LSD Human Experimentation / Research Documentary Film

Experimental Compound MER 17 (Frenquel) and LSD-25: Psychosis. National Security Council. Central Intelligence Agency. (09/18/1947 - 12/04/1981). ARC Identifier 1634172 / Local Identifier 263.1057. This film examines human medical experiments to determine the efficacy of LSD-25 and MER 17 (Frenquel) on treating psychosis. Producer: National Archives and Records Administration. Creative Commons license: Public Domain

Chemist Albert Hofmann, working at the Sandoz Corporation pharmaceutical laboratory in Switzerland, first synthesized LSD in 1938. He was conducting research on possible medical applications of various lysergic acid compounds derived from ergot, a fungus that develops on rye grass. Searching for compounds with therapeutic value, Hofmann created more than two dozen ergot-derived synthetic molecules.

LSD is sold on the street in tablets, capsules, and occasionally in liquid form. It is an odorless and colorless substance with a slightly bitter taste that is usually ingested orally. It is often added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares, with each square representing one dose.

CONTROL STATUS

LSD is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs, which include heroin and MDMA, have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose. Its two precursors lysergic acid and lysergic acid amide are both in Schedule III of the CSA. The LSD precursors ergotamine and ergonovine are List I chemicals.

STREET TERMS

Acid, blotter acid, window pane, dots, mellow yellow

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS

The short-term effects of LSD are unpredictable. They depend on the amount of the drug taken; the user's personality, mood, and expectations; and the surroundings in which the drug is used. Usually, the user feels the first effects of the drug within 30 to 90 minutes of ingestion. These experiences last for extended periods of time and typically begin to clear after about 12 hours. The physical effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. Sensations may seem to "cross over" for the user, giving the feeling of hearing colors and seeing sounds. If taken in a large enough dose, the drug produces delusions and visual hallucinations.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS

LSD users often have flashbacks, during which certain aspects of their LSD experience recur even though they have stopped taking the drug. In addition, LSD users may develop long-lasting psychoses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression. LSD is not considered an addictive drug - that is, it does not produce compulsive drug-seeking behavior as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine do. However, LSD users may develop tolerance to the drug, meaning that they must consume progressively larger doses of the drug in order to continue to experience the hallucinogenic effects that they seek.

TRAFFICKING TRENDS

LSD trafficking and abuse have decreased sharply since 2000, and a resurgence does not appear likely in the near term. National-level data regarding LSD availability (such as LSD seizures and LSD-related arrests) show a sharp decrease since 2000. LSD seizures, for example, decreased 100 percent from 2000 through 2005, and LSD-related arrests decreased 84.9 percent from 2000 through 2004 (see 2006 National Drug Threat Assessment Appendix B, Table 4 and Table 5). Demand for LSD also has decreased sharply since 2000, as reflected in national-level prevalence studies. In fact, Monitoring the Future (MTF) and National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data show that rates of past year use for LSD have decreased significantly for nearly every sampled age group (see 2006 National Drug Threat Assessment Appendix B, Table 1 and Table 2). Production of the drug also appears to be limited--with no reported laboratory seizures in 2004--and controlled by a relatively small number of experienced chemists. Moreover, LSD distribution appears to be very limited in most areas of the country. As such, resurgence in widespread LSD distribution is unlikely in the near term.

USE/USER POPULATION

LSD is abused by teenagers and young adults in connection with raves, nightclubs and concert settings.

Approximately 1.9% of eighth graders, 2.5% of tenth graders, and 3.5% of twelfth graders surveyed as part of the 2005 Monitoring the Future study reported lifetime use of LSD. Approximately 44% of eighth graders, 60.8% of tenth graders, and 69.9% of twelfth graders surveyed in 2005 reported that taking LSD regularly was a "great risk." Additional survey results indicate that 5.6% of college students and 13.4% of young adults reported lifetime use of LSD.

Category:

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[fabioalmeidafilm]

good review

[rosaryfilms]

@fabioalmeidafilm - thanks

[rockyracoon024]

That's how you force a bad trip. Poor Ronnie.

[NihilCBR]

Heh. It's like giving a child some chocolate and then forcing it to watch Dead Alive and going "See?! The child is crying! That chocolate is some evil shit!"

[troydeancarpenter]

I have one problem with this experiment. The body will naturally build up a resistance to a drug, with or without help.

[just4laughs76]

@Shortbus5100 did i just witness an intelligent and peaceful debate and discussion in the comments section of a youtube video? usually its just curse words and insults, nice to know theres some decent people on here.

[lefthandyogi]

Huh huh. "Do you feel gay?"

[kylebossify]

@Shortbus5100 If you're looking for an argument brother, you won't find one with me. If you feel it is wrong to alter your brain chemistry, then you shouldn't do so. We all have to find fulfillment in this life through experience, not argument on things we know little about. Unless you have firsthand experience with psychedelics, a dialogue about its harmfulness is impossible. Do what you need to be happy my friend, and I will do the same.

[kylebossify]

@Shortbus5100 I take no offense at your life choices.. we all need to follow a path that lies within our own reason. My limited experience(twice) with this chemical have left my life enriched in a way I could have never thought possible. Please understand I was only sharing another possible viewpoint that you could perhaps benefit from.

[kylebossify]

@Shortbus5100 you may say you like it.. but your fear of the chemical indicates that you are, in fact terrified of it..

[ThePhishphan22]

these are not true affects of led. led users take led for the journey or "trip" it is an experience that takes advantage of life and you in it. false video

[keepyoursanity]

I don't see why scientists have to ask for volunteers for their experiments when there are lots of test subjects around. What are orphanages for?

[boyInDaUno]

@jrob2340 try the new L-E-D s maaaaaaaan ;) waaaaaaaaaaaaaahahaah :)!

[Hazgroth1]

@Subfightr it can be the best thing that you've "EVER" been through... but it can also be the most mind warping horrific experience aswel.