LSD: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide

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What is LSD? LSD is the most common hallucinogen, and is made from lysergic acid, which is derived from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It comes in several different forms, the most common of which is “blotter” paper. Blotter paper is perforated into small squares. LSD also comes as a clear liquid that can be ingested alone or put on a sugar cube or even in the eyes. Sometimes it is also found in thin squares of gelatin . What are some of the street names for LSD? Some of the street names for LSD are acid, rainbow, blotter, cheer, hawk, dots, and window pane. How much is it used? In 2008, 802,000 Americans aged twelve and older abused LSD at least once the year before. 1.3% of 8th graders, 1.8% of 10th graders, and 2.7% of 12th graders had abused it in his or her life . What short term effects can it have? Short term effects of LSD include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. The internal effects and feelings can include feeling more than one emotion at one time, or have rapid emotional swings. Also, the user’s sense of self and time can change. Sometimes, senses can “cross over”, giving the illusion of seeing sounds and hearing colors. If enough LSD is taken, visual hallucinations can occur. What are the long term effects it can have? Some people who have taken LSD experience sudden or unexpected flashbacks (some of the symptoms of taking the drug return), which can happen anywhere from several days to over a year from when the person last took the drug. Is it addictive? Technically, LSD is not considered addictive because it does not produce a physiological need for it. Most people gradually stop use of this drug over time as they grow older and the judgment centers in their brain develop. Is it legal, and what are the consequences of using it? LSD has the federal classification of a Schedule I drug. This means that it is available for doctors to research but is illegal for any other use, and that it has a high potential for abuse. Federal penalties for LSD possession are as follows : 1st offense 2nd offense 3rd offense 1-9 grams when caught In prison 5+ years In prison 10+ years Life imprisonment

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