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LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was originally derived from the fungus ergot, which grows on rye and other grasses. It was first synthesised by a Swiss chemist, Albert Hoffman, in 1938.
While studying the drug in 1943, Hoffman took 250 micrograms. Shortly afterwards he pedalled home on his bicycle and found himself 'transported to other worlds', thus becoming the first person known to go 'tripping'.
In the 1950s LSD was used to treat depression, while the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the United States began using it in 'mind control' experiments. It gained popularity as a recreational drug in the 1960s when, due to its ability to produce changes in mood, perception, consciousness and thought, it became part of the psychedelic cultural movement.
LSD is usually prepared as a liquid, but is generally sold on small pieces of blotting paper known as tabs. They are taken orally, often held under the tongue until the paper dissolves. It is also sold as a liquid, or soaked into sugar cubes.
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Use the following websites to find information about specific drugs, including their long and short term effects, how they are used, legal status and information on mixing drugs.
Journal articles are a good source of explanations and discussions of drug and alcohol issues. There are several eresources with links to journal articles available in the State Library.
Visit the Drug Info website for free drug and alcohol information for the community of NSW. Drug Info is a partnership between NSW Ministry of Health and the State Library of NSW.
