LSD, or acid, is one of the most well-understood, though illicit, synthetic hallucinogens available. It’s a mood-changing, mind alteration chemical sold throughout the world as a tablet, capsule, or paper strip known as a blotter.

LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by a Swiss chemist, Albert Hoffman, to treat respiratory depression.

A few years later, in 1943, Dr. Hofman discovered its hallucinogenic effects when he accidentally absorbed some through his skin. Across the next 20 years, LSD was used as an anesthetic and supported psychoanalysis by the US government.

The 60s counterculture saw LSD being used recreationally, and “tripping” was soon outlawed, and LSD was classified as a Schedule 1 Drug with no proper medical usage.

While its popularity has declined since the 70S, it’s still sold on the black market.

How LSD Works

LSD accelerates serotonin production in the cortex and deep structures of the brain by activating serotonin receptors. Those receptors are what helps your brain interpret the world around it, and the increased serotonin alters this perception – causing hallucinations and a shift in the way your brain handles incoming information. The sensation feels real, but it’s the brain not working as it should.

Or at least, how it should normally.

The Rise of Synthetic LSD

NBOMe or N-Bomb is a collective term for a group of synthetic hallucinogenic that mimics the effect of LSD but has a much more sinister physical effect.

The most common substances substituted for LSD are 25B-NBOMe, 25I-NBOMe, and 25C-NBOMe. They’re sold as LSD-like tablets or tabs but also come in powder or liquid form.

It’s hard to identify the presence of these substances until they’re ingested. Synthetic chemicals added to LSD have stimulant effects and hallucinogenic effects, which can be a very unpleasant combination.

NBOMe Risks

Tabs or caps of NBOMe are sometimes sold as LSD, which starts to take effect quicker than it would if tainted with synthetics. This can be particularly dangerous, as someone who’s not feeling the impact yet may double-dose. This can lead to severe consequences.

There have been multiple deaths internationally linked to NBOMe due to accidental overdoses. It tightens blood vessels (a vasoconstrictor), and some people have lost extremities, even their limbs because the blood vessels become so squeezed. Kidney injury, paranoia, seizures, and vomiting are other ailments that have been identified with taking too much NBOMe.

Other LSD Cutting Agents to be Aware of:

DMT:

DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a hallucinogenic drug that occurs naturally in SOME plants and animals. It is also called the “spirit molecule” due to the intense psychedelic experience undertaken after ingestion. Although not as well-known as LSD or magic mushrooms, DMT produces a brief but intense visual and auditory hallucinogenic experience.

5-MeO-DIPT:

Foxy Methoxy (5-methoxy-N, N-diisopropyl tryptamine) falls under the class of tryptamines, which can be found in both naturally occurring and synthetic forms. Foxy can be found in tab, powder, or capsule form and has primarily been associated with club and rave scenes. Use as an erotic enhancer has also been noted due to its hallucinogenic properties.

Psilocybin:

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical that occurs in certain mushrooms that grow in regions of Europe, South America, Australia, Mexico, and the USA.  Mushrooms containing psilocybin are known as magic mushrooms.

LSD Harm Minimisation

- NBOMe should be avoided at all costs. Here are a few ways to stay safe:

- Take a low dosage and be patient; avoid taking a second hit for a least a few hours.

- Snorting drugs is always a risk, but even more so with LSD- cut or not

- NBOBMe has a metallic and bitter taste; unlike LSD, it numbs the tongue and gums, so try rubbing a little on your lip before taking any more.

- Always avoid mixing substances.

- As with any psychedelic, it’s best ingested in a safe environment with people you trust

EZ Test LSD Kit

The EZ Test Ehrlich test is a new addition to the EZ Test range. It will give a good indication as to the presence of LSD and other Indoles (like DMT, 5-MeO-DMT (a.k.a. Foxy Methoxy), 5-Meo-MiPT, 5-MeO-DiPT, Psilocybin, Psilocin, 4-acetoxy-DMT (a sort of synthetic psilocin analogue) and many others), corresponding to the information sheet and colour chart included.

If you’re planning on purchasing LSD, buy an EZ Test to give yourself better peace of mind.

Stay safe!