Psychedelic - Revision history

LSDream at 23:42, 23 December 2025

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	They are one of three categories of [[hallucinogens]]. The first being psychedelics, with the others being [[dissociatives]] and [[deliriants]].[53] Psychedelics are generally considered physiologically safer than most other groups and as of recently are experiencing decriminalization or even legalization in some areas. <ref name="Nichols2016"> Nichols, David E. (2016). "Psychedelics." ''Pharmacological Reviews'' 68(2): 264–355.\|doi=10.1124/pr.115.011478</ref> There has also been a “[[Psychedelic Renaissance]]” with an increase in scientific research that was stalled during the 1970s that is finding that psychedelics may have a strong potential to be useful in treating a variety of psychological disorders.		They are one of three categories of [[hallucinogens]]. The first being psychedelics, with the others being [[dissociatives]] and [[deliriants]].[53] Psychedelics are generally considered physiologically safer than most other groups and as of recently are experiencing decriminalization or even legalization in some areas. <ref name="Nichols2016"> Nichols, David E. (2016). "Psychedelics." ''Pharmacological Reviews'' 68(2): 264–355.\|doi=10.1124/pr.115.011478</ref> There has also been a “[[Psychedelic Renaissance]]” with an increase in scientific research that was stalled during the 1970s that is finding that psychedelics may have a strong potential to be useful in treating a variety of psychological disorders.

	Generally, psychedelics are defined as [[serotonergic hallucinogens]] (specifically the [[5-HT2A serotonin receptor]]) that alter perception and mood in a marked novel way along while affecting numerous cognitive processes.<ref name="Nichols2016"/>[50] More concretely the “[[classical psychedelics]]” all share agonist actions at the serotonin 2A receptor subtype (5-HT2A). <ref name="Carhart2019"/> This class contains a wide variety of compounds and has some well known drugs such as [[LSD]], [[~~psilocybin mushrooms~~]] and [[DMT]], with [[LSD]] being the archetypal psychedelic in modern Western society.[4] This is due to [[LSD]] having the “highest and most specific effect” while also being the basis of the contemporary concept of psychedelics and the far-out social movement.<ref name="Aldrich1978"/> Other than the "classical psychedelics" most psychedelic compounds fall into one of three categories: Lysergamides, tryptamines, phenethylamines. Many psychedelics can be found naturally in fungi, plants, and even some animals.[82] Although, some of the compounds have a long history of human usage and some of the most in-depth scientific research, others have been synthesized rather recently and have little to no human usage. This section will specifically focus on psychedelics and will consider [[cannabinoids]], [[dissociatives]], [[entactogens]], and [[deliriants]] in separate sections.		Generally, psychedelics are defined as [[serotonergic hallucinogens]] (specifically the [[5-HT2A serotonin receptor]]) that alter perception and mood in a marked novel way along while affecting numerous cognitive processes.<ref name="Nichols2016"/>[50] More concretely the “[[classical psychedelics]]” all share agonist actions at the serotonin 2A receptor subtype (5-HT2A). <ref name="Carhart2019"/> This class contains a wide variety of compounds and has some well known drugs such as [[LSD]], [[Psilocybin Mushrooms]] and [[DMT]], with [[LSD]] being the archetypal psychedelic in modern Western society.[4] This is due to [[LSD]] having the “highest and most specific effect” while also being the basis of the contemporary concept of psychedelics and the far-out social movement.<ref name="Aldrich1978"/> Other than the "classical psychedelics" most psychedelic compounds fall into one of three categories: Lysergamides, tryptamines, phenethylamines. Many psychedelics can be found naturally in fungi, plants, and even some animals.[82] Although, some of the compounds have a long history of human usage and some of the most in-depth scientific research, others have been synthesized rather recently and have little to no human usage. This section will specifically focus on psychedelics and will consider [[cannabinoids]], [[dissociatives]], [[entactogens]], and [[deliriants]] in separate sections.

	The term ‘psychedelic' itself has an interesting history. It was coined by psychiatrist Humphrey Osmond in a letter he wrote to Aldous Huxley and presented to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1965 .[4][43][46][107[ This was in regards to the insightful effects that often occurred from psychedelics during treatment for addiction.[64] The word ‘psychedelic’ is a neologism derived from the ancient Greek words psych"e (jycή, translated as “soul” or “mind”) and d"elein (dhlεin, translated as “to reveal'' or “to manifest”) to denote ‘mind-revealing’.[2][4][46][50][121] Prior to Osmond there were a variety of terms used to describe these substances such as: psychotomimetics (implying psychosis), psychotogens, psychodysleptics, [[deliriants]], [[hallucinogens]] and mind-expanding drugs, however many of these carry negative connotations.[27]<ref name="Nichols2016"/> For example, Psychotomimetics, a negative term suggesting that they fostered a mental state resembling psychosis, used to be the preferred term in scientific literature.<ref name="Nichols2016"/> Later, when it was realized that these substances did not provide a model for psychosis, it became correct to refer to them as hallucinogens suggesting that they principally produce hallucinations.<ref name="Nichols2016"/> However, this is not particularly descriptive or useful since hallucinations are not always produced, along with it describing a too broad category of psychoactive molecules.<ref name="Nichols2016"/> In a recent paper David E. Nichols described the history:		The term ‘psychedelic' itself has an interesting history. It was coined by psychiatrist Humphrey Osmond in a letter he wrote to Aldous Huxley and presented to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1965 .[4][43][46][107[ This was in regards to the insightful effects that often occurred from psychedelics during treatment for addiction.[64] The word ‘psychedelic’ is a neologism derived from the ancient Greek words psych"e (jycή, translated as “soul” or “mind”) and d"elein (dhlεin, translated as “to reveal'' or “to manifest”) to denote ‘mind-revealing’.[2][4][46][50][121] Prior to Osmond there were a variety of terms used to describe these substances such as: psychotomimetics (implying psychosis), psychotogens, psychodysleptics, [[deliriants]], [[hallucinogens]] and mind-expanding drugs, however many of these carry negative connotations.[27]<ref name="Nichols2016"/> For example, Psychotomimetics, a negative term suggesting that they fostered a mental state resembling psychosis, used to be the preferred term in scientific literature.<ref name="Nichols2016"/> Later, when it was realized that these substances did not provide a model for psychosis, it became correct to refer to them as hallucinogens suggesting that they principally produce hallucinations.<ref name="Nichols2016"/> However, this is not particularly descriptive or useful since hallucinations are not always produced, along with it describing a too broad category of psychoactive molecules.<ref name="Nichols2016"/> In a recent paper David E. Nichols described the history:

LSDream: /* Lysergamides */

2025-12-08T03:41:24Z

Lysergamides

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	\| [[1cP-ETH-LAD]]		\| [[1cP-ETH-LAD]]
	\|}		\|}


	===Tryptamines===		===Tryptamines===

LSDream: /* Tryptamines */

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Tryptamines

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	Tryptamines are based on tryptamine which is an indoleamine metabolite of the essential amino acid tryptophan.[79] The base psychoactive tryptamine is dimethyltryptamine (DMT).[44] Tryptamine is found in the central nervous system and is hypothesized to play a role as a neuromodulator on classical monoamine neurotransmitters.[46][79] The base chemical structure is defined by an indole (fused benzene and pyrrole ring) and a 2-aminoethyl group at the second carbon.[79]		Tryptamines are based on tryptamine which is an indoleamine metabolite of the essential amino acid tryptophan.[79] The base psychoactive tryptamine is dimethyltryptamine (DMT).[44] Tryptamine is found in the central nervous system and is hypothesized to play a role as a neuromodulator on classical monoamine neurotransmitters.[46][79] The base chemical structure is defined by an indole (fused benzene and pyrrole ring) and a 2-aminoethyl group at the second carbon.[79]


			==Effects==

			Psychedelics are one of the hardest classes of compounds to describe the effects of. In some sense the effects are ineffable, being that one cannot really understand many of the effects until they have been experienced. They have even been described as increasing the capacity of the mind to see more than it can tell.[47] This is seen in the scientific literature also. There have been countless attempts since the 19th century to define common phenomenological structures of the effects produced by psychedelics, however an accepted taxonomy does not yet exist.[46] Many of the effects are “subjective: meaning that they are based on an individual's experience. Although many of the effects are seen across users, it cannot be said that these effects are experienced the same way. One description of psychedelics by Stanislov Grof I feel describes the general effects well. He characterized psychedelics as powerful “nonspecific amplifiers of the unconscious”.[43] This observation was based on his personal supervision of more than a thousand clinical administrations of LSD.[43] It shows that the “personality of the drug taker plays an enormous and critical role in determining how much effect there will be and of what particular type.”[43] Therefore the subjective effects felt by psychedelics can vary based on substance, age, sex, dose, mental state, prior drug experiences, dosage and prior mental state being the most important.[43][44]

			Since the subjective experience cannot be observed externally many early studies with psychedelics involved animal models. One popular assay for accessing the hallucinatory experience is the head-twitch response (HTR).[82] After the administration of many psychedelics, animals such as rats, mice and rabbits exhibit rapid and stereotypical head movements.[82][83] When multiple psychedelics were compared, their hallucinogenic effects in humans correlated with their capacity to elicit the HTR in mice.[82] It was first thought that the HTR response is mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor and modulated by the 5-HT2C receptor.[83] Further evidence suggests that the shaking behavior is actually due to metabotropic glutamate mGlu2/3-sensitive glutamate release downstream of frontocortical 5-HT2A activation.[43] While there is generally a strong correlation between compounds that elicit this response and compounds that are hallucinogenic in humans, the induction of a head twitch response does not necessarily mean that a compound will be hallucinogenic.[83] This disparity is due to the HTR’s ability to be nonspecific, with the HTR also produced by some drugs that do not act through the 5-HT2 receptors.[83] There are also compounds that elicit the HTR and interact with the 5-HT2 receptors but are not hallucinogenic in humans.[83] Overall, the head twitch response is considered a reliable surrogate for the hallucinatory response, however caution should be exercised when interpreting such results.[82][83] The extrapolation of these results to humans is difficult because each species has its own behavioral repertoire and pharmacokinetics.[82]

			Psychedelics can be distinguished from other centrally active drugs that can also induce perceptual distortions (e.g., anticholinergics), paranoid and other delusions (e.g., amphetamines), and other alterations of cognition, behavior, and affect (e.g., opiates, bromides) by being able to exert profound effects on the brain and behavior, most prominently resulting in altered perception and changes in consciousness.[1][45] The mechanisms in which these substances produce their effects also separates them. Since psychedelics interfere with the action of serotonin, bodily functions that may be altered are:
			*Mood
			*Sensory perception
			*Sleep
			*Hunger
			*Body temperature
			*Sexual Deprivation
			*Muscle Control

			They are capable of, when pathological effects are absent or minimal, "reliably inducing or compelling states of altered perception, thought, and feeling that are not or cannot be experienced otherwise except in dreams or at times of religious exaltation".[27] Overall there are a wide range of subjective effects that these substances are able of producing since it has been shown that set and setting along with other variables are predictors of what subjective effects will be experienced.[43] [43] Although, the effects of psychedelics are not necessarily does dependent lower vs. higher doses do generally elicit different effects.[43] Lower doses often elicit sensory changes (warping of surfaces, color variations and pareidolia) with the user still aware of reality.[46] While higher doses often elicit intense alterations of perception and possibly a complete detachment from reality.[46] Experiences can range from the user remaining in contact with their surroundings to “transcendent” or “mystical” experiences where the user may feel they have transcended time and space.[43] With users even reporting encounters with God or otherworldly beings.[43] Czech psychiatrist Stansilov Grof observed that the psychedelic experience included:


			<center>"''complex revelatory insights into the nature of existence… typically accompanied by a sense of certainty that this knowledge is ultimately more relevant and 'real' than the perceptions and beliefs we share in everyday life.''"[46]


			<div style="text-align: left;"> This sense of “certainty” or “increased knowledge” is a theme across many psychedelic trips and is one of the reasons psychedelics are used to expand consciousness. One could argue that during the counterculture of the 1960s this increased “knowledge” played a role in the rejection of accepted norms along with increased personal development. Luis Luna describes the psychedelic effect as offering:


			<center>"learning experiences that elevate consciousness and can make a profound contribution to personal development."[46]


			<div style="text-align: left;"> There is increasing research that psychedelic compounds may actually be capable of aiding in personal development. Positive trips are described as being deeply pleasurable, euphoric, an increased sense of belonging, and having a greater appreciation for life.[46] Although there is variation, the cognitive effects that psychedelics most commonly produce, to some degree:
			*Open and/or closed eye visuals
			*Drifting[46]
			*Morphing[46]
			*Breathing[46]
			*Melting[46]
			*Time distortion
			*Enhanced introspection
			*Conceptual thinking
			*Euphoria
			*Ego loss[46]

			[[Microdosing]] is the act of taking a subthreshold dose of a psychedelic in an attempt to improve creativity and mood, boost physical energy level, and possibly to help treat anxiety and depression.[46] All psychedelics presumably produce similar acute subjective and potential therapeutic effects, however this has yet to be experimentally looked at[106]

	===See Also===		===See Also===

LSDream at 04:30, 30 November 2025

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	Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]		Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]
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LSDream at 04:29, 30 November 2025

2025-11-30T04:29:47Z

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	Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]		Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]
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LSDream at 04:29, 30 November 2025

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	Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]		Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]
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	==Chemistry + Chemical Classes==		==Chemistry + Chemical Classes==

LSDream: /* History */

2025-11-30T04:28:54Z

History

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	However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crisis, and "flashbacks", especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.”[96]		However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crisis, and "flashbacks", especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.”[96]

	[[File:Timeline of Psychedelic History.png\|thumb\|left\|~~400px~~\|Timeline of psychedelic history]]		[[File:Timeline of Psychedelic History.png\|thumb\|left\|500px\|Timeline of psychedelic history]]

	<div style="text-align: left;"> The U.S. government's claim that psychedelics had no therapeutic potential and the adverse effects were too severe directly contradicts the scientific studies up to that point. The main reason LSD was outlawed was its association with the counterculture and it being perceived as a threat to the establishment. I am not one to argue conspiracy theories but I have no doubt that the illegalization had nothing to do with the molecule itself but the effects it would have on the status quo. The counterculture was associated with anti-war, pro-environment, civil rights, and a general anti-authority attitude. These were all perceived as threats to the power the government held at the time, especially when the Vietnam War was needing more and more men to be drafted. The media and government spread scare films, stories, and only focused on the potential effects.		<div style="text-align: left;"> The U.S. government's claim that psychedelics had no therapeutic potential and the adverse effects were too severe directly contradicts the scientific studies up to that point. The main reason LSD was outlawed was its association with the counterculture and it being perceived as a threat to the establishment. I am not one to argue conspiracy theories but I have no doubt that the illegalization had nothing to do with the molecule itself but the effects it would have on the status quo. The counterculture was associated with anti-war, pro-environment, civil rights, and a general anti-authority attitude. These were all perceived as threats to the power the government held at the time, especially when the Vietnam War was needing more and more men to be drafted. The media and government spread scare films, stories, and only focused on the potential effects.

LSDream: /* History */

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History

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	However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crisis, and "flashbacks", especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.”[96]		However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crisis, and "flashbacks", especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.”[96]

	[[File:Timeline of Psychedelic History.png\|thumb\|400px]]		[[File:Timeline of Psychedelic History.png\|thumb\|left\|400px\|Timeline of psychedelic history]]

	<div style="text-align: left;"> The U.S. government's claim that psychedelics had no therapeutic potential and the adverse effects were too severe directly contradicts the scientific studies up to that point. The main reason LSD was outlawed was its association with the counterculture and it being perceived as a threat to the establishment. I am not one to argue conspiracy theories but I have no doubt that the illegalization had nothing to do with the molecule itself but the effects it would have on the status quo. The counterculture was associated with anti-war, pro-environment, civil rights, and a general anti-authority attitude. These were all perceived as threats to the power the government held at the time, especially when the Vietnam War was needing more and more men to be drafted. The media and government spread scare films, stories, and only focused on the potential effects.		<div style="text-align: left;"> The U.S. government's claim that psychedelics had no therapeutic potential and the adverse effects were too severe directly contradicts the scientific studies up to that point. The main reason LSD was outlawed was its association with the counterculture and it being perceived as a threat to the establishment. I am not one to argue conspiracy theories but I have no doubt that the illegalization had nothing to do with the molecule itself but the effects it would have on the status quo. The counterculture was associated with anti-war, pro-environment, civil rights, and a general anti-authority attitude. These were all perceived as threats to the power the government held at the time, especially when the Vietnam War was needing more and more men to be drafted. The media and government spread scare films, stories, and only focused on the potential effects.

LSDream: /* History */

2025-11-30T04:26:43Z

History

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	However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crisis, and "flashbacks", especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.”[96]		However, drug studies have confirmed that the powerful hallucinogenic effects of this drug can produce profound adverse reactions, such as acute panic reactions, psychotic crisis, and "flashbacks", especially in users ill-equipped to deal with such trauma.”[96]

			[[File:Timeline of Psychedelic History.png\|thumb\|400px]]

	<div style="text-align: left;"> The U.S. government's claim that psychedelics had no therapeutic potential and the adverse effects were too severe directly contradicts the scientific studies up to that point. The main reason LSD was outlawed was its association with the counterculture and it being perceived as a threat to the establishment. I am not one to argue conspiracy theories but I have no doubt that the illegalization had nothing to do with the molecule itself but the effects it would have on the status quo. The counterculture was associated with anti-war, pro-environment, civil rights, and a general anti-authority attitude. These were all perceived as threats to the power the government held at the time, especially when the Vietnam War was needing more and more men to be drafted. The media and government spread scare films, stories, and only focused on the potential effects.		<div style="text-align: left;"> The U.S. government's claim that psychedelics had no therapeutic potential and the adverse effects were too severe directly contradicts the scientific studies up to that point. The main reason LSD was outlawed was its association with the counterculture and it being perceived as a threat to the establishment. I am not one to argue conspiracy theories but I have no doubt that the illegalization had nothing to do with the molecule itself but the effects it would have on the status quo. The counterculture was associated with anti-war, pro-environment, civil rights, and a general anti-authority attitude. These were all perceived as threats to the power the government held at the time, especially when the Vietnam War was needing more and more men to be drafted. The media and government spread scare films, stories, and only focused on the potential effects.

	~~[[File:Timeline of Psychedelic History.png\|thumb\|400px]]~~

	Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]		Although psychedelics had been outlawed, their story is far from over. The seventies would see the furor of the psychedelic movement wind down, and the continuance of the exploration of inner space via psychedelics.[122]

LSDream: /* History */

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History

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 *One suspects that had LSD not been discovered the world would be a very different place then it is today, for better or for worse
 *“The newspapers in these cities [San Francisco, New York, Chicago] have been fascinated by the psychedelic hippies, and at times the fascination has verged on obsession. In New York, the Times has devoted many columns of newsprint to their doings, and in San Francisco, the Chronicle sent a bearded reporter out to spend a month prowling the acid dens. (You guessed it: ‘I was a Hippie.’)” - William Braden in “LSD and the Press,” (1970)<ref name="Aldrich1978"/>
 ==Chemistry + Chemical Classes==