LSA

Summary sheet: LSA

LSA
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	LSA, Ergine
Substitutive name	d-Lysergic acid amide / d-Lysergamide
Systematic name	(8β)-9,10-Didehydro-6-methyl-ergoline-8-carboxamide
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Psychedelic
Chemical class	Lysergamide
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Interactions
Cannabis
Stimulants
Tramadol
Lithium

Lysergic acid amide (also known as ergine, d-lysergic acid amide, d-lysergamide, and LSA) is a naturally-occurring psychedelic substance of the lysergamide class. LSA is an ergot alkaloid and the main psychoactive constituent of morning glory seeds. LSA is chemically related to LSD and is said to produce similar effects, although the extent to which it does is unclear.

LSA was first described in 1932 as part of an investigation into the alkaloids found in ergot. In 1947, it was synthesized and tested for human activity by Albert Hofmann. The intramuscular administration of a 500 microgram dose produced a "tired, dreamy state with an inability to maintain clear thoughts." In 1970, LSA was detected as a constituent in Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds, which were being ground up into capsules and sold on the street as "mescaline". Today, LSA is typically consumed via morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds.

User reports describe the effects of LSA as primarily sedating and dream-like, with a mild to moderate psychedelic component. The psychedelic effects of LSA occur inconsistently and are not directly comparable to the effects of classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, or mescaline. LSA is described as primarily bodily and cognitive with little visual effects. Many users report serious nausea and bodily discomfort ("body load") when taking LSA-containing seeds.

Like other psychedelics, LSA is not considered to be addictive. However, adverse reactions such as severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis are always possible, particularly among those who are predisposed to psychiatric disorders. It is therefore highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.

Chemistry

LSA, or d-lysergic acid amide, is an organic alkaloid belonging to the lysergamide class. The chemical structure of LSA contains a core structure of lysergic acid with an amine functional group bound to R_N. The structure of lysergic acid is composed of a bicyclic hexahydroindole fused to a bicyclic quinoline group (lysergic acid). At carbon 8 of the quinoline, an acetamide group is bound. LSA is additionally substituted at carbon 6 with a methyl group.

LSA is a chiral compound with two stereocenters at R₅ and R₈. LSA, also called (+)-D-LSA, has an absolute configuration of (5R, 8R). The three other stereoisomers of LSA do not have psychoactive properties. LSA is structurally analogous to LSD, with the exception being that LSA lacks the diethyl substitution of LSD at R_N of its carboxamide group. It can be used as a precursor to LSD.

Pharmacology

Further information: Serotonergic psychedelic

LSA's psychedelic effects are believed to come from its efficacy at the 5-HT_2A receptor as a partial agonist. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience remains the subject of scientific investigation.

The notion that LSA is the primary psychedelic constituent in morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds has been challenged as the effects of isolated synthetic LSA are reported to be only slightly psychedelic in nature. Therefore, it has been proposed that the overall experience may possibly be produced by a mixture of various lysergamide alkaloids (including iso-LSA and LSH) within these plant materials instead of a single psychoactive compound.

Subjective effects

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Physical effects

• • Sedation - LSA is predominantly sedating; however, this can be setting dependent. For example, when taken in settings with large amounts of stimuli or during physically strenuous activities such as walking, running, climbing or dancing, LSA is capable of becoming stimulating and energetic. In contrast, when taken in calm environments such as darkened rooms with comfortable seating, it tends to be relaxing, sedating.
  • Spontaneous bodily sensations - The "body high" of LSA can be described as a mild yet pleasurable and soft tingling sensation. This is largely noticed in high doses and is accompanied by strong waves of physical euphoria which are usually manifested spontaneously at different unpredictable points throughout the trip but can also maintain a consistent presence. Compared to LSD, the physical effects of LSA tend to predominate the experience relative to its visual and cognitive effects.
    • Perception of bodily heaviness
    • Physical euphoria - This effect is reported to be more readily able to be produced by LSA than LSD. However, it can be masked by strong, uncomfortable feelings of nausea and vasoconstriction, particularly when LSA-containing seeds are consumed directly before any extraction has been performed.
  • Motor control loss - This effect becomes far more present at high doses than lower doses. It can be compared to the loss of motor control experienced with alcohol-induced inebriation and is strengthened by the perception of bodily heaviness.
  • Temperature regulation suppression
  • Nausea - The nauseating effects of LSA is thought to be mostly caused by the other components of the seeds (e.g. morning glory, Hawaiian baby woodrose, etc.) and not LSA itself. Various extraction methods can be used to significantly reduce if not eliminate the nausea that can be produced by this substance. Anecdotal reports also suggest that ginger tea or cannabis may be helpful in counteracting nausea.
  • Vasoconstriction - LSA is commonly reported to produce strong and pronounced feelings of vasoconstriction. This varies in its intensity between individuals but is often considered moderately to extremely uncomfortable in comparison to other psychedelics. This effect is commonly reported to cause joint and limb pains.
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure or Decreased blood pressure - LSA has been reported as being capable of producing both an increase and a decrease in blood pressure, sometimes alternating at different points in the experience, such as during the come up or offset, although it is unclear how much of this is dependent on the seeds and variations in alkaloid contents.
  • Muscle contractions & Muscle relaxation
  • Muscle spasms
  • Dehydration
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Appetite suppression
  • Gustatory enhancement
  • Orgasm suppression
  • Excessive yawning
  • Pupil dilation
  • Photophobia
  • Increased perspiration
  • Difficulty urinating

Visual effects

• The visual effects of LSA are mostly present when large doses have been consumed. When compared to LSD and psilocin, the visual effects of LSA are proportionally mild in comparison to the intensity of its accompanying cognitive and physical effects.

  Enhancements

  • Colour enhancement
  • Pattern recognition enhancement
  • Visual acuity enhancement
  • Frame rate enhancement

  Distortions

  The visual distortions and alterations are significantly more simplistic than open eye distortions found with other psychedelics. The effects experienced are detailed below:

  • Depth perception distortions
  • Drifting (melting, breathing, morphing and flowing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as mild but highly detailed and cartoon-like in appearance. The distortions are fast yet smooth in motion and fleeting in permanence. This is an inconsistently manifested effect with some people never reporting such effects.
  • Colour shifting
  • Tracers
  • Scenery slicing
  • Symmetrical texture repetition

  Geometry

  The visual geometry produced by LSA can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 4-AcO-DMT and ayahuasca than LSD or 2C-B. It can be described through its variations as primarily intricate in complexity, abstract in form, organic in appearance, unstructured in organization, dimly lit, multicolored in scheme, glossy in shading, soft in edges, small in size, slow in speed, smooth in motion, rounded in corners, non-immersive in depth and consistent in intensity. At higher doses, it is significantly more likely to produce 8B geometry over 8A geometry.

  Hallucinatory states

  LSA is capable of consistently producing a full range of high-level hallucinatory states when it is taken in large doses. However, the doses required to achieve these states are likely to produce very uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous, side effects. These states include:

  • Transformations - These are extremely common within LSA and partially follow the content of the user's current thought process.
  • Internal hallucination (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots) - Unlike LSD, LSA consistently produces moderate to high level hallucinatory states in high doses. This particular effect can be compared to a lucid dream state. The hallucinations are more common within dark environments and can be comprehensively described through their variations as lucid in believability, interactive in style, new experiences in content, controllable and almost exclusively of a personal, religious, spiritual, science-fiction, fantasy, surreal, nonsensical or transcendental nature in their overall theme.
  • External hallucination (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots) - This effect occurs far more rarely and infrequently than with other hallucinogens. However, they can occasionally occur at heavier dosages. They can be described through their variations as lucid in believability, autonomous in controllability, and solid in style.
  • Peripheral information misinterpretation

Cognitive effects

• The cognitive effects of LSA are described by many as extremely relaxing yet lucid and clear-headed in style when compared to other commonly used psychedelics such as LSD or psilocin. Although it is primarily sedating, it can produce fast-paced bursts of thought and stimulation at random intervals. LSA produces a large number of psychedelic cognitive effects. The most prominent of these typical effects include:
  • Analysis enhancement - This effect is introspection dominant.
  • Anxiety or Anxiety suppression
  • Conceptual thinking
  • Cognitive euphoria
  • Déjà vu
  • Delusion
  • Emotion enhancement
  • Empathy, affection and sociability enhancement
  • Increased music appreciation - Listening to music can strongly intensify the overall experience.
  • Immersion enhancement
  • Language suppression - Mild compared to language suppression on classical psychedelics like LSD.
  • Increased sense of humor
    • Laughter fits
  • Memory suppression
    • Ego death
  • Mindfulness
  • Novelty enhancement
  • Rejuvenation
  • Autonomous voice communication
  • Thought acceleration
  • Thought connectivity
  • Thought loops
  • Time distortion
  • Wakefulness

Auditory effects

• • Auditory enhancement
  • Auditory distortion
  • Auditory hallucinations

Transpersonal effects

• • Spirituality enhancement
  • Existential self-realization - This effect is less common and reproducible than it is with classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and mescaline.
  • Unity and interconnectedness

Combination effects

• Cannabis - Cannabis can immensely intensify the sensory and cognitive effects of LSA. Extreme caution is advised when mixing these substances as it can significantly increase the chances of a negative psychological reaction like anxiety, confusion and psychosis. Those who use this combination are advised to start off with only a fraction of their usual cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits in order to avoid a negative reaction.
• Dissociatives - Dissociatives greatly enhance the cognitive, visuals and general hallucinatory effects of LSA. Dissociative-induced holes, spaces, and voids while under the influence of LSA have significantly more vivid visuals than dissociatives alone, as well as more intense internal hallucinations and correspondingly increased risk of confusion, delusions and psychosis.
• Alcohol - Alcohol's central depressant effects can be used to reduce some of the anxiety and tension produced by LSA. However, alcohol can cause dehydration, nausea and physical fatigue which can significantly worsen the experience. If using alcohol, it is advised to pace oneself and drink just a fraction of the usual amount.
• Benzodiazepines - Depending on the dose, benzodiazepines can slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of an LSA trip. They are very efficient at stopping "bad trips" at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose as they are very easy to abuse.
• Psychedelics - When used in combination with other psychedelics, each substance's physical, cognitive and visual effects intensify and synergize strongly. The synergy between those substances is unpredictable, and for this reason generally not advised. If choosing to combine psychedelics, it is recommended to start with significantly lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually.

Experience reports

Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:

• Experience: ~8 HBWR seeds - I think I'm getting it
• Experience:1000 Morning Glory seeds - Rediscovering the Self
• Experience:250 seeds - Harsh body load
• Experience:270 MG seeds ipomoea tricolor v. heavenly blue (LSA) - My favourite one so far
• Experience:50 Seeds of Morning Glory (Raw, Chewed) - Nausea, Euphoria, Sedation
• Experience:800 seeds LSA - My First Trip Ever
• Experience:Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (5 seeds) - Five seeds from hell
• Experience:LSA (20 HWBR seeds) – A pleasant adventure with a harsh body load

Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: LSA

Natural plant sources

Main article: Morning glory

Although LSA is illegal in some countries, various seeds which contain it are readily available in many gardening stores. However, the seeds from commercial sources are often coated in some form of seed treatment or fungicide which can result in extreme nausea, bodily discomfort, or (in the case of organomercury compounds) long-term neurological damage and cognitive impairment if ingested. Methods for cleaning or de-coating the seeds are available, but are typically ineffective (organomercury compounds penetrate the entire seed). Therefore it is important to only purchase untreated seeds from reliable, trusted vendors. Heavy metal testing kits can be purchased online to test seed extracts for mercury content prior to ingestion.

Morning glory seeds (MGS)

Main article: Ipomoea tricolor (botany)

Morning glory seeds

The seeds of many species of morning glory are known to contain lysergamide alkaloids such as LSA. Typical oral doses of morning glory seeds are as follows:

• Threshold: 20 - 50 seeds / 1.5 g
• Light: 50 - 100 seeds / 1.5 - 3 g
• Common: 100 - 250 seeds / 3 - 6 g
• Strong: 250 - 400 seeds / 6 - 10 g
• Heavy: 400 seeds + / 10 g +

Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds (HBWR)

Main article: Argyreia nervosa (botany)

Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds

Hawaiian baby woodrose is a perennial climbing vine that is native to the Indian subcontinent and has since been introduced to numerous areas worldwide including Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean. Its seeds may be consumed for their various lysergamide alkaloids such as LSA. Typical oral doses for Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds are as follows:

• Threshold: 1 - 3 seeds
• Light: 3 - 5 seeds
• Common: 5 - 7 seeds
• Strong: 7 - 12 seeds
• Heavy: 12 seeds +

Preparation methods

LSA containing seeds can be prepared using a number of methods. Some of these methods are listed in our tutorial index and include:

• Simple LSA extraction
• Tincture of extracted LSA
• Low dose LSA Cold Water Extraction (CWE)

Toxicity and harm potential

This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub. As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.

Further information: Responsible use § Hallucinogens

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational LSA use have not been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying LSA by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.

Vasoconstriction

LSA should not be used regularly for long periods of time. When used repeatedly over a short period of time, LSA's vasoconstrictive effects build up while the psychoactive effects get weaker. A common sign of vasoconstriction build up can be described as a feeling of painful or uncomfortable legs. This happens as a result of an insufficient amount of blood getting to the muscles. The upper leg muscles are the largest, most energy consuming muscles in the body and will feel sore if blood flow to them is lowered even slightly.

When HBWR, morning glory seeds or pure LSA seeds are consumed and sore legs are experienced, a break has been reported to be helpful. With LSA it can take up to 3 days of abstinence to get back to vasoconstriction baseline.

Dependence and abuse potential

LSA is considered to be non-addictive with a low abuse potential. There are no literature reports of successful attempts to train animals to self-administer LSA, an animal model predictive of abuse liability, indicating that it does not possess the necessary pharmacology to either initiate or maintain dependence. There is virtually no withdrawal syndrome when use is stopped.

Tolerance to the effects of LSA forms almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 7 days for the tolerance to return to baseline (in the absence of further consumption). LSA produces cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the use of LSA all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

• Lithium - Lithium is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking it with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As a result, this combination is strictly discouraged.
• Cannabis - Cannabis may have an unexpectedly strong and unpredictable synergy with the effects of LSA. Caution is advised with this combination as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions like anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their normal cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid unintentional overdose.
• Stimulants - Stimulants like amphetamine, cocaine or methylphenidate affect many parts of the brain and alter dopaminergic function. This combination can increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and thought loops. This interaction may also result in an elevated risk of mania and psychosis.
• Tramadol - Tramadol is well-documented to lower the seizure threshold and psychedelics may act to trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.

Other interactions

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - SSRIs are reported to suppress the visual and cognitive effects of LSA.
• MAOIs - MAO inhibitors, such as passionflower and syrian rue potentiate the visual and introspective effects of psychedelics. It is advised to take caution when combining MAOIs with psychedelics because they can increase the chance of having a bad trip and may dangerously interact with other substances, such as SSRIs and stimulants, as well as some psychedelics such as MDA.

Legal status

• Australia: LSA is illegal to produce, sell, and consume in Australia.
• Austria: LSA containing seeds are not regulated, thus are legal to possess, produce and sell.
• Germany: LSA is controlled under the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act) as of July 18, 2019. Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not penalized. Plant parts containing LSA are not covered by the law.
• Latvia: LSA itself is controlled as a structural analog of LSD. However, there is no information about LSA-containing seeds. In Latvia, plants are only illegal if they contain Schedule I controlled substances and LSA is not a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
• The Netherlands: LSA is illegal. However, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose and Morning Glory seeds are not illegal to consume, sell or posses, like other entheogens.
• New Zealand: LSA is illegal to consume, sell, and possess. The plants and seeds of morning glory species are legal to possess, cultivate, buy and distribute.
• Sweden: LSA is being researched by health authorities and there is a risk in near future for LSA to become illegal.
• Switzerland: As a chemical, LSA can be considered a controlled substance as a defined derivative of Lysergic Acid under Verzeichnis E point 263. It is legal when used for scientific or industrial use.. Plant matter is not illegal.
• Türkiye: LSA is illegal to consume, sell, and possess. The plants and seeds of morning glory species are legal to possess, cultivate, buy and distribute.
• United Kingdom: LSA is a Class A controlled substance and categorized as a precursor to LSD.
• United States: As a precursor to LSD, LSA is a DEA Schedule III controlled substance. However, seeds containing LSA can be purchased legally on the internet and from gardening stores.

See also

• Responsible use
• Entheogens
• Lysergamides
• Psychedelics
• LSD

External links

• LSA (Wikipedia)
• LSA (Erowid Vault)
• LSA (Isomer Design)

Discussion

• The Big & Dandy LSA Thread - Second Iteration (Bluelight)