How LSD Is Made: The Process Behind LSD Production

Sourcing lysergic acid

The process begins with obtaining lysergic acid, an ergot fungus compound that infects rye grains. Historically, this involved breaking down ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine, through chemical reactions. While some plants (like morning glory seeds) contain related compounds (including LSA), these are distinct from the lysergic acid needed for LSD. ^[10][11][12]

Converting lysergic acid into a reactive form

The lysergic acid must be converted into a reactive intermediate, allowing it to combine with other molecules. This step typically involves chemical reagents that prepare the molecule for further modification. ^[3][11]

Formation of LSD

The reactive intermediate is then combined with diethylamine, which completes the structure of LSD. This step requires careful conditions to prevent contamination and degradation of the final product. ^[3][5]

Purification

The resulting material contains impurities and byproducts. Various purification methods, like chromatography and recrystallization, are used to isolate LSD and ensure its stability by forming a salt, such as LSD tartrate. ^[1][9][13]

Quality control

In professional laboratories, analytical techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, confirm the purity and chemical structure of LSD. This ensures that the psychoactive form, (+)-d-LSD, is present. ^[11][14]

Challenges in illicit production

Outside of controlled settings, producing LSD is highly difficult. The compound is sensitive to heat, light, and moisture, which can degrade it quickly. In illicit environments lacking precise control, the product usually has low purity and unpredictable potency. ^[10]

Chemical and physical hazards

LSD synthesis requires volatile substances, like thionyl chloride (SOCl₂), which reacts violently with water to release corrosive hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gases, posing severe inhalation and chemical burn risks. ^[15] 

Solvents, such as dichloromethane (a suspected carcinogen) and barium hydroxide (highly corrosive), are commonly used in clandestine labs, increasing the risks of burns, poisoning, or explosions in poorly ventilated settings. ^[1][5]

Health risks from impure products

Illicit LSD production often results in contaminated substances. Byproducts like iso-LSD (non-psychoactive) or residual solvents (e.g., chloroform) remain in the final product because of inadequate purification. ^[1] While LSD itself is less acutely toxic, impurities and erratic dosing can lead to unpredictable psychological effects, accidents, or exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions. ^[12]

Criminalization

Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, LSD is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has “no accepted medical use” and a “high potential for abuse.” ^[15] Manufacturing, distributing, or possessing LSD may impose sentences of up to 20 years in prison for first-time offenders. ^[16]

Law enforcement prioritization

The DEA categorizes LSD as a “high-priority” controlled substance because of its association with unregulated black markets and public health risks. Clandestine lab raids frequently uncover hazardous chemical waste. This is concerning, especially regarding the broader dangers these operations pose to communities. ^[5][14]

Technical challenges amplify risks

Even skilled chemists struggle to produce pure LSD. It degrades rapidly under heat, light, or moisture. Thus, advanced storage methods are required, which are absent in illicit labs. ^[1] Most illicit LSD is impure and adulterated, heightening the risks of using it. ^[12]

Ethical perspectives

• Some people contend that criminalizing LSD manufacturing enables unregulated markets, increasing the risks of contaminated products and limiting access to therapeutic research. ^[17] However, LSD’s Schedule I classification under the CSA in the U.S. reflects concerns about its potential for misuse and psychological harm. ^[14]
• Because LSD’s Schedule I status imposes stringent licensing requirements, it stifles studies on its therapeutic potential. For example, early-phase trials of LSD-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression are delayed because they face significant regulatory hurdles. ^[1][18]
• Illicit LSD labs often dispose of toxic waste (e.g., solvents, heavy metals) irresponsibly, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Direct studies on LSD production’s environmental impacts are limited; parallels can, however, be drawn from methamphetamine lab contamination, where hazardous waste disposal contributes to public health risks. ^[8][14]

Medical perspectives

• LSD holds potential for treating anxiety, depression, and addiction, as well as LSD-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life anxiety. ^[18] Such research relies on pharmaceutical-grade LSD, which is inaccessible due to production restrictions. ^[1]
• LSD made in underground labs is often contaminated with inactive byproducts (e.g., iso-LSD) or residual solvents (e.g., chloroform); this may result in unpredictable effects and hospitalizations. ^[5] While LSD use alone is less likely to cause acute toxicity, impurities and erratic dosing can lead to adverse health outcomes. ^[12]
• Advocates support regulated LSD production for research purposes, as this could minimize diversion. Skeptics, on the other hand, worry about the challenges of secure supply chains, given LSD’s high potency and historical misuse. ^[19]