r/Drugs AMA series: LSD (aka "acid," "lucy")
It's now day four in the series of community AMA's based on our poll of redditors, and today we happen upon LSD, arguably the most important and recognizable psychedelic drug in the history of western civilization.
....just thinking about it gives me warm feelings inside, so forgive me and anyone else in this thread if it sounds like we're gushing about it.
First synthesis: 1938 by Albert Hofmann. Fun fact: he was also the first to use it...accidentally...through his fingertips.
Intended use: Fun fact #2: was originally produced by what is now Novartis and marketed as a psychiatric drug for treating a wide variety of mental ailments, ranging from alcoholism to (I kid you not) sexual deviancy. As a highly controlled substance in modern times, it's only use is as an entheogen and recreational drug.
Current research into medical applications: Alleviating anxiety for terminally ill cancer patients coping with their impending deaths, treating/preventing cluster headaches.
Legality: Illegal in almost every country, though several of those allow for possession with a license. A handful of countries (Mexico, The Netherlands, The Czech Republic, Portugal) have decriminalized possession under a certain amount.
Dependence vs. Active Dose/Lethal Dose
Previous AMA's (ask questions, help answer those without a reply):
Posted Jul 28, 2011, 8:17 PM UTC · edited