In 1938 Albert Hofmann develops LSD from ergot and experienced its effects in 1943.
Resources:
Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2022, August 26). LSD. LSD - Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/lsd/
Pollan, M. (2019). How to change your mind: What the new science of psychedelics teaches us about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence. Penguin Books.
Fuentes, J. J., Fonseca, F., Elices, M., Farré, M., & Torrens, M. (1AD, January 1). Therapeutic use of LSD in psychiatry: A systematic review of randomized-controlled clinical trials. Frontiers. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00943/full
National Drug Intelligence Center. (2003). LSD Fast Facts. LSD fast facts. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs4/4260/index.htm
Background:
Was/is the drug legal in the culture?
In 1970 the federal government categorized LSD as a schedule 1 substance.
In 1968 the federal government makes LSD illegal.
California and Nevada are the first states to make LSD illegal.
Was/is the use of the drug considered positive or negative by the culture?
The older generations, particularly political figures (presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan), framed the drug to be the cause of the anti-war movement.
The beginning of the war on drugs.
False information spread regarding the medical effects of LSD.
Anti-drug campaigns.
In the 1960's, LSD use influenced cultural shift throughout the young generation.
LSD influenced the anti-war movement during the war in Vietnam.
Psychedelic rock attempted to recreate the "LSD experience" through music
What factors led to increased or decreased use of the drug in the culture?
In the early 1960's LSD begins to circulate outside of the laboratory environment.
In 1960, after studying under Richard Alpert, James Fadiman went to Stanford University for graduate school, continuing LSD studies.
Helped nurture in the spirit of silicon valley.
Dr. Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert begin conducting studies with LSD at Harvard University.
"Turn on, tune in, drop out".
Set & Setting
Tossed from Harvard in 1963 due to research focus as well as methodology.
"MK Ultra" a CIA program tasked with finding military applications for LSD (1953-1973).
One participant was the Writer Ken Kesey.
Provided LSD to thousands of the young generation in the Bay Area.
"Revolt of the guinea pigs".
Researched the use of LSD as truth serum.
Researched the use of LSD as a mind control substance.
Impacts of Use:
Health impacts? Positive? Negative?
Some studies have shown that LSD experiences can bring on schizophrenic symptoms for those who are pre-disposed to schizophrenia.
Had shown to be useful for those overcoming addiction, depression, and potentially anxiety.
Mostly positive health impacts, but some negative.
What were/are the economic impacts of the use of the drug by this culture?
Lead to financial resources being focused on the war on drugs campaign.
Due to LSD's influence on the anti-war movement, one could argue this decreased the funding and financial support of the military.
What were/are the social impacts of someone using the drug?
Many from the older generation saw this as a waste of time, making you a "degenerate".
For the younger generation, this was a way to connect with the cultural change taking place.
How did/does this drug impact the culture?
Overall, influenced the upcoming generation to "Turn on, tune in, and drop out"
Changed the style of music that was popular through artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan.
Influenced the hippie movement and anti-war movement.
Leads to the rise of the environmental movement.
In 1966 Stewart Brand leads a campaign for NASA to photograph the earth from space.
Purpose of Use:
Was/is using the drug considered a rite of passage?
Due to the influence of the cultural shift, many saw LSD as a shift in the times to be a part of.
Were/are there religious or spiritual aspects to the drug use?
Thought to allow the user to experience a "spiritual journey".
Richard Alpert becomes known as "Ram Dass" an influential spiritual teacher with lectures surrounding LSD experiences.
Sandoz (a swiss chemical lab) begins an open-source research and development program.
Lots of research done with LSD in the 1950's.
Between 1950-1965 over a thousand scientific articles on psychedelics are written. Alongside 40,000 research subjects and 6 international conferences regarding LSD.
Dr. Humphry Osmond and Aldous Huxley conducts research with LSD & develops the term "Psychedelic".
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