughts and perspectives. However, he understood the need to reduce the dose. He continued his work, experimenting with LSD on animals.
In his own words, he wanted LSD to help people “who are bogged down in an egocentric problem cycle, [and] can thereby be helped to release themselves from their fixating and isolation.”
Since its discovery, a number of other similar compounds have been discovered and used. These compounds are collectively known as lysergamides.
What Are Lysergamides?
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is part of a class of drugs called lysergamides. These substances are generally powerful psychedelics that cause hallucinations, profound changes in perspective, and significant emotional or thought adjustments.
These substances generally work by stimulating, or agonizing, a system in the body known as serotonin. Many powerful psychedelics, including the tryptamine class, operate by influencing the serotonin system.
In fact, lysergamides are sometimes referred to as ‘complex tryptamines’.
Background Information Lysergamides
Lysergic acid is the base compound that is found in all lysergamides. It is a precursor for a number of different ergoline alkaloids, all of which are produced by the ergot fungus. Lysergic acid itself was named due to it being produced by the lysis of ergot alkaloids.
Lysergic acid itself is also found in the seeds of ololiuqui (Turbina corymbosa) and Hawaiian baby woodrose.
Lysergamides work as nonselective serotonin receptor agonists. This means that they target a specific receptor in the serotonin system, the 5-HT2A receptor. This produces a relatively consistent range of effects among different lysergamides, although they all differ in their function and duration.
Many lysergamides are used as pharmaceuticals and as recreational drugs.
History of Lysergamides
LSD was the first lysergamide discovered. Since then, however, a number of lysergamides have been discovered. Nowadays, the majority of lysergamides are either distributed online as research chemicals or produced in clandestine labs.
The first synthesis of lysergic acid itself was performed by a team led by Robert Burns Woodward in 1956.
In his 1997 book, TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved), author Alexander Shulgin outlines his synthesis of a number of different lysergamides. The publication of his book has led to the widespread synthesis and distribution of lysergamide compounds across the globe.
Shulgin is a very important component of the history of lysergamides. Over his 50-year foray into chemistry, he produced more psychedelic drugs than anybody else who has graced the planet.
Shulgin first started synthesizing drugs in the 1960s. His first accomplishment was to re-synthesize MDMA, a compound that had first been produced in 1912 but had been forgotten about.
He continued to produce new chemicals throughout the 60s and developed the Shulgin Rating Scale, a system that allowed for the evaluation of psychedelic effects. Shulgin continued to work and share knowledge until his death in 2014.
LSD & Lysergamide Psychedelic Effects
The effects of LSD and lysergamides can vary quite a bit from person to person. However, regardless of the individual, one can expect that the effects will be intense and powerful. Many people report having profound, life-changing experiences as a result of their experiences with LSD and other lysergamides.
Physical Effects
The physical psychedelic effects of LSD and other lysergamides are not the shining glory. Many of the physical effects are rather uncomfortable, often marked by the intense physical stimulation caused by serotonin agonism.
However, if you’re planning to experiment with lysergamides you should know that they can cause:
- Dilated pupils
- Increase in temperature
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to sleep
- General feeling of discomfort or unease
- Digestive upset (most of the human body’s serotonin is in the gut, and lysergamides can interact with serotonin and cause digestive imbalance).
- Tingling extremities
- Tactile enhancement, enjoyment of sensation
- Unexpected or unwarranted, ‘strange’ bodily sensations
Psychological, Sensory & Spiritual Effects
The reason that people use lysergamides is because of the profound psychological, sensory, and spiritual changes that they can bring about. While most of these effects are short-term, some — such as shifts in belief or behavior patterns — can be permanent.
When changes are permanent they are generally an improvement for the user, although this is not always the case. People with a family history of mental disorders, especially any form of psychosis, should avoid using LSD or other lysergamides. They can trigger these conditions prematurely.
Here are some of the most common effects of lysergamides.
- Open and closed eye visuals manifesting as complex geometric shapes and sometimes clear imagery
- Visual enhancement, clarity of vision, increased color perception
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Increased creativity and spontaneity
- Increased libido
- Increased appreciation for things like music, art, friendship, humor
- Time distortion
- Increased introspection and self-reflection
- Conceptual thinking
- Euphoria
- Changes in mood, switching from sadness to happiness quickly
- Loss of ego and identity
There are many other effects of lysergamides, some of which will not be experienced by everyone.
Conclusion
Lysergamides are a very powerful class of psychedelic hallucinogens. First synthesized in 1938, many of these lysergamides actually occur in nature. However, nowadays most of them are distributed online as research chemicals.
Hopefully this article has helped you to better understand the fascinating history of LSD, lysergamides, and their introduction into society.
