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In
the Beginning...
LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, a chemist working
for the Swiss drug company Sandoz. At the time, no useful properties
were observed and so the new substance remained unexplored for several
years. In 1943, acting on a "peculiar presentiment", Hofmann
decided to resynthisize it. By accident he was exposed to a minute
dose of the drug and noticed a remarkable change in his awareness.
The following week, he experimented further and dosed up on what
he assumed would be a tiny amount- 250 millionths of a gram. The
world has never been the same since. |
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DOSAGE...
LSD is unique in its potency. All psychoactive substances known
prior to it were measured in hundreds or thousands of a gram. Acid
is measured in millionths of a gram (mics). When Sandoz were first
manufacturing LSD in the '50s, it was distributed in 100mic ampoules.
Initially, this was considered a standard dose. It soon became apparent
however that there is a threshold dose at which the psychedelic
effects take a very definite turn for the intense |
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By the mid
'50s, psychiatric opinion was divided into three camps, well two
really. The first regarded LSD as a "psychotomimetic"
or psychosis-mimicking agent. In laymen's terms they felt that
acid sent you madder than ten frothing dogs, and as such was a
dangerous and very powerful chemical. Coincidentally enough, all
of the American research done with this frame of reference was
funded by either the CIA or U.S. Army Intelligence. Both of these
groups were extremely interested in the brain control potential
of LSD.
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other school of thought suggested that acid was one of the most
important chemicals yet discovered, an incredible tool for psycho-therapy
and self-exploration. Two different types of therapy were in use;
PSYCHOLYTIC therapy used from 50 to 150 mic doses, ideal for personal
recollection and self examination. PSYCHEDELIC therapy began at
about 250 mics and kept going, The results of this kind of therapy
were much more intense and dramatic, often resulting in almost text-book
mystical experiences and major life-change. |
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In
the mid 60s when acid was made illegal, a standard street dose was
about 250 mics. Unfortunately, government-generated hysteria, and
a poor general understanding of the rules of set & setting,
resulted in many flip-outs. The media picked up on this and exaggerated
it, creating a massive disinformation loop which LSD is only just
emerging from now. |
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SET
&SETTING.
In the early 60s, when LSD was still legal, researchers continually
stressed the importance of what they called "set and setting".
"Set" referred to the expectations, mood, psychological disposition
and general head space of the tripper. "Setting" is what it
says- the physical and vibrational environment in which the trip takes
place, including the"set" of anybody else present.
Researchers found
that when appropriate attention was paid to these two factors, "bad
trips" were rare, and any negative feelings that arose in the tripper
could be easily faced and resolved. Good music, a comfortable and attractive
environment and sympathetic and sensitive company are the basic ground
rules here, particularly when dealing with a large dose.
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With the
banning of LSD, these basic and fairly obvious prerequisites were
largely ignored or forgotten, resulting in a dramatic upswing
in the number of "freak-outs" and acid casualties. By
the late 70s, the underground acid chemists generally had reduced
the strength of their dosages to an average of about 60 mics...
a psycholytic dose.
As a result
many people were able to enjoy a mild acid experience, without
worrying about losing control, and soon acid became a rather popular
party drug. Whilst this resulted in a lot less bummers, the sacramental
nature of LSD has been largely forgotten. Indeed, there are now
many self-styled "trippers" who have never had a full-blown
psychedelic experience.
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| The
Pagan Love Cult believes that LSD is a wonderful and powerful sacrament,
but we stress the importance of dosage considerations and set &
setting. An average tab is fine for going to a dance party on. But
if it's a strong one, think seriously about staying at home in a
relatively secure and controlled environment. We guarantee that
the light show will be just as impressive. |
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...
.aw, c'mon...
doncha
wanna check out our DMT page?
Or our Pot section?
Or our Mushroom section
Or
do you just wanna...
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