Is LSD dangerous?

[J-Factor]

Well, the question has been on my mind for quite a long time now, and I just can't come to a decision on it.

All I really know about it is what I've read and what I have been told. Some say that it is dangerous and that it can mess you up mentally. Most often its something like that it can cause schizophrenia or any psychological problems.
From what I've read from here and other places though, it's nothing of the sort. You can have bad trips of course, but it won't damage you as long as you prepare (like as in not being in a dangerous setting).

I can't really decide who to believe, because those that believe its horrible talk as if they know from personal experience (which I often doubt). They usually say that people who try to tell you its fine are conspiring against you to mess you up. From what I see here in this friendly community, I can tell that people using these drugs aren't at all like that, and it almost makes the person accusing them look a little insane or at least brainwashed.

I've only really used marijuana as far as it goes for drugs, and after overcoming all the bad that was said about it and seeing that it was all bullshit, it's really made me think about all the other drugs that are supposedly horrible things to take.

So I really just want to know your opinion on it. I'm really interested in taking LSD, but at the moment it just seems like a big risk to me.

 

[Sticki]

Welcome to Psychonaut J-Factor.

First of all, LSD is a tool.

In the right setting and hands, with the correct mind frame it is devine experience that will most probably change your perception of yourself and the world plus increase your tolarance and understanding.

In the wrong setting and hands, It could create an experience so frightening that in the most extreme case you could enter into a state of psychosis.

Generally, The second is far from common.
The first is also a stage most reach after a few encounters, unless guided by some one familliar with the experience.
People with mental health issues should tread very carefully as psychedelics can bring these kind of things to the surface, Not induce them.

Those entering the psychedelic state with fear often encounter fear. If you enter with the mind frame that all is well, one is safe and that you will be back to normal the next day for sure. Physically, Nothing changes. You may gain a new perception but you are still you. You should have no reason to fear anything and you will be fine. Remember all visuals are part of your experience and the way to make anything you dislike ease off is to confront it and not fear it. I'd advise doing it with some one else (Normal or under the influence), Some one you trust and would feel comfortable with. Also make sure you dont have to leave your safe zone (Bedroom, House, Garden) unless you really have to, Or unless you go for a walk with some one who is in a normal frame of mind and you, yourself feel comfortable to do so.

Its all about being prepared and not fearing what you may experience.

If I was you, I would have a look around at peoples experiences, Some of the discussions regarding psychedelics including psychedelics in the use of medicine, Ask some questions and see what you learn 8)

Do not allow any one to talk you into taking any form of drug, Its your body / mind and you can only know yourself what you are ready to experience.

What makes you intrested in LSD if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Forkbender]

It is like a hammer, dangerous in the hands of a lunatic, but useful if you know what to do with it.

 

[J-Factor]

Thanks for the reply guys.

As far as your reply goes Sticki, it sounds a lot like what I have read about. I know its not a party drug and all that, and how it's supposed to be used correctly and not carelessly. What I'm planning on doing is trying it with a close friend of mine who I trust, possibly outside in nature and just relax and go with the flow.

I'd never really allow anyone to talk me into doing anything I wouldn't want to. If I decide to do it, it's my own decision. I don't have to worry about that really since no one has pressured me thus far.

What makes me interested is the way it could change my perception of life. Like before I started doing weed, I was quite unhappy with most things and if I wasn't depressed, I was just unemotional. I didn't look to weed to change my life or anything, I just tried it because I was curious really. After experiencing what it could do for me, it really just inspired me. I look at the more enjoyable parts of life now more than ever before. Weed has actually been able to change my perspective on quite a few things in life. So basically I've heard and read that LSD can give you a much more profound experience, which I am interested in.

 

[Sticki]

You sound like you know what you want mate, I wish you the best of experience's whenever that may be

 

[st.bot.32]

Also LSD had what, almost a couple decades of very promising legitimate clinical use, before it was unleashed upon the public and subsequently banned

 

[tisanemaster]

I've only really used marijuana as far as it goes for drugs, and after overcoming all the bad that was said about it and seeing that it was all bullshit.

You haven't lived it, doesn't mean that it's not real.

 

[tryptonaut]

I think you have the right attitude towards psychedelics, and you informed yourself about them. That is a big plus. Now if you want to try them, my opinion is to better start with really low doses. You won't experience world-changing things on half a blotter (or even 1/4th) but you'll be able to see what direction the whole thing will take. Then if you feel confident, take more. And after that, take even more, a few times. And then, after all these experiences, take a hilariously high dose.
After the last dose you'll feel that everything before was just not really psychedelic - but you can't take that high dose the first time.
If you do, you'll just go crazy and never touch the stuff again. So don't go too fast with the doses, get some experience in the lower range before you go to the mid-range and so on.

I've only really used marijuana as far as it goes for drugs, and after overcoming all the bad that was said about it and seeing that it was all bullshit, it's really made me think about all the other drugs that are supposedly horrible things to take.

From my own experience I can say that the abuse of marihuana can indeed be a magnifier for depression and induce a certain level of psychosis. That doesn't mean marihuana is bad - only its thoughtless abuse is. But, some of the bad things you heard about it might actually be true for some people.

...and there are certain other drugs that are... let's say difficult. I love drugs in general (doh!) but certain ones have to be treated with special care. I'm thinking about stuff like cocaine here, that has a very high potential for abuse and addiction. Also amphetamines - they feel so good but can be really bad for you. Really bad!

 

[st.bot.32]

Also, LSD is probably the least toxic (by way of ratio of effective dose to what is considered an OD) drug out there. You'd have to stuff entire sheets of blotter in your mouth to risk an overdose

Are you taking it with someone experienced? Or have you both never done it before?

About half tabs.. I kind of have to offer a different perspecive even though I appreciate that Tryptonaut is advocating taking it slow. I know some people that only ever tried half tabs and came away immensely disappointed, zero psychedelia, a few weird thought patterns and an uncomfortable body buzz, figured LSD was overhyped and never touched it again. But if you do it right the very first trip is stunning, things happen that never happen again. So as long as you're with someone experienced, I'd personally make sure I'm prepared and the setting is right, then go for the whole thing (well, I did). One tab can definitely get intense at points if you aren't used to the LSD thought patterns, but it isn't going to be out of control. Laugh, go with the flow. Have a comfortable area to relax in if you need it where you can close eyes. Give gentle massages.

Well it just so happens I had set aside today for an experience... I just took the last in my collection ( ) about 30 mins ago.. It's a beautiful night..

 

[Brugmansia]

If you adore your spiritual sense in conjunction with the mind-expanding qualities of a strong high of some good mary-jane, chances are very real that a controlled well-prepared intake of 50-150 ug LSD will elevate your perception to a higher level of maturity.

 

[mysticwarrior]

Well it just so happens I had set aside today for an experience... I just took the last in my collection ( Sad ) about 30 mins ago.. It's a beautiful night.. Smile

Good luck! If you can, then touch the stars for me

 

[Psychoid]

brainwashed.

Propaganda succeeded on some people, and other people saw the bullshit. LSD is not dangerous when used properly, like all psychedelics. But it can be very dangerous when used irresponsibly, like all psychedelics.

I'm not in the mood to write a long text, so I'll let others explain you what responsible use means (if you haven't already read it).

But you must know that physically, LSD is not toxic at all, and poses absolutely no danger. I have read somewhere that the only person that died from an overdose of LSD had shooted himself with over a gram...

Well it just so happens I had set aside today for an experience... I just took the last in my collection ( ) about 30 mins ago.. It's a beautiful night..

I wish you a great night trip!

 

[tryptonaut]

AI know some people that only ever tried half tabs and came away immensely disappointed, zero psychedelia, a few weird thought patterns and an uncomfortable body buzz, figured LSD was overhyped and never touched it again.

Well, of course you have to be aware that you are taking a very small dose. If that dose is not pure fulfilment, then it's okay, because it's just a very small dose.

However, I have had half blotters that were, in combination with some good weed, just a lot more than I had expected. You can never know with blotters. Either the blotter is 200mics or just 50mics. You can't tell. The first will be pretty strong, the second just a party-dose.

 

[J-Factor]

Well, since neither of us are experienced in it I'm thinking maybe the half blotter is better to start. I do want the full experience, but it may be better just to take my time with it so I don't ruin lsd all together for me.

So basically thoughtless abuse of any drug is bad, I can gather that. Thoughtless abuse of most things in the world are bad actually.

And what I meant by the bullshit with marijuana is more like the ridiculous crap that says you go bat shit crazy from even one joint or that is highly addictive and ruins your life if you even try it sort of stuff. I know it could be bad, but thats with abuse of course.

So responsible use of LSD would include what exactly? I think I have a general idea, like obviously not taking too much of it, being in a calm and relaxing setting, and just going with the flow rather than thinking too much and trying to control everything.

 

[Sticki]

You sound like you have the right idea mate, I'd stop thinking too much about it and plan for your experience

 

[GOD]

For me the worst thing with LSD ( or any trip ) was if it was to weak . I stoped takeing LSD because of that . 250 micrograms is a nice trip less than 125 or so is boreing , nauseating , confusing and a waste of time as far as i`m concerned . I think more people have problems because they havent taken enough than because they have taken to much . To little is like haveing one leg in each world and can be more placebo / projection than real trip . I think its better if it gives you something to do / look at than if you have to look for it .

 

[spice]

When I had my first trip with LSD, it wigged me out pretty good. (screwed up my head).....not because it was 'bad', but because I was ignorant. I didn't know about set and setting.....but the music was *talking* to me, and I saw a lot of crazy things happening.....

If you can't have an experienced tripper with you, then you need a cocoon, a safe haven where you can just be at ease. Have some good music, and wear loose, comfortable clothes. What is going to happen to you is basically an intensification of all your sensory perception. In a major way.

Because it's the black market (where you get lsd) the strength varies considerably, from mild to wild.

The easiest way to have a good trip is to not try to exert too much control over events as they unfold....just let it flow. This is why setting everything up in advance is important, so that you can relax, because without being at ease, it won't be enjoyable.

 

[Crimzen]

J-factor it sounds like you have the right attitude to attempt your first trip
i recomend taking it kind of slowly but also dont start with too low a dose
maybe just 1 blotter each would be fine for a first trip but bring more, if you arent feeling much within an hour and a half then take the other one

 

[IAmTheNight]

For me the worst thing with LSD ( or any trip ) was if it was to weak . I stoped takeing LSD because of that . 250 micrograms is a nice trip less than 125 or so is boreing , nauseating , confusing and a waste of time as far as i`m concerned . I think more people have problems because they havent taken enough than because they have taken to much . To little is like haveing one leg in each world and can be more placebo / projection than real trip . I think its better if it gives you something to do / look at than if you have to look for it .

I agree with this to a certain extent, every time I've done >125ug I've been left wishing I'd taken more but nothing is worse than the feeling of being in way over your head when you're still fairly new to psychedelics.

I'd advise people to proceed with caution with LSD, at least until they're 100% sure of what they're doing.

 

[lucky_lab_rat]

I will say ~some~ people should never do LSD. There are people with underlying mental issues that LSD can easily "break" (for lack of a better word) IMHO this is where the nonsense that lsd causes mental health problems comes from. But I have seen it happen first hand- sometimes relatively minor, sometimes not
There are definitely people I would never give LSD to.

I also agree with God somewhat- though I would not, without knowing the person, recommend a large dose (or any dose for that matter) to begin with. Personally, after my first trip or two, a ten strip became the norm, and as my involvement grew I graduated to as large a puddle of wash as my hands could hold, then onto thumbprints