In 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann took the first LSD trip.
Switzerland, 19 April, 1943. Chemist Albert Hofmann takes 250micrograms of LSD, proceeding to ride his bike as its effects kick in. This date now marks ‘Bicycle Day’, a celebration of the first LSD trip.
Hofmann initially synthesised LSD from ergot in 1938 to use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Leaving the compound to one side, Hofmann decided to revisit it again in 1943. He felt a slight effect after accidentally absorbing a small amount of LSD through his fingertip three days before 19 April which led to the purposeful first trip. Hofmann later went on to describe the compound as “sacred”.
Since 1943, LSD has built up a rich history. Fuelling the countercultural revolution of the 1960s and animating the minds of great writers, poets, musicians and artists, LSD was previously researched for a number of different uses.
One of the leading researchers was Stanislav Grof, who investigated the compound for its therapeutic use for different mental conditions and addiction. This research showed promising results, and as pointed out in one paper, reported limited adverse side effects.
However, the compound also had its dark side. It was used as part of the CIA’s secret MK-Ultra programme (1953 – 1973). The programme looked at techniques such as hypnosis and used psychoactive substances for mind control and psychological torture tactics to harness against the Soviet Bloc during the Cold War.
In one experiment, “Operation Midnight Climax”, the CIA employed female sex workers to draw in men, where LSD would be used and the mens’ behaviour observed. Purportedly, renowned writer and psychedelic advocate, Ken Kesey, Acid Test pioneer, was also a volunteer in the MK Ultra programme.
Whilst Grateful Dead kept on truckin’ at their psychedelic concerts, and more young people began experimenting with psychedelic drugs, Nixon declared the worldwide “war on drugs” in 1971. Nixon labelled drug abuse as “America’s public enemy number one” leading to the scheduling of psychedelics in the highest category of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
Since its scheduling, the last 50 years have seen scientific censorship unknown in history. Scientists and researchers have been unable to investigate the compound, along with other psychedelics, for their potential therapeutic uses – despite previous research indicating they hold promise.
However, a handful of organisations and researchers have been able to overcome the regulatory and financial hurdles limiting access to compounds such as LSD, and now the world is beginning to see the blossoming of a new psychedelic era.
This time, it is gearing towards the medical application of LSD. Although the cultural impact of psychedelics is easily seen, the spotlight is being put on the revolutionary potential of LSD and other psychedelics in helping the millions across the world living with poor mental health and addiction.
From macrodosing to microdosing, LSD without the trip and assisted-psychotherapy, a new wave of scientific investigation is forming.
