Acid
Lysergic acid diethylamide was first discovered by Doctor Albert Holfmann, a Swiss chemist working for Sandoz Pharmaceutical, a chemical company. Holfmann made the discovery while working in his laboratory in 1938. He at first found no use for LSD so it was put aside. Later in 1943, Holfmann began testing the drug. He accidentally ingested a tiny amount of LSD. He began feeling strange and left work. Later that week Holfmann deliberately took another dose of LSD. (Littell 6)
LSD is the most well known of hallucinogens. Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that effect the central nervous system and can change the way a person sees reality.(Littell 6) Although there are many reasons people use LSD, the effects, short term or maybe long term, of the drug are not worth the temporary euphoric feelings it gives.
LSD is artificially made from lysergic acid, which is why the drug is often called acid. Lysergic acid is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye, wheat, and other grains. It can also be made from lysergic acid amide. (Littell 6)
It is difficult for police to enforce the law that prohibits possession of LSD. The drug is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It can be applied to the back of an envelope, put on a postage stamp, supplied in sugar cubes, capsules, tablets, liquid, or practically any other form. The most common format today is paper soaked in LSD known as blotter acid. Drops of LSD are put on paper with squares that are artistically decorated. LSD is usually comes in a dose between one hundred and two hundred micrograms. (Hyde 26)
LSD is very dangerous for anyone who takes it in any form. People who use LSD frequently develop a tolerance and have to take more and more to get high. Some users place the dissolvable sheets under their eyelids, so it will reach their brain more quickly. Users also place the dissolvable sheets in their mouth. (Littell 22)
LSD is structurally related to serotonin, a neurotransmitter...
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