Laura Smith
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a semisynthetic, hallucinogenic compound derived from ergot—a fungus that grows on rye. It was first synthesized in a laboratory by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman in 1938. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. While both LSD and mushrooms can induce hallucinogenic trips, they differ in their onset time, duration of effects, and the type of experience they produce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| LSD made from mushrooms | No |
| How is LSD made | LSD is a synthetic chemical, made from a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye (grain) |
| How is LSD consumed | LSD is commonly sold in the form of drops dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper, and sugar cubes, all of which are ingested orally. Liquid formulations of acid, as well as tablets and capsules, are also common |
| How are mushrooms consumed | Mushrooms are usually dried and eaten or brewed into a tea to be ingested |
| Effects of LSD | Euphoria, distraction, hallucinations, synesthesia, disorientation, incoordination, mydriasis, and sometimes severe anxiety |
| Effects of mushrooms | Hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality |
| Overdose deaths | While LSD overdose deaths have been reported, most deaths linked to LSD are caused by accidents like falls or car crashes |
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What You'll Learn
- LSD is a synthetic chemical made from ergot, a fungus on rye
- Mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi with psychoactive compounds
- Albert Hoffman synthesized LSD in a lab from ergot in 1938
- Mushrooms are typically dried and eaten or brewed into tea
- LSD is often applied to absorbent paper or gelatin sheets, or sold as a liquid, tablet, or capsule
LSD is a synthetic chemical made from ergot, a fungus on rye
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a semisynthetic hallucinogenic compound. It is a synthetic chemical made from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. Albert Hofmann synthesized LSD in 1938 from ergotamine, a substance usually derived from the ergot fungus on agar plates.
LSD is commonly synthesized by reacting diethylamine with an activated form of lysergic acid. Activating reagents include phosphoryl chloride and peptide coupling reagents. The synthesis of LSD can also be achieved through the hydrazinolysis of ergotamine into D- and L-isolysergic acid hydrazide. This is followed by the separation of enantiomers using di-(p-toluyl)-D-tartaric acid to obtain D-isolysergic acid hydrazide. The process continues with enantiomerization into D-lysergic acid hydrazide and subsequent substitutions with specific reagents to form D-lysergic acid diethylamide.
The ergot fungus, from which LSD is derived, infects rye and other grains. It is not naturally occurring but rather a product of human synthesis. In its pure state, LSD is a white, odourless, crystalline substance. However, due to its potency, it is often diluted with other materials.
LSD is commonly sold in drops dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper, or sugar cubes for ingestion. Liquid formulations, tablets, and capsules are also common. The ingestion of LSD leads to a range of psychological effects, including changes in sensations, feelings, and emotions. Users may experience disturbances such as visual hallucinations and distortions in the perception of space and time.
It is important to distinguish LSD from "magic" mushrooms, which are wild mushrooms containing the naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. Mushrooms are typically dried and eaten or brewed into tea, while LSD is usually ingested through tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth or via droppers. While both substances can induce "trips," their experiences differ, with mushrooms producing more of a whole-body experience and LSD providing a more cerebral journey.
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Mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi with psychoactive compounds
Mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. There are around 190 species of edible mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5% psilocybin, along with trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance. Mushrooms with psychoactive properties are mostly variations of the species Psilocybe cubensis.
Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. Mushrooms containing psilocybin are typically consumed orally, either fresh or dried. They may be brewed as tea or added to other foods to mask their bitter flavour. The effects of psilocybin include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality.
In contrast, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a semisynthetic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that infects rye grain. LSD was first synthesized in a laboratory by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. It is a synthetic chemical with powerful psychological effects and serotonergic activity. LSD is commonly sold in the form of drops on gelatin sheets, blotting paper, or sugar cubes, which are ingested orally. It can also be found in liquid, tablet, or capsule form.
While both mushrooms and LSD can induce hallucinogenic effects and "trips", they produce distinct experiences. Mushrooms tend to generate a more whole-body experience, while an LSD trip is predominantly cerebral. The duration of effects also differs, with mushroom trips typically lasting around 6 hours and LSD trips extending up to 10 hours or more. Additionally, LSD is more potent than mushrooms, requiring smaller doses to achieve similar effects.
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Albert Hoffman synthesized LSD in a lab from ergot in 1938
Albert Hofmann was a Swiss chemist born on 11 January 1906. He obtained a doctorate in medicinal chemistry from the University of Zurich in 1929 and was hired by Sandoz Laboratories (now known as Sandoz) in Basel upon graduation.
In 1938, Hofmann synthesized LSD in a lab from ergot, a fungus that infects rye (grain). Ergot is a deadly poison in its natural form and has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people over many centuries. However, in small doses, its muscle- and blood vessel-constricting properties can be useful in hastening childbirth and staunching bleeding after delivery.
Hofmann's initial goal was to synthesize a chemical compound that would stimulate the respiratory and circulatory systems. While testing the analeptic (stimulant) properties of ergot derivatives, he stumbled upon LSD-25 (the 25th such derivative tested). He first synthesized LSD in the following manner:
- Hydrazinolysis of ergotamine into D- and L-isolysergic acid hydrazide
- Separation of the enantiomers with di-p-toluyl-D-tartaric acid to get D-isolysergic acid hydrazide
- Enantiomerization into D-lysergic acid hydrazide
- Substitution with HNO2 to D-lysergic acid azide
- Final substitution with diethylamine to form D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
LSD is a semisynthetic, hallucinogenic compound derived from ergot and is commonly synthesized by reacting diethylamine with an activated form of lysergic acid. Lysergic acid is made by alkaline hydrolysis of lysergamides like ergotamine, a substance usually derived from the ergot fungus.
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Mushrooms are typically dried and eaten or brewed into tea
Mushrooms with psychoactive properties are typically dried and eaten or brewed into tea. These mushrooms are usually of the Psilocybe cubensis species, which contain the naturally-occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. Mushrooms can induce a whole-body experience and can cause hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. The effects of mushrooms can vary from person to person and from pleasant to terrifying and uncomfortable.
Mushrooms are also known as shrooms, magic mushrooms, caps, or boomers. They have been used by certain cultures for their hallucinogenic properties for centuries. However, it wasn't until 1938 that psilocybin was isolated by Dr. Albert Hofmann, who also discovered LSD.
LSD, on the other hand, is a synthetic chemical, commonly synthesized by reacting diethylamine with an activated form of lysergic acid. It is made from a substance found in ergot, a fungus that infects rye (grain). LSD is commonly sold in the form of drops dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper, and sugar cubes, which are ingested orally. It can also be sold as a liquid, in tablet form, or in capsules.
While both mushrooms and LSD can produce similar side effects, they differ in their onset time and duration of effects. Mushrooms typically produce effects for up to 6 hours, while an LSD trip can last for up to 10 hours. It is important to note that combining mushrooms and LSD can increase the intensity of each, and it is recommended to seek immediate medical help if experiencing any adverse effects.
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LSD is often applied to absorbent paper or gelatin sheets, or sold as a liquid, tablet, or capsule
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a semisynthetic, hallucinogenic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that infects rye or other grains. It is commonly synthesized by reacting diethylamine with an activated form of lysergic acid. In its pure state, LSD is a white, odourless crystalline substance. However, due to its potency, it is often diluted with other materials.
LSD is commonly administered via tabs of blotter paper, which gained popularity following the banning of the hallucinogen in the 1960s. This involves soaking or spraying a liquid LSD solution onto absorbent paper, gelatin sheets, or sugar cubes, which release the drug when swallowed. The use of graphics or blotter art on these sheets can help identify the dosage, batch, or maker of the LSD.
LSD is also sold in liquid form, distributed in small vials or soaked into a distribution medium. In the past, LSD solutions were sold on sugar cubes, but practical considerations led to a shift towards tablet form. Today, LSD tablets come in various dimensions, weights, shapes, and concentrations.
It is important to note that the use of any drug carries risks, and LSD is classified as a controlled substance in many countries.
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Frequently asked questions
No, LSD is a synthetic chemical, derived from a substance found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye.
Mushrooms are a naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. LSD, on the other hand, is a synthetic drug, made from ergot. While both can produce \"trips", the experiences differ. An LSD trip is largely cerebral, while mushrooms produce more of a whole-body experience.
LSD is typically consumed orally, either through a dropper or small tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are usually dried and eaten or brewed into a tea.
Both LSD and mushrooms can induce hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and changes in mood and thought. However, the specific effects vary depending on the substance, dosage, and individual.
