Hey friend,

82 years ago marked the first ever acid trip.

Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann discovered LSD while researching medications for childbirth at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals.

One day in the lab, a trace amount accidentally absorbed through his skin, triggering what he described as a “not unpleasant, intoxicated-like state with an extremely stimulated imagination.”

Hofmann decided to explore further.

He ingested 250 micrograms of LSD-25—an ENORMOUS dose by today’s standards—and rode his bicycle home.

That ride changed everything.

Time dissolved.

Shapes came alive.

His mind stretched beyond the edges of reality.

He felt himself die, be reborn… then merge with all existence.

That moment became legendary.

April 19, 1943—the day LSD left the lab and entered human consciousness.

Bicycle Day.

What is LSD?

LSD is a semi-synthetic compound derived from lysergamides, natural chemicals in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye.

How LSD works

LSD’s chemical structure resembles serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and perception.

It binds to serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, causing the psychedelic effects. [1,2]

LSD also activates dopamine receptors, adding a stimulating edge. [3,4]

In short, LSD affects both serotonin and dopamine systems, reshaping how the brain perceives reality.

What's the dose of LSD?

LSD is incredibly potent, measured in micrograms, or millionths of a gram.

A little goes a long way.

Start low. You can always take more next time.

But once it’s in your system, there’s no undo button.

LSD Dosages

• Microdose: 5–20 mcg | Subtle boost in mood, focus, energy, & creativity
• Threshold Dose: 20–50 mcg | Mild visuals, altered thinking
• Moderate Dose: 50–150 mcg | Strong hallucinations, introspection, & ego dissolution
• Heroic Dose: 200+ mcg | Intense, out-of-body experiences, potentially overwhelming

What does LSD feel like?

No two LSD journeys are the same.

The experience bends to your thoughts, emotions, and environment.

Most trips are expansive, even beautiful.

But without the right preparation, the same compound can turn inward and dark.

Here are some of the most commonly reported effects:

Positive:

✅ Euphoria, mental energy, empathy, connectedness, creativity, perspective shift, emotional catharsis, visual and auditory hallucinations, etc.

Neutral/Challenging:

⚖️ Time distortion, body load, intensified thoughts, synesthesia, difficulty focusing, etc.

Negative (usually dose/context dependent):

🚫 Anxiety, tension, paranoia, panic, nausea, looping thoughts, dizziness, confusion, etc.

LSD trip duration & timeline

LSD isn’t a sprint—it’s an odyssey.

Expect 8–10 hours, though dose and your unique bodily constitution are determining factors.

Here’s the typical arc of a high-moderate (100 mcg) to heroic dose (200+ mcg) journey:

🕐 0–1 Hour: Onset

• Subtle shifts begin—changes in perception, enhanced colors, and sensory sensitivity.
• Your body may feel light or tingly.
• Thoughts start to speed up.

⏳ 1–3 Hours: Come-Up

• Visual distortions become more prominent (trails, patterns, breathing walls).
• Emotions become amplified.
• The ego may begin to loosen.
• This phase can feel exciting, strange, or anxious.

🚀 3–6 Hours: Peak

• The whole experience begins to intensify rapidly.
• Full-blown visuals and profound shifts in consciousness.
• Time distortion, ego dissolution, spiritual or existential insights.
• Synesthesia is common (hearing colors, seeing sounds).
• You may feel deeply connected to nature, others, or the universe.

🌘 6–9 Hours: Come-Down

• Visuals and intensity begin to fade.
• Mental clarity slowly returns.
• Emotions settle, but insights and reflections may continue.
• This phase can be calm, thoughtful, or even melancholic.

🌅 9–12+ Hours: Afterglow

• The effects continue to taper off.
• Some residual stimulation or trouble sleeping.
• Many report a lingering sense of peace, awe, or clarity.
• This is an ideal time to journal, reflect, or rest.

LSD safety

Despite its potency, LSD is remarkably safe.

It’s non-toxic, non-addictive, and backed by decades of research.

No fatal overdoses have ever been reported, and an official lethal dose (LD50) hasn’t even been established.

However, because LSD profoundly alters perception, it's crucial to prepare responsibly—never put yourself in high-risk situations, like driving, while under its influence.

Legality

LSD remains illegal in most countries.

However, places like Oregon, Washington D.C., and Vancouver, B.C. have taken steps to decriminalize it, signaling a shift toward a more progressive drug policy.

Always check your local laws before exploring.

The bottom line

LSD isn’t for the faint of heart.

It’s a mirror, a magnifier—a scalpel for the soul.

I made the rookie mistake of trying to be a hero: three Altoids, dipped in something I didn’t understand.

It cracked me open.

It was terrifying, yet beautiful, yet unforgiving.

The kind of trip that teaches you fast…

If you’re ready to step into this space, educate yourself first. Prepare your mind, your body, and your environment.

Learn what this compound can do before you dive in.

Because a safe, transformative experience starts long before you take the first dose.

Happy Bicycle Day,

Onjae

P.S. Sourcing pure, reliable LSD isn’t easy these days…

But there’s a natural alternative: Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA)—a cousin compound found in Morning Glory and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds. Mellower, but deeply introspective.

If you're curious, I put together a free guide on how to properly dose and prepare it.

Just reply “LSA,” and I’ll send it your way.