LSD - SpeedyLook encyclopedia

History

The LSD is synthesized for the first time in 1938 by the Swiss chemist Albert Hoffmann. He then works for the undertaken pharmaceutical Sandoz (Novartis since 1996) on the possible therapeutic applications of the Ergot of rye ( Claviceps purpurea ). He uses for that the same method which was used to him to synthesize the Ergométrine. In its study plan, the LSD is the 25e derived from the rye pin which he studies from where the name LSD-25 . He hopes to obtain a Analeptique, but during the experiments one notes only one utéro-constrictive activity corresponding to 70% of that of the ergométrine and an agitation of the animals at the time of narcosis. The molecule does not wake up any interest and the experiments are stopped.

In spite of the classification without continuation of the studies on the LSD, Hoffmann to its research in 1943 returns. The April 16th, it accidentally tries out the effects Psychotrope S of the molecule at the time of the final stage of the synthesis and that, being believed poisoned, it consumed Lait. It describes episodes distressing and of the feelings of decorporation which can be connected with the modern Bad trip , then allots them, thereafter, with the overdose and its anguish vis-a-vis an unknown situation. The doctor who auscultates it does not detect any symptom other than the dilation of the Pupille S.

In 1947. The car-experimentation becomes extensive and leaves the scientific framework. The consumption of LSD increases and with it, the accounts of Bad trip start to multiply. The LSD is then strongly dependant with the American Contre-culture - Beat generation initially, then Hippie - Années 1960 and 1970. The Introspection which it supports, would make it possible to exceed of the values considered to be retrograde. Personalities for the time (Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, Ken Kesey, etc) consume and preach its use of it. Leary settles with Millbrook, in the State of New York, where it delivers controlled catches of LSD. Kesey settles with Honda in California. It founds the Merry Pranksters (jolly fellows) with which it furrows the United States in a bus decorated by their care in order to organize acid tests . The mediatization of Merry Prankters involves the birth of many communities Psychédélique S like Haight-Ashbury with San Francisco or the East Village with New York of other laudators. Sandoz decides to stop of it the distribution in April 1966. The rise of the communities Hippie S worries the authorities. The California, then controlled by Ronald Reagan, prohibited the use of the LSD the October 6th 1966, quickly followed by the remainder of the country. The popular image of the LSD changes and becomes that of an hazardous substance. Since according to the legislation of the various countries, manufacture, the possession and the use can be sanctioned by sorrows being able to go to the prison.

Chemistry

The LSD is a Alcaloïde derived from the Ergoline. It thus has a heterocyclic core aromatic of the type Indole. In its pure form, it is a solid colorless Cristal flax or slightly odorless Blanc, , slightly bitter and soluble in the Eau. Contrary, a pure crystal emits small white flashes when it is shaken in the darkness.

Nomenclature

“LSD” is a term of the current language to which corresponds several more or less exact designations:

the Name international non-proprietary is “lysergic acid diéthylamide”, but the name ready with confusion since it is not a Carboxylic acid (with a grouping - COOH). Sometimes one finds Francization “diéthylamide lysergic acid”.
According to IUPAC it is “NR, N-diéthyllysergamide” which describes the structure well a Lysergamide.
One finds also the term “lysergide”, in particular like psychotropic included in table I of the Convention on the psychotropic substances of 1971.

Structure and stability

The LSD is a chiral molecule which has two asymmetrical carbons on the level of carbons 5 and 8 (see the diagram). There exist four stéréoisomères LSD, only it (+) - D-LSD, of absolute configuration (5R, 8R) is psychoactive. The L-LSD is not obtained easily and is not usually formed during the synthesis of the LSD. On the other hand, one passes easily from the LSD to the Iso-LSD under the action of a bases.

The LSD is slightly basic: it has a functional Groupe tertiary amine, with a pK_a of 7,8.

The LSD is a particularly unstable molecule compared to various ways of degradation. In the form of salt or diluted in distilled water, the LSD can indefinitely remain stable if it is preserved at low temperature, protected from the air and the light.

Its instability is due to two aspects of its structure. The attachment of the carboxamide in 8° position is affected by the basic solutions which transform it by epimerisation into Iso-LSD (NR, N-diéthylamide of the acid isolysergic), biologically inactive, this connection deteriorates to form lumi-LSD (10-hydroxy-9, 10-dihydro- (+) - lysergic acid diéthylamide), inactive at the man. The stages necessary are relatively very few for such a complex compound but take time: in laboratory, it is necessary between two and three days to produce between 30 and 100 G are often sufficient to bring a pharmacological effect. Its stop does not cause any somatic demonstration. It does not lead either to a Accoutumance with others Hallucinogène S of the type Indole S like the Mescaline, LSA, the Psilocybine, DMT. This cross habituation leaves think that these hallucinogens would have similar modes of action.

Its Dépistage is delicate because the amounts are negligible and the traces disappear quickly in blood. N-desméthyl-LSD is required via the Urine S where it can be present of a few hours up to two days after ingestion. New ways of research open with the identification of a metabolite of the LSD, the 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD (O-H-LSD), whose concentration is 16 to 43 times higher than that of the LSD in the urines.

; Mode of action It acts on connections between the Neuron S (Synapse S) which control information in the central Nervous system. It sets on the receivers 2A Sérotonine what explains the sensitivity increased to the colors, touch and sounds. It disturbs the glutamate by activating it what explains the disorders and the speed of the thought. Lastly, it stimulates the circuit of the Dopamine what explains the feeling of euphoria.

; Metabolism Absorbed by oral way. The experimentation did not highlight of difference in effects between the two methods of use except a latency time slightly decreased into intravenous, the personality and the environment at the time of the catch, as well as the power of the amount or depressive and ninety minutes, hyper-salivation, Hyperglycémie, nausea S, Vomissement S. At the woman, it involves uterine contractions being able to involve a Avortement or a Accouchement before term with the title Troubles related to the hallucinogens, disorders which had with the use of hallucinogens (Hallucinogen-Related Disorders, Hallucinogen Use Disorders). These disorders are also described in CIM-10 under the title mental Troubles and of the behavior related to the use of psychoactive substances (F10-F19). They are treated using Benzodiazépine s.
Most known of these disorders is the flash back or “return of acid”. It is mentioned for the first time in a study undertaken in 1965 in its service by William Frosch, a psychiatrist of Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital of New York. According to its observations, certain users take LSD without problem but express several months after disorders similar to those induced by the catch of the product. They briefly replace the user in the state generated by the consumption of LSD, and this several month after the last catch. Their episodical and short character differentiate them from a state psychotic.

Other effects are had a presentiment of but there do not exist studies with large scales making it possible to confirm them. A study of 1982 suggests that certain users could develop an even final important weakening of the differentiation of the colors. Three cases of Tératogenèse Oculaire related to the maternal ingestion of LSD at the time of first quarter of Grossesse were highlighted in the Années 1970.

No directly ascribable death with the LSD was reported, but its use can have resulted in deaths by Accident or Suicide. Indeed, it causes a psychic lability which supports the tendencies to impulsive acts.

Uses

Medical use

Starting from the end of the Years 1940, the LSD is distributed by Sandoz in the form of a preparation-test of the name of Delysid . According to the note, especially implemented in Europe, consists in administrating average amounts of LSD over several days with regular time intervals. The experiments lived under LSD are useful as means of expression therapeutic within the framework of collective discussions.

the psychedelic therapy, especially implemented at the United States, consists in preparing the subject before a single and important administration of LSD. This experiment must start a shock which is used then as starting point with a reorganization of the personality.

The first private clinic basing its care on the application of the LSD opens its doors with the the United States in 1952. Alfred Hubbard uses it in particular for the treatment of the depressions and the Alcoolisme. He is also used in certain studies as additive of the Psychothérapie S.

The LSD finds also other medical applications more additional recommends it in experimental research on the nature of the Psychose S in order to studied the deviations of psychism. Thus, with the discovery of the Nerve sedative S, he is studied in Psychiatrie since he is supposed to induce a artificial Psychose allowing research on the mechanisms neurochimic of the natural psychoses (Schizophrénie S, etc). Research on the LSD highlighted the role of the Sérotonine in schizophrenia, in particular by researcher J.H. Gaddum. Many a Psychiatre S in addition tried out it on themselves, with their patients, in order to discover better ways for effective cures. The concrete results were rather disappointing. Quickly, this molecule as well as other drugs Psychédélique S, were given up by the psychiatrists.

American clinical observations, on patients at the end of the lifetime, showed that the LSD made it possible to reduce pains resistant to traditional analgesics. Moreover, in certain cases, the introspection caused by the LSD made it possible to alleviate the patients.

With the classification of the Psychotropic LSD like by UNO, the experiments stop, to begin again starting from the medium of the Années 1980. In 1988, the Suisse authorizes therapeutists to use it to treat Troubles food behavior and depressive states. In 1991, FDA authorizes, for the first time since the Années 1970, a protocol of test with the psychédéliques ones for a treatment of the Addiction S: mode of action of the Lysergamide S to try to explain the difference in effects between the LSD and the others; therapeutic potential of the LSD and the Psilocybine in the treatment of the vascular pains of the face; potential of the LSD in the therapies for major disorders of the Anxiety.

In 2007, there does not exist country with Médicament S using the LSD which is authorized or marketed, even if others derived from the Ergot of rye not Psychotrope S found medical applications.

Use for chemical tender

Certain armies tried to use it as stun Chemical weapon made the same kind of research.

As of the Years 1940, the American federal services start to work on a effective Truth drug in particular with the assistance of researchers resulting from the Opération Paperclip. The studies on the Psychotrope S belong to the “Bluebird project”. It is a research and mental Contrôle draft on the methods of interrogations. The “Projet BLUEBIRD” becomes then the “Projet ARTICHOKE”.

The first document of the CIA concerning the LSD dates from the October 21st 1951), printed or not. The printed reasons are often used to indicate the kind (example: “pano” for small squares printed with a drawing of Panoramix, the druid with the famous magic potion in Astérix ). They can also bear names in charge of cultural reference like Purple Haze (the title of a song of Jimi Hendrix). A precut square is regarded as a single amount. More exceptionally, it is presented in liquid form, of “gelatin micropointe” even. It is generally consumed by oral way, some accounts make state of consumption by ocular absorption or consumption per intravenous injection, or in a third of the cases according to a report/ratio of TREND). The amounts thus vary between 0 and 400 micrograms. The amount hallucinogen is it enters 100 and 300 micrograms. It consists in extracting the LSD by dilution in some drops from ethanol. The solution is put to dry on a beforehand impregnated filter paper of 4 (diméthylamino) - benzaldehyde. Once dry, a drop of Hydrochloric acid allows a coloring violet blue in the presence of LSD. The users of LSD and more generally of Hallucinogène S seek.

Slang

The users use terms identical to those used by the users of drug by oral way in particular the Ecstasy for example:

“gober” (or bégo Verlan): action to swallow a paperboard of LSD;
“to perch” (or chépère or shepper in Verlan): the fact of being under the effect of the LSD;
“assembled”.

The experiment lived under LSD (but also of other substances Psychédélique S) is used as source of inspiration, which gives rise to a new artistic kind, the Psychédélisme. However, it is rare that a work directly was born under the influence from the LSD and in this case, it generally has a rudimentary character. The media designate it as person in charge for the fact that 3,6 million people, according to the estimates, consumed LSD. The philosophy of Leary is summarized by Turn one, tune in, drop out (to open, agree, escape). The use of the LSD changes the perception of the life and thus makes it possible to change life. Leary gives a dimension spiritual, individual and contemplative with the consumption of LSD in order to allow the “cerebral transmutation” founds a community, the Merry Pranksters (jolly fellows). In 1964, they buy a bus which they arrange: it is wired for sound internally and, and is conceived outside to receive passengers on the roof. In front of the bus “Further is written”. The Merry Pranksters furrow the the United States with this bus, by organizing acid test where the LSD is generally provided by the chemist Augustus Owsley Stanley. They establish their base camp with Honda where they organize, as of 1965, of great festivals every saturday: LSD is powdered everywhere, wood are wired for sound and decorated sculptures, a scene accommodates plays of light and Merry Pranksters runs disguised and made up. The acid test are multi-media show which generally accommodate from 200 to 300 people: the group Grateful Dead plays, Neal Cassady, the driver of the bus of Pranksters, speaks to finish moreover it in the microphone, Allen Ginsberg chant of will mantras, a bath-tub full with punch to the LSD is installed in the middle of the room, sometimes there are film projections, etc. It creates batches of different colors to avoid the counterfeits of competition. Then it makes known the color of the new batches by distributing free samples (sometimes via groups as with Jefferson Airplane for the orange sunshine) and the word of mount makes the remainder. Master of the market, it fixes the prices - the LSD is still legal - at 2 dollars the tablet of 250 micrograms. Other chemists mark the history of the LSD like Tim Scully, the assistant of Owsley or Nick Sand, the chemist of Millbrook.
But the October 6th 1966, the LSD becomes illegal in California. Ken Kesey envisages the last happening for Halloween: the “Acid test Graduation” with handing-over of diplomas with unquestionable Pranksters. It will be the last acid test . The last great festival provided in LSD by Augustus Owsley Stanley takes place the January 14th 1967 with San Francisco, the Pow-Wow: With gathering off the tribes off has human Be-In .

The contemporary appearance of the American Contre-culture is historically related to the popularization of the LSD. Authors like Hoffmann for its psychic effects.

Many artists consumed LSD, in particular Jim Morrison of the group The Doors, Syd Barrett, Chappaqua ; in 1967: The Trip ; in 1968: Head , Psych-Out , Wonderwall , Rosemary' S baby ; in 1969: Easy To wrinkle , The Big cubes , Skido .

But in addition to traditional films, other films, with the name often evocative, resulting from production of Série Z, emergent, which will create a kind with whole share, Hallucination Generation , LSD I hastens you or The Weird World off LSD .

Others Contre-culture S also bound to the LSD. The Cyberpunk denounces the illegality of the LSD which is an obstacle with their wish of free information and is interested the capacity parallel to generate a kind of Virtual reality. Same manner, the rate of prevalence of the LSD is higher in the festive mediums Techno, in particular alternate S where its effects join claims of freedom close to those of the Années 1970.

Perception of the LSD

From share the broad positive mediatization of the Years 1950, the LSD profits initially from an positive image in the general public. According to this image, it would be enough to take LSD to cause in oneself extraordinary effects from where its qualifier of “moment nirvana”. Contrary in the Years 1960, the increase in consumption out of a scientific framework generates many accidents ( bad trips , suicides, criminal acts, crimes. Whereas its image is rather good among the consumers. It profits from a kind of mythical will have had with its reputation of product accessible only to the initiates able to control of them the effects and of Substance headlight of the counter-culture of the years 1960 and 1970.