LSD is a powerful psychoactive drug used for recreational and therapeutic purposes since the 1950s. It is a synthetic chemical derived from ergot alkaloids found in certain fungi and grains and is considered one of the most potent psychedelics available. LSD produces various effects, including altered states of consciousness and vivid sensory experiences. It has been used to treat mental health issues, enhance creativity, and induce mystical states of awareness. LSD has also been the subject of much research, both in the scientific and countercultural realms.

How does LSD affect the brain?

Lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD, can impair perception (awareness of surrounding things and conditions), thoughts, and feelings. But it can also cause hallucinations, sensations, and images that seem real even though they are not. These “trips” can last several hours, long after the LSD has cleared the bloodstream.