Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) falls within a drug classification known as hallucinogens, which alter and distort perception. While not addictive, it can lead to anxiety, delusions, and paranoia. LSD can only be produced in laboratory settings, but its main ingredient is ergot, a naturally occurring fungus on some grains, classifying it as a semisynthetic drug. LSD lacks color and smell, but has a slightly bitter taste; it can be absorbed through the skin, taken orally when placed on blotter papers or an assortment of edible objects, or even through the eye when in gelatin form. The drug’s ability to alter and distort perception is due to its manipulation of serotonin, a chemical that relays messages through the brain when released, known as a neurotransmitter (Quigley) (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide 2010) (Schindler, Emmanuelle A. D., John A. Harvey, and Vincent J. Aloyo).
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This drug takes effect only hours after consumption and can have lasting effects for up to 12 hours; the liver will have it fully digested within 24 hours. “Physical effects of LSD may include loss of appetite, sleeplessness, pupil dilation, dry mouth, salivation, palpitations, perspiration, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, and increases in body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, and blood sugar. The major mental effects of LSD are emotional and sensory. Emotions may quickly shift from euphoria to confusion and
This drug takes effect only hours after consumption and can have lasting effects for up to 12 hours; the liver will have it fully digested within 24 hours. “Physical effects of LSD may include loss of appetite, sleeplessness, pupil dilation, dry mouth, salivation, palpitations, perspiration, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, and increases in body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, and blood sugar. The major mental effects of LSD are emotional and sensory. Emotions may quickly shift from euphoria to confusion and