Recreational Lysergic Adventures: Navigating the Risks and Side Effects

Although psychedelics have been around for numerous years and have been shrouded in stigma and taboo, in recent years, the world has seen a resurgence of interest in psychedelics and their potential to heal. Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as as LSD, is central among the psychedelics on the market. LSD is a intensely potent psychedelic compound known for its ability to significantly alter one’s perception, thought processes, and emotional state. Unfortunately, for a period during the countercultural movement, LSD was considered dangerous and heavily stigmatized as harmful. In recent years, LSD is making its comeback in the mainstream psychedelic world. This shift in perception, curiosity, expanding scientific research, and shift in attitudes towards it is now at the forefront of mental health crisis.

Although this revival of interest in LSD is promising it is not without concerns and controversy. Scientists and researchers have seen the potential benefits of psychedelic recreational use in their clinical trials. That said, recreational use and their potential benefits for the average person can differ from a controlled environment. It is important that users, novice and experienced, use caution with any psychedelic substance. This article aims to serve as a guide to help individuals make informed and safe decisions.

LSD is a synthetic compound derived from lysergic acid, which originates from ergot fungus found on rye and other grains. Discovered in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, LSD quickly gained notoriety in the 1960s for its mind-expanding effects and role in countercultural movements. Its potency lies in its action on the serotonin system, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which modulates mood, perception, and cognition.

Carhart-Harris et al. (2016), using advanced neuroimaging techniques, found that LSD significantly alters brain connectivity, leading to more integrated and less constrained patterns of communication between different brain regions. This helps explain the sense of boundless consciousness and novel insights many users report during trips.

LSD is generally ingested in microgram tablet doses. LSD can make intense changes in sensory perception where sounds are more vivid, colours appear brighter, and time may appear to slow down. Various users often state that they experience synesthesia – the mixing of all their senses. As will as profound spiritual and emotional admissions. Researchers do want to point out that these positive effects are heavily influenced by what is called “set and setting”. “Set” refers to a user’s current mindset – are they feeling positive and relaxed or are they overwhelmed and having suicidal ideations?  It is important to have a positive set when considering adding psychedelics to your wellness arsenal. “Setting” refers to the user’s social and physical environment in which the substance will be taken. Having a safe and calm space with a trip sitter – a trusted friend or family member – can encourage you to have a positive adventure. Knowing you have a safe space to experiment and a trusted individual there to help guide you along the way when things get overwhelming sets you up for the better.

One of the most debated aspects of LSD and psychedelics use in general is the long-term effects and consequences. Currently, there is no definitive link between moderate LSD use and brain damage. However, there are certain risks associated with psychedelic use.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD):

A rare but notable side effect of psychedelic use is HPPD, characterized by recurring visual disturbances such as halos, trails, or static—sometimes described as a “perma-trip.” This condition can be distressing and may last weeks, months, or even become chronic.

Mental Health Risks:

More research is needed in the ongoing debate about whether LSD use can exacerbate underlying mental illnesses such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Some individuals may have suppressed vulnerabilities which can be difficult to distinguish between correlation and causation. Where LSD use in a controlled and supportive clinical trials can give us some insight on their effects, recreational use studies can often be problematic due to the absence of professional safeguards in place.

The Unpredictability of Psychedelic Journeys

While there is a lot of discussion surrounding individuals experiencing enlightening and positive trips, there are times where “bad trips” occur. “Bad trips” is a well-documented phenomenon where a user can experience startling hallucinations, tremendous emotional despair, and dissociative states. Unfortunately, these experiences may arise unexpectedly, regardless of a user’s intention or positive set or prior experiences.

In harm reduction discussions, it is highly advised that a “trip sitter” always be present while you experiment with psychedelics. A trip sitter is a trusted, calm, sober, and supportive individual, a friend or family member, who remains present with you throughout your experience.

One major concern is the unregulated nature of recreational LSD. Because it is produced and distributed illegally in most countries, quality control is virtually nonexistent. This increases the risk of consuming substances that are not actually LSD but mimic its effects, such as 25I-NBOMe, which can be toxic or even fatal in high doses.

Palamar et al. (2019) found that adulterated psychedelics are alarmingly common in the underground drug scene. Users often have no way of verifying the purity, dosage, or chemical composition of what they are consuming. Reagent testing kits can help detect some adulterants, but they are not foolproof. When searching for a trusted dispensary to purchase your LSD tabs from, try inputting the following keywords to help narrow down your search, “LSD tabs for sale, LSD for sale, buy LSD Canada, or buy LSD online Canada.”

Factors That Can Influence the LSD Experience

No two trips are exactly alike, and the outcomes of LSD use depends on a complex array of factors:

• Tolerance: Tolerance generally resets after a week or so. Frequent uses can rapidly reduce LSD’s effects.
• Mindset: Your “Set” plays a large role in how your experience with LSD will be. Any anxieties or unresolved trauma can alter your trip in unexpected ways.
• Setting: Your “Setting” equally plays a large role in how your experience will play out. It is crucial to have safe and calm environment when experimenting with any psychedelics.
• Dosage: Taking higher doses for longer duration than recommended, especially for novice users, can increase your likelihood of negative effects.
• Drug Interactions: LSD as well as other psychedelics may interact with medications or other substances negatively and can increase any complications that may arise.