History of LSD

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), commonly known as acid, is a psychedelic drug known for its psychological effects, which may include altered awareness of one's surroundings, perceptions, and feelings as well as sensations and images that seem real though they are not. The history of LSD is a fascinating journey through the realms of chemistry, psychiatry, culture, and law, marking its transition from a psychiatric wonder drug to a banned substance.

Discovery

The discovery of LSD dates back to November 16, 1938, when it was first synthesized by Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist working at Sandoz Laboratories (now a part of Novartis). Hofmann was researching lysergic acid derivatives in the ergot fungus for potential medical applications, particularly for stimulating the respiratory and circulatory systems. LSD was the 25th compound in this series, hence its original name LSD-25. Its psychedelic properties were not immediately discovered until five years later.

First Intentional Ingestion and Bicycle Day

On April 19, 1943, Albert Hofmann decided to perform a self-experiment to determine the true effects of LSD. He ingested 250 micrograms, an amount he thought to be a threshold dose. This day is now famously known as Bicycle Day, as Hofmann, experiencing the drug's powerful effects, rode his bicycle home from the laboratory. This marked the first intentional ingestion of LSD and the discovery of its potent hallucinogenic properties.

Medical Research and Use

In the 1950s and 1960s, LSD was extensively researched for its potential therapeutic effects in psychiatry. It was used in various experimental treatments, including psychotherapy for alcoholism, as well as for understanding and treating mental disorders. The term "psychedelic" was coined in 1956 to describe the mind-manifesting properties of drugs like LSD. Sandoz Laboratories marketed it under the name Delysid and distributed it as a psychiatric drug, believed to be useful in treating a wide range of conditions.

Counterculture Movement

The 1960s saw LSD become a central element of the counterculture movement, with figures like Timothy Leary advocating for its use to expand consciousness and explore the human mind. Leary's famous phrase, "Turn on, tune in, drop out," became synonymous with the LSD experience and the broader quest for meaning beyond traditional societal structures. This period also saw the proliferation of LSD in the music, art, and literature of the time, influencing a generation of artists and musicians.

Legal Status and Ban

The widespread recreational use of LSD and growing concerns about its safety and societal impact led to strict regulations and its eventual ban. In 1966, California became the first state to ban the manufacture and possession of LSD, with the federal government following suit in 1968. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 placed LSD in Schedule I, the most restrictive category, deeming it to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

Legacy and Recent Research

Despite its controversial history, recent years have seen a resurgence in research into the therapeutic potential of LSD and other psychedelics for treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, especially in terminally ill patients. This new wave of research is exploring the boundaries of psychiatric treatment, challenging previous perceptions of LSD and its utility in medicine.

See Also

• Psychedelic Therapy
• War on Drugs
• Albert Hofmann
• Timothy Leary
• Controlled Substances Act