Acid (LSD) and shrooms (psilocybin) are both psychedelic drugs, meaning they alter perceptions and produce intense, sometimes altered states of consciousness. Despite sharing some similarities, there are also many differences between the two substances.
Chemistry
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a semi-synthetic chemical created in the laboratory in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman. It is a synthetic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.
Psilocybin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, collectively known as psilocybin mushrooms.
Dosage
LSD is a powerful psychedelic drug, with doses as small as 25 micrograms (0.000025g) having significant effects on perception and consciousness. On the other hand, psilocybin is less potent, and doses of 10-50 mg are usually taken to produce effects.
Duration
The effects of LSD usually peak within 1-2 hours and can last up to 12 hours or more. On the other hand, the effects of psilocybin usually peak within 30-90 minutes and last up to 6 hours or more.
Effects
The effects of LSD and psilocybin can vary greatly based on the dose taken, the setting, and the user. Generally speaking, LSD produces a more intense and often unpredictable experience compared to psilocybin, which is usually more mellow and predictable.
LSD is known for producing vivid and often intense visual hallucinations, as well as distortions in time and space. It can also produce changes in mood, such as feelings of euphoria, insight, and creative inspiration.
Psilocybin, on the other hand, produces more subtle visual effects, such as geometric patterns and color distortions. It can produce feelings of joy, insight, and spiritual connection.
Safety
As with all psychedelics, LSD and shrooms can be dangerous if used irresponsibly. They can produce unpredictable and potentially dangerous reactions, especially in those with mental health issues. Therefore, it is important to use psychedelics responsibly and with caution.
Psychedelic Substances: Acid (LSD) vs. Shrooms (Psilocybin)
The Chemical Difference
Psychedelic substances, such as LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), are known to induce altered states of consciousness. But what’s the difference between them? The primary difference is their chemical makeup. LSD is a synthetically produced chemical derived from the ergot fungus, while psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain species of mushrooms.
LSD is a powerful hallucinogen, with a single dose ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 milligrams. It is water-soluble and comes in tablets, capsules, or liquid form. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and its effects can last 8 to 12 hours. Psilocybin is also an active hallucinogen, but it is not as potent as LSD. It typically comes in the form of mushrooms, which can range in color and size. A single dose of psilocybin is between 2 to 5 milligrams, and the effects can last 4 to 6 hours.
The Psychological Effects
The psychological effects of LSD and psilocybin can vary greatly depending on the individual, the setting, and the dose. Generally, both substances can induce visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted perception of time and space, and an altered sense of reality.
LSD has been known to produce more intense and stimulating effects than psilocybin. Users may experience intense euphoria, heightened sensory perception, and intense spiritual experiences. On the other hand, the effects of psilocybin are often more mellow and introspective, resulting in a heightened sense of self-awareness and insight.
The Legal Status
LSD and psilocybin are both Schedule I drugs in the United States, meaning they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. In recent years, a growing number of studies have suggested that both substances may have therapeutic potential, but more research is needed before this can be confirmed.
In some countries, such as the Netherlands, psilocybin mushrooms are tolerated, while LSD is still illegal. In the United Kingdom, both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, though some forms of psilocybin, such as truffles, are tolerated in certain contexts.