One of the most powerful and potent mood-changing chemicals, LSD is a mind altering drug that affects the way that the user sees and hears things. How LSD produces its effects is still only partly understood, therefore users should be well aware of the risks.

Common Names: acid, blotter, windowpane, microdots

Appearance: LSD has no taste, odor or color. It is packaged in miniature powder pellets (microdots), gelatin chips (windowpane), or squares of LSD-soaked paper (blotter).

Effects: Effects start 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion and can last between 6 and 9 hours. Initial effects are mostly physical: dilated pupils, muscular weakness, rapid reflexes, decreased appetite and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Later, effects zero in on thought and sensory processes. Colors and sounds are intensified and often objects, time and movement can get distorted. Other common effects include distractibility, rapid mood swings, depersonalization, and distortions in body image. Users can sometimes feel panicky, anxious and scared. LSD can cause severe psychological discomfort—even trauma, in the form of panic attacks of psychotic reactions. Long term use can lead to depression, paranoia and flashbacks.