Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or acid is an illegal drug made from a fungus that grows on grains and rye. It’s mainly used for recreational purposes, and is classified under Schedule I controlled substances by the DEA.

It’s under Schedule I, meaning it is deemed dangerous for abuse and has no records of medical benefits. This only means that producing, selling, and possessing this controlled substance is illegal and punishable by law.

What Does LSD Look Like?

Generally, it has a white crystalline powder form, which is mixed with other ingredients to raise its euphoric abilities. This drug is sold on the streets and it takes different physical forms:

• Blotter paper or those papers soaked in LSD
• Capsule or tablet form
• Syrup on sugar cubes
• Liquid form
• Square Gelatin form

If you are caught selling or intentionally possessing this hallucinogen, then you will be penalized by federal law.

Cultural and Medical History of LSD

The experiments and production of this hallucinogen were done by the Sandoz Laboratories, and they sold some of it to the U.S.

The U.S. military hospitals researched the substance’s psychedelic properties, which might be used in letting a person speak of the truth. However, they saw no significant result about that, and so they left their experiment.

Possession of LSD: A Criminal Act

When you say “possession” it means you are holding, controlling, and owning the item or the drug for this matter. We have two types of possession for this hallucinogen: simple and constructive possession.

• Simple Possession: When you are aware that you are holding or carrying nine grams or less of LSD in your personal belongings. This is still punishable by law since this drug is illegal.
• Constructive Possession: This means that the authority guessed or inferred that the person is having control or holding this controlled substance.

What are the Common Defenses for Possessing LSD?

Whether you are intentionally having this illegal drug or not in your personal belongings, you can have some reasons to defend yourself. If you are innocent, then the more you need to defend yourself from the law. Here are some typical defenses you can apply:

No Knowledge

You will be free from being accused of constructive possession if you avoid having any of your personal items placed on the bag or purse containing the illegal drug.

Absence of Power and Intent to Control

If you can present substantial evidence that you lack the power and control to possess this hallucinogen, then you are acquitted of being accused of simple and constructive possession.

What are the Legal Punishments for LSD Possession?

The intensity of the punishment depends on the amount you are in possession of and on how many times you have committed this crime.

For a first-time offender that owns one to nine grams of LSD, the legal consequence is a maximum of one year imprisonment or a minimum fine of $1,000, or both.

For a second offense of the same amount of the substance, it will be a maximum of two years in prison or a minimum fine of $2,500, or both.

If you are caught in possession of more than nine grams of this hallucinogen, then the punishment is increased to five to forty years in prison or a fine up to $2 million, or both.

Besides these legal consequences, a person convicted of LSD possession will be prohibited from specific industries like education, health care, and security services.

Use and Misuse of LSD

This hallucinogen is widely abused for recreational purposes among adults and adolescents. On the other hand, it’s also used in the medical field, particularly for psycholytic and psychedelic therapy in Europe.

For psycholytic therapy, the patients were given low dosages of this drug. Afterward, they were allowed to have a painting session, so they can illustrate their visions while still on their trip.

For psychedelic therapy, patients had high doses of this drug, but after they have undergone stringent preparation for this session. This therapy intends to treat those suffering from a personality disorder.

What are the Risks of Using LSD?

This drug is a strong hallucinogen or psychedelic drug, meaning it can greatly distort your mood, personality, and behavior. The intensity of the damage depends on your dose, your mind before taking it, and the frequency that you’ve been using this illegal drug.

Typically, it magnifies the person’s current feeling upon taking the drug. For instance, if you are depressed at the time that you took it, then you’re going to have a bad trip for approximately 24 hours.

Why did the U.S. Government Make LSD Illegal?

There was a growing number of people abusing this psychedelic drug, and so the government was moved to mark it as an illegal drug under Schedule I controlled substances.

Even when there were reported cases of using this drug to successfully treat panic attacks, still it was labeled as such to help control the abuse of this substance.

Flashbacks and Health Consequences of LSD

A person abusing this drug will have an impaired judgment or thinking, which can lead him to doing life threatening activities. Besides that, once the person is off the trip, he will experience depression or anxiety, which is a common side effect of this drug.

The individual will also experience flashbacks or those experiences when one is at the peak of their trip.

Can You Overcome LSD Addiction?

Overdosing with LSD is still treatable and you can start by accepting your condition. Then you need to consult a doctor or an addiction specialist regarding your condition. They will help you get a personalized treatment program suitable for your needs.

Afterward, you need to look for a reputable rehab center near your place, which is capable of doing custom recovery programs for people under the influence of LSD.

This is not an easy journey, but with the help of these professionals and your family, then it’ll be worthwhile. Start your recovery today.