LSD, THE MIND-SHATTERING DRUG

Also known as "Acid", this drug is the most potent and highly studied
hallucinogen known to man. It belongs to the class of drugs which
basically make you think you see and hear things that aren't really there.

The drug itself, known as Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD for short)
is a form of a fungus toxin that infects rye and other grasses.

LSD was first extracted in 1938 by Dr. Albert Hoffman. At the time,
he was researching for a circulatory stimulant, but instead
accidentally ingested a dose of it, and discovered its hallucinogenic
properties. One particular psychologist who was conducting
experiments into the potential medicinal use of acid commented that
it kept him unable to speak for five days and that he never recovered
from the mind-shattering experience. The drug, identified as having
no therapeutic use, was outlawed in the 1960's. The popularity of
acid reached its peak during the 60's hippie movement but gradually
declined through the next 30 years as the psycho-stimulant drug
ecstasy replaced it in popularity among younger users.

LSD is synthesized in hidden or clandestine laboratories in Canada.
These labs are difficult to find as the quantities of raw material
required to make the drug are quite small.

To illustrate this, the entire US supply for one year could be
carried by one person. One pound of LSD is sufficient to make up to
nine million hits of the drug. The end product of the synthesis of
the drug, crystalline LSD, is dissolved in alcohol and drops of the
solution are put on small pieces of paper, usually bearing popular designs.

These small pieces of paper, the size of your pinkie fingernail are
then chewed or swallowed.

It also comes in a tiny pill form called microdots or a gelatin form,
though these are less common.

To get young people to use the drug, elements of organized crime use
images such as Mickey Mouse, Bart Simpson, teddy bears or other
symbols to make them attractive. A recently available batch showed up
in Goose Bay with an image from South Park. LSD is extremely potent
as extremely low doses can cause mental changes in the user. Effects
appear 15minutes to an hour after ingestion and last 6 to 8 hours.

Tolerance develops very quickly to LSD and then goes away after
several days of abstention. LSD can cause a rise in heart rate and
blood pressure, elevated body temperature, dizziness, dilated pupils
and sweating, similar to amphetamines. Mentally, LSD overloads the
brainstem, causing sensory distortions, seeing sounds, feeling smells
or hearing colors, dreaminess, altered mood, impaired concentration.
One of the greatest dangers is the loss of judgment and impaired reasoning.

Approximately 20-65% of regular users experience mental flashbacks of
sensations or of a bad trip they had while under the influence of LSD
even when they have not used any drugs in several months or even years.

Since LSD affects the emotional parts of the brain, some users,
especially first-time users are subject to extreme emotions including panic.

Acute anxiety, paranoia, delusions of persecution, or feelings of
grandeur leading to dangerous behaviors can be triggered by its use.
Is there "acid" in Labrador? Yes there is. Educate yourself and your
kids about the dangers of drugs.

Credit :Uppers, Downers, All Arounders, 2000.