LSD is a hallucinogen, a drug that effects a person's perceptions, sensations, thinking,self-awareness and emotions. LSD ismanufactured from the lysergic acid which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on ryeand other grains. It is odorless,colorless, tasteless and one of the most potent mood- altering chemicals. It is usually takenby mouth but sometimes is injected.

The effects of LSD depend on the amount taken, the user's personality, mood,expectations, the setting in which the drug isused and the purity of the drug. Usually the user feels the effects of the drug 30-90minutes after taking it. The physical effectsinclude dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure,sweating, loss of appetite,sleeplessness, dry mouth and tremors.

Sensations and feelings change as well. The user may feel several different emotions atonce or swing rapidly from one emotionto another. Having a bad psychological reaction to LSD is common. The scary sensationcan last a few minutes or several hoursand can be mildly frightening or terrifying. The user may experience panic, confusion,suspiciousness, anxiety, feelings ofhelplessness, and loss of control. Flashbacks, in which the person experiences a drug'seffects without having to take the drugagain, can occur.