Lysergic Acid Diethylamid, or LSD, is a hallucinogenic drug formed from a fungus, ergot, that typically grows on rye and wheat. It was initially discovered in 1938 by Swiss chemist, Albert Hofmann. Hofmann originally began his research with the compound in hopes of finding additional treatments for migraines as well as gynecological issues. However, when Hofmann accidentally consumed some of the drug in 1943, he incidentally discovered the sensory distortions and hallucinations it induced.
Once its hallucinogenic properties were discovered in 1943, LSD underwent additional testing. Growing in popularity after its initial discovery in the late 1930s, colleges throughout the nation conducted research on the drug beginning in the 1960s. Aware …show more content…
LSD is most commonly produced for distribution by dissolving the pure crystalline powder into a liquid. Once LSD has achieved a liquid state, it can be dropped on a variety of items and sold for consumption. Typically, LSD is dropped onto small, square tabs of paper with intricate and colorful designs known as blotter papers. There are two additional, less popular methods of production. LSD is sometimes formed into tablets known as microdots. LSD has also been produced as small gelatin squares (often referred to as windowpanes or contacts lenses); intake of the drug occurs through the eyes rather than mouth in this instance. While the most common way of intake is orally, LSD can also be smoked, injected, or rub onto skin. Due to cultural factors and events of the period, LSD usage reached its all-time high in the late 60’s and continually declined, with a short period of revival in the 90s. The National Institute of Drug Abuse has conducted surveys on drug use amongst various age groups. According to their research, in 2014 1.10% of 8th graders, 2.60% of 10th graders, and 3.70% of 12th graders had experimented with LSD throughout their lifetimes. Additionally, 9.40% of individuals 12 and older, 1.2% of individuals 12 to 17, 7% of individuals 18 to 25, and 10.90% of individuals 26 or older admitted to LSD usage throughout their lifetimes. LSD has been classified as a schedule I drug which indicates that it unsafe, of seemingly no medical purpose, and has a great likelihood of being
Once its hallucinogenic properties were discovered in 1943, LSD underwent additional testing. Growing in popularity after its initial discovery in the late 1930s, colleges throughout the nation conducted research on the drug beginning in the 1960s. Aware …show more content…
LSD is most commonly produced for distribution by dissolving the pure crystalline powder into a liquid. Once LSD has achieved a liquid state, it can be dropped on a variety of items and sold for consumption. Typically, LSD is dropped onto small, square tabs of paper with intricate and colorful designs known as blotter papers. There are two additional, less popular methods of production. LSD is sometimes formed into tablets known as microdots. LSD has also been produced as small gelatin squares (often referred to as windowpanes or contacts lenses); intake of the drug occurs through the eyes rather than mouth in this instance. While the most common way of intake is orally, LSD can also be smoked, injected, or rub onto skin. Due to cultural factors and events of the period, LSD usage reached its all-time high in the late 60’s and continually declined, with a short period of revival in the 90s. The National Institute of Drug Abuse has conducted surveys on drug use amongst various age groups. According to their research, in 2014 1.10% of 8th graders, 2.60% of 10th graders, and 3.70% of 12th graders had experimented with LSD throughout their lifetimes. Additionally, 9.40% of individuals 12 and older, 1.2% of individuals 12 to 17, 7% of individuals 18 to 25, and 10.90% of individuals 26 or older admitted to LSD usage throughout their lifetimes. LSD has been classified as a schedule I drug which indicates that it unsafe, of seemingly no medical purpose, and has a great likelihood of being