lsd trip netflix

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

‘Have a Good Trip’ Review: Netflix LSD Doc Is Way Too High on Its Own Supply

David ehrlich.

• Share on Facebook
• Share to Flipboard
• Share on LinkedIn
• Show more sharing options
• Submit to Reddit
• Post to Tumblr
• Print This Page
• Share on WhatsApp

It can be a lot of (semi-sadistic) fun to watch someone have a bad trip, and it can be a lot of (shared) fun to listen to celebrities reminisce about the bad trips they’ve survived in the past, but it’s generally agonizing to sit down and do either of those things for more than an hour. That sad fact of life proves to be an insurmountable problem for Donick Cary’s “Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics,” an exasperating Netflix documentary so high on its own supply that it starts to see things that aren’t there — namely, the entertainment value in watching a bunch of famous people tell interchangeable stories about seeing the carpets move or whatever.

Want to hear Sting tell you about the time he ate some dried peyote, got higher than the notes in the chorus of “Roxanne,” and then watched Halley’s Comet from the top of a mountain while someone smeared deer’s blood over his face? Of course you do. Want A$AP Rocky to regale you with a story about when he had sex on mushrooms and ejaculated the entire spectrum of light (“I have no idea why there was a rainbow coming out of my dick; I don’t even like rainbows”). You’re only human.

Related Stories Netflix’s Tom Brady Roast Really Shouldn’t Have Been Live Years of New England Patriots Drama Finally Found Catharsis at a Tom Brady Netflix Roast

But in much the same way as your ego might dissolve into the universe after dropping some good acid, all of these personal accounts soon blend together into a generic swirl of shared memories, and the film’s efforts to offset that problem only end up making it worse. Like most bad trips, Cary’s documentary is ultimately harmless. And like most bad trips, you realize something’s gone wrong after just a few minutes, and then start to freak out that it’s never going to end.

Positioning itself as a tongue-in-cheek rebuke to the kind of fear-mongering PSAs that helped make psychedelics taboo in the American unconscious, “Have a Good Trip” never tries to hide or mitigate its pro-LSD agenda. While the vast majority of the movie is devoted to celebrities bumping their heads on the doors of perception, and the whole thing would fall apart if Cary’s subjects were just a bit less famous, the film is ostensibly meant to promote the mind-expanding possibilities of psilocybin and its friends — to further the idea that out-of-body experiences can enhance self-understanding, clarify our relationship with the planet, and even help treat anxiety disorders and drug addictions.

Kicking things off with a half-assed framing device that tries to split the difference between the film’s various modes, “Have a Good Trip” introduces Nick Offerman as the kind of lab-coated scientist who might show up at the start of an after-school special and tell his teenage audience that a single dose of LSD will leave them permanently insane. “Don’t get me wrong, drugs can be dangerous,” he tells us. “But they can also be hilarious.” With the doc so quick to show its true colors, occasional asides from the likes of Deepak Chopra or UCLA psychiatry professor Dr. Charles Grob amount to little more than cheap stabs at legitimacy.

“Have a Good Trip” is less successful as an educational film than it is as a re- educational film; viewers won’t really learn anything about the effects of psychedelics on the mind and body, but anyone without first-hand experience might gradually unlearn some of what they’ve been taught. The individual stories don’t add up to much, but the fact that all of these fame-os were able to get back on their feet after some pretty bad trips, well, there might be a lesson in that.

And Cary does what he can to bring those lessons to life, even if it can seem as if he’s yet to glean any wisdom from them, himself. Case in point: After a handful of talking heads mock the way that movies have always depicted acid trips (e.g. fish-eye lenses, hyper-saturated colors, etc.), Cary chooses to illustrate his subject’s recollections with the kind of wacky animation that feels as trite as anything else; it might be hard to compete with “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” but even “Booksmart” did it better.

Cary fares better when he relies on the talents of his cast — if most of your interview subjects are comedians, you might as well use them. In one of the film’s amusing re-enactment sequences, Adam DeVine embodies a young Anthony Bourdain as the late chef waxes paranoid about the time he thought he’d killed a pretty hitchhiker (Carrie Fisher also pops up, as the dead breathe new life into a documentary that’s clearly been collecting dust for a while). Elsewhere, Paul Scheer and Rob Corddry play each other in their respective trips, while Nick Kroll — true to Offerman’s promise — hilariously recreates the time he got high at the beach and became one with the kelp.

The most extensive gag is a fake after school special hosted by Adam Scott, and starring Riki Lindhome, Haley Joel Osment , Ron Funches, and Maya Erskine as innocent high school students who get peer-pressured into doing enough drugs to kill an elephant. The parody is too stale to justify how often Cary returns to it, but it builds to a series of gags that are almost funny enough to make the long walk seem worthwhile.

By that point, however, most people will have already ditched this doc in favor of some other streaming fare; perhaps “Never Have I Ever” or “Too Hot to Handle,” two recent Netflix Originals that are respectively funnier and more hallucinatory than “Have a Good Trip” in every way. There’s plenty of room for a movie that tries to destigmatize psychedelics — especially one that argues for personal experience, and has the presence of mind to maintain that these drugs aren’t for everyone — but this slapdash effort seriously overestimates the value (entertainment or otherwise) in listening to famous people talk about staring at their hands.

It doesn’t help that some of the anecdotes are almost too interesting: Rosie Perez’s account of how LSD liberated her from a lifetime of Catholic guilt is so rich that you wish Cary had devoted an entire episode of a show to it, as opposed to squeezing it into an overstuffed 80-minute documentary that feels so long it melts time and space together without any drug enhancement whatsoever. “ Life is a trip,” Chopra insists, and psychedelics might help to improve your ride. But there’s nothing this forgettable documentary can give you that one tab of LSD wouldn’t let you keep.

“Have a Good Trip” will be available to stream on Netflix starting Monday, May 11

Most Popular

You may also like.

• Action/Adventure
• Children's/Family
• Documentary/Reality
• Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

Anne Hathaway's 'Tonight Show' Interview Hits An Awkward Snag After The...

11 Best New Movies on Netflix: May 2024's Freshest Films to Watch

John Green’s ‘Turtles All the Way Down’ Cameo Is a Treat for His...

Spider-Man Swings onto 'X-Men '97' — But This Isn't Just Any Spider-Man

'GMA' Weatherman Rob Marciano's Firing Sparked By "Heated Screaming Match"...

Huey Lewis Tells Drew Barrymore What He Learned About Bruce Springsteen...

Sydney Sweeney Sings “Unwritten” Into Glen Powell’s Butt in Iconic...

Holly Madison Calls Bob Guccione A "Horrible Person" For Publishing...

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

Carrie Fisher’s ‘Have a Good Trip’ Interview is Hilarious and Bittersweet

Where to Stream:

• Have A Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics
• carrie fisher

7 Movies Like 'The Notebook' That Will Make You Swoon

Carrie fisher's final movie to be released more than 6 years after her death, 'star wars' is still having trouble minting movie stars after all these years, tom hanks says ai could help him star in movies posthumously: "my performances can go on and on".

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that Carrie Fisher is the greatest of all time. That’s simply a fact. But just in case you need additional evidence, I implore you to watch Fisher’s interview in the new documentary Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics , which released on Netflix today.

Directed by Donick Cary, who is best known as a comedy writer, this documentary is essentially just a collection of drug anecdotes from various celebrities, including Ben Stiller, Sting, A$AP Rocky, Sarah Silverman, and more. But it’s clear that Cary filmed these interviews some time ago, because Fisher, who died in 2016, and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, who died in 2018, are both featured in the movie.

Fisher’s interview, which comes at about the 30-minute mark, took place in her home in Beverly Hills. Fisher wryly called it an “acid house,” thanks to her collection of psychedelic-esque knick-knacks. Curled up on her big leather chair, she begins her story by telling the camera, “To me, it’s so hilarious to have like ‘drug anecdotes.’ The very nature of what you’re asking—if you’re doing drugs the right way, you can’t tell an orderly story.”

But the actor, writer, and comedian did her best. She launched into a story about the time she went took a trip, in more ways than one, to the island country of Seychelles.

“I would organize trips to places in the world simply to take acid there,” Fisher explained. “I would do these things and forget that I looked like someone named Princess Leia, or whatever I was for people.”

Once Fisher arrived, she took LSD and went down to the beach. “There was no one else on the beach. I’m with my Super 8 movie camera—that’s when this was—and I’m filming my friend. As this is going along, suddenly I sense that… there’s been a disturbance in the force.” At this point, Fisher sighed and dropped her head into her hands. “Don’t put that in. I turn around. And, by the way, I’m—I can’t imagine that I’m nude, but certainly, I’m topless. We turn around, and there are a busload of Japanese folk that have just arrived. It turns out where we are—it’s where they bring the tourists to have lunch from all the hotels!”

Fisher laughed, and said, “I am at that time, I believe, Princess Leia, in a profound way. And not clothed.”

It’s a hilarious story made better by the fact that Fisher is such a warm, funny storyteller. Each Have a Good Trip anecdote comes with an animated or live-action reenactment, and for Fisher, it was both. But Fisher is so naturally charming and witty, I found myself wishing Cary would drop the shtick for this one, to just let us appreciate a rare, precious moment with Fisher. (No shade to comedian Natasha Legerro, who plays Fisher in the reenactment, of course.)

At the same time, as funny as it is, listening to Fisher talk about her drug problem is sobering. “I think I heard about acid from John Belushi,” she said. “At that point, I didn’t have a problem with drugs. I had not gotten into the drug zone that would ultimately prove to be my downfall, which would be opiates.” While it’s not clear whether drugs contributed to Fisher’s fatal heart attack in 2016, her daughter Bille Lourd has stated that her mother’s struggle with drugs and mental health contributed to her death.

But according to Fisher, taking acid eased some of her symptoms of bipolar disorder. There is some research to suggest that LSD can be used to treat depression and anxiety.

“I took acid and went, ‘Oh. I see. This makes sense,'” Fisher explained. “And in fact, when I was first told I was bipolar—I went in to see a doctor and I said, ‘I felt normal on acid.'”

Watch Have a Good Trip on Netflix

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? 'Yellowstone's Season 5, Part 2 Premiere Date, Streaming Info, And More

Jenna Bush Hager Embarrasses Hoda Kotb On 'Today' By Asking Her If She's "Recently" Made Out With Anybody In Public: "Don't Lie"

When Will 'BMF' Season 3, Episode 10 Be On Starz?

'The View' Derailed As Brooke Shields Describes Benjamin Bratt's "Modesty Sock" In 'Mother Of The Bride'

Anne Hathaway's 'Tonight Show' Interview Hits An Awkward Snag After The Audience Reacts In Silence To Her Question

Jenna Bush Hager Suffers A Meltdown While Giving Advice To Viewers During A 'Today' Segment: "I Just Can't"

• Join Our Newsletters
• Post a Listing
• Your Listings
• Your Profile
• Your Subscriptions
• Your Business
• Payment History
• Sign up for Daily Headlines
• Sign up for Notifications
• National Entertainment

Review: Netflix's 'Have a Good Trip' is only a mild high

• Share by Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Text Message

We can't take trips these days for obvious reasons. But Netflix is offering a trip into the mind with a gentle new documentary about the world of hallucinogens.

Donick Cary’s “Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics” uses celebrities recounting their trips on LSD or mushroom to counteract built-up fears about psychotropic drugs — even offering tips about how to use them better — all against the backdrop of trippy '60s-style cartoons with rainbows and unwinding tongues.

This is a clearly pro-psychedelic film, not too preachy and not too pointed, with lazy science. There are really only two authoritative voices in the film and they both endorse investigation into hallucinogens — the alternative medicine guru Deepak Chopra (“We’re on a trip right now. Life is a trip,” he says) and UCLA psychiatry professor Dr. Charles Grob. There are no dissenting voices.

So if you prefer your drug advice from celebrities, this is the film for you. David Cross, Nick Kroll, Ben Stiller, Natasha Lyonne, A$AP Rocky and Sarah Silverman are among those talking about their trips, both bad and good. Silverman found herself in the passenger seat of a car driven by a man so high he’d forgotten how to drive.

That leads to one of the film's several drug tips, made to look like those “The More You Know” PSA: Don’t drive while tripping. Control your setting. Don’t ever look in the mirror. (“You can see through your skin,” Silverman warns.)

We learn that Lewis Black once got so high he forgot his own name and flipped through a dictionary for what seems like hours looking for clues. Rosie Perez tripped so bad once in the late 1980s that she was eventually doing the backstroke on a dance club floor.

These stories are often delightful — and enhanced by great cartoons or recreations acted by many of those interviewed — but are we sure we need celebrity insights here? Rob Corddry has played a satirical journalist on “The Daily Show” but we’re not sure he’s the guy who should be dispensing advice about how the national scientific community handles testing on acid ("We blew it," he says, minus an expletive).

Two of the best anecdotes are by terrific storytellers who are no longer with us — TV host and chef Anthony Bourdain and actress Carrie Fisher, both for whom the film is dedicated. (Which makes you wonder how long this film has been on the shelf).

Bourdain talks about his attempt to mimic Hunter S. Thompson by going on a road trip with a buddy to the Catskills with “a pretty dizzying array of controlled substances” — Quaaludes, weed, coke, beer, gin, hash and LSD. They picked up two hitchhiking exotic dancers and that’s when things took a turn.

Fisher confesses she took a lot of LSD over her life, including once in a park where she witnessed a talking acorn who insisted on showing her his choreography. “I never saw anything that wasn’t there. I just saw things that were there misbehave,” she notes, brilliantly.

Some celebrities have clearly thought deeply about their trips, like Sting, who while high on peyote in the English countryside, helped a cow give birth. “For me, the entire universe cracked open.” And Reggie Watts uses this poetic metaphor for hallucinogens: “It’s like a stepladder to look over a brick wall that’s a little bit too tall for you.”

There are intriguing moments when the thread to a better movie is revealed, as when Perez confides that her LSD trip prompted her to seek out therapy to help ease her Roman Catholic guilt. Sting also reveals that some of his trips have helped him write songs. Really? Which ones? More concrete examples of how mushrooms or dropping acid aided life are sorely needed.

And another misfire: Writer and director Cary has decided to lighten the mood by periodically mocking the paranoid anti-drug public service announcements of the ’80s with his own extended send-up that gets tiresome.

Adam Scott in a black leather jacket shows up in each, being ultra-serious about the evil of drugs. “Knock, knock, knock.' ‘Who is it?' ’It’s a deranged drifter who wants to torture you for the next 12 hours,’” he says in one ad-within-the-film. “That’s exactly what you’re doing when you open your brain to hallucinogenics.”

And the filmmaker has employed another marvelous off-kilter figure in Nick Offerman, pretending to be a scientist. “Don’t get me wrong, drugs can be dangerous,” he tells us. “But they can also be hilarious." But Offerman is neither in this film — and so he is wasted. Like this film — wasted but not in a good way.

“Have a Good Trip,” a Netflix release, is rated TV-MA for drug substances and language. Running time: 85 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.

Online: https://www.netflix.com/browse?jbv=80231917&jbp=0&jbr=1

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press

• See a typo/mistake?
• Have a story/tip?

This has been shared 0 times

Get your daily lakeland news briefing, more national entertainment.

• Oldest Newest

Review: Netflix’s ‘Have a Good Trip’ provides a weak buzz at best

• Morgan Pravato
• May 13, 2020

Nick Offerman serves as a quasi-host of the Netflix documentary 'Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics.' (Photo via YouTube)

• celebrities
• Have a good trip

Recommended Articles

UMD student fashion show celebrates spring with alumni designers

• Emely Miranda
• 10 hours ago

Students present creative dance pieces at UMoves performance

• Sophia Slaughenhoupt
• 18 hours ago

‘Radical Optimism’ opens new experimental paths for Dua Lipa

WRITTEN BY:

Nick hilden ,.

Nick Hilden

Sam woolfe ,, david connell ,.

David Connell

A comprehensive guide to having a good trip.

Table of contents

Introduction

Few substances in the history of chemistry are as notorious as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Known for its ability to profoundly alter one’s perception of reality, it has been called everything from a miracle drug to Richard Nixon’s declaration that LSD guru, Timothy Leary , was “the most dangerous man in America.” Some of the most renowned artists and thinkers of the past century have ascribed their inspiration to it. In the early days of its discovery, therapists embraced it as a near-miracle for mental health problems. Through it all, detractors have warned that it could destroy society as we know it. Suffice it to say, it has quite a reputation. ( 1 ) Though it’s been largely characterized by its association with the counterculture movement of the 1960s, before its prohibition, LSD enjoyed over two decades of avid research among psychiatrists who considered it a game changer. However, much of that research was lost when the work was halted following the prohibitory measures associated with the War on Drugs, which began in June of 1971. It has only recently begun to reemerge as a potential tool in the mental health space, as proponents have successfully captured the attention of the public with impressive evidence of its therapeutic potential. ( 2 )

“Taking LSD was a profound experience, one of the most important things in my life. LSD shows you that there’s another side to the coin… It reinforced my sense of what was important — creating great things instead of making money, putting things back into the stream of history and of human consciousness.”

―Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple Inc.

The History of LSD

While researching lysergic acid derivatives, the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on November 16, 1938. His main intention for the synthesis was to discover a respiratory and circulatory stimulant, otherwise known as an analeptic. He set aside LSD for five years until April 16, 1943, when he decided to take a second look at it. While re-synthesizing LSD, he accidentally absorbed some of the compound and discovered its powerful psychedelic effects. On April 19, 1943, Hofmann purposely ingested 0.25 milligrams (250 micrograms) of LSD, which resulted in intense perceptual changes. He journeyed home by bicycle and would recount this initial experience with LSD many times, describing it as both beatific and hellish. In honor of the significance of his discovery, this day has been commemorated by LSD enthusiasts as “Bicycle Day.” 

LSD saw several decades of interest and a flurry of research within the psychiatric community before the compound became embroiled in the political machinations of the Nixon administration’s War on Drugs.  Most research on LSD halted in 1965 when Sandoz Laboratories stopped producing the drug owing to increased concern about its use in the general public. LSD use was associated with anti-war activism during the Vietnam War, which many believe helped to drive efforts to criminalize the substance. Much of the “moral panic” surrounding LSD was also largely due to sensationalized media reporting and resulting stigma.  The federal government officially banned LSD in 1967. It would be another 40 years until the next scientific study on LSD-assisted psychotherapy would appear.

What is LSD, and Why is it Remarkable?

LSD is a powerful classical psychedelic compound that acts primarily on the brain’s serotonin system. Given its potency, LSD is always dosed in micrograms and offers a fairly long-lasting experience (around 12-18 hours). As mentioned, historically, it has been associated with the “flower power” movement of the 1960s. However, researchers in the 1950s through the early 1960s explored the compound as a tool to help treat mental health conditions such as depressive disorders, neurosis, and obsessive disorders. Over 1,000 scientific papers on LSD and other psychedelics were published in the 1950s and 1960s, and LSD was prescribed as a treatment to over 40,000 patients during that time. ( 3 , 4 ) Researchers such as Dr. Humphry Osmond (who notably provided mescaline to Aldous Huxley) gave LSD to alcoholics in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) who had failed to quit drinking. Osmond and his colleague Dr. Abram Hoffer reported that 40% to 45% of the alcoholics treated with LSD had not returned to drinking after a year. Osmond believed that psychedelics produced a terrifying artificial delirium that might frighten an alcoholic into change, though subsequent researchers have rejected this theory. ( 5 ) Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, research was conducted to investigate LSD’s potential to treat mental health conditions. In 1961, a study conducted by Stanley Yolles found that 69% of participants reported improvement in their depression symptoms after taking LSD. Similarly, research conducted by the Czech psychiatrist Stanislav Grof in the 1960s demonstrated that LSD could reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms experienced by schizophrenic patients. However, modern conventions do not recommend that individuals with schizophrenia or other schizoid disorders use LSD. ( 6 ) Psychedelic-peak therapy involved higher doses, as this was believed to help patients by providing a mystical experience (also known as a “peak” or “transcendent” experience), which may produce a sense of unity with the environment. The aim was to catalyze rapid and fundamental changes in the value system and self-image of the subject. ( 7 , 8 ) Stanislav Grof believed that LSD helped his patients resolve difficult early fetal and neonatal experiences. He built on Otto Rank’s theory of birth trauma, which is the idea that the trauma experienced at birth is key to understanding anxiety and neuroses later in life. ( 9 , 10 )

The LSD Experience

LSD induces a classical psychedelic experience. This means that after taking LSD, you may experience open or closed-eyed visual effects, such as color enhancement, objects morphing and “breathing,” the appearance of geometric patterns, and auditory or time distortions. Positive feelings like euphoria and an enhanced sense of connection are also common. ( 11 , 12 , 13 ) The LSD experience differs from that of other classical psychedelics, such as psilocybin , in some important ways. One key factor is that it is known to be more physically energizing and stimulating. Meaning, you’ll likely have a stronger desire to move around. The visuals may also be different and appear more “electric,” bright, sharp, and angular.

What We Know About LSD-Assisted Psychotherapy

Historically, LSD has been used for alcoholism, end-of-life anxiety, and anxiety disorders featuring depressive symptoms. ( 14 , 15 , 16 ) Researchers have proposed different theories about the LSD experience and how it can help alleviate emotional distress. There has often been a focus on psychedelics’ influence on our relationship to our emotions. Researchers in the ‘50s and ‘60s believed that LSD might benefit various conditions by altering the sense of self, shifting people away from limiting and negative beliefs about themselves, and towards more positive ones. ( 17 , 18 ) As is theorized with other psychedelics, LSD may also benefit patients with various mental health problems by promoting neuroplasticity (broadly speaking, the brain’s ability to change and grow), which has been observed in animal models. ( 19 , 20 )

When Will LSD Be Legalized for Medical Use?

LSD remains a Schedule I drug in the United States, which means the federal government views it as having no recognized medical value and a high potential for abuse. Most psychedelic trials have focused on other compounds, such as MDMA and psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms). For this reason, both MDMA and psilocybin will likely gain approval as a legal treatment on a state and federal level before LSD. It’s hard to say how long it will take for LSD-assisted psychotherapy to be legalized. However, some proposed initiatives have included LSD, including California’s Senate Bill 519 (which didn’t pass), Iowa’s House Bill 480 (which was introduced but has since failed), Maryland’s House Bill 1054 and Senate Bill 0784 (both not yet passed), and Missouri’s House Bill 2429 (which has not yet passed). ( 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) (Note: these legal changes and initiatives are evolving in real time.) LSD hasn’t always been so strictly prohibited. In her article on LSD’s storied history , Madison Margolin explores the mysteries of this dynamic compound. Madison also takes us through the LSD experience and the many wonders that the “Grandfather of Psychedelics” may hold. 

Accessing LSD Therapy

Given LSD’s legal status, the only way to access LSD-assisted psychotherapy, other than participating in a trial, is through an underground therapist. They wouldn’t provide the compound. In this situation, you would obtain the LSD yourself, and then take it in the presence of the therapist, who might also work with you before and/or after your session so that you can prepare for, and make sense of, the experience.  However, you should bear in mind that underground psychedelic therapy is unregulated. You should also be very careful about consuming any LSD purchased recreationally, as it may be a more harmful substance. For example, an NBOMe compound (a synthetic hallucinogen developed for brain and synapse mapping). ( 26 ) There are currently 27 ongoing and planned Phase I-III clinical trials for LSD. When some of these Phase III clinical trials have been published, this may help convince the government to begin considering a path to legalizing LSD-assisted psychotherapy for treating certain conditions. Generally, if a compound passes Phase III trials and gains FDA approval, it must undergo mandatory rescheduling within 90 days. ( 27 ) If you’d like to participate in a clinical trial involving LSD, you have a few options. The first and most direct route would be using clinicaltrials.gov . This website lists all active or recruiting trials in the U.S. and allows you to search for trials by conditions or keywords (like LSD). You can navigate to the trial organizer’s website and apply from there. Typically, researchers will interview potential participants and screen them for any medical issues that may preclude their participation.   Another route would be to contact research hospitals and universities near you. They will often have information available regarding trials, and may be able to assist you in the application process.

The Risks and Side Effects of LSD

As mentioned, LSD, perhaps more than any other psychedelic, is often associated with much of the propaganda propagated by the War on Drugs, which perpetuated fears that if you take it, you risk “losing your mind” and never returning. Anti-drug campaigns that focused on telling people that LSD ruined people’s mental health can be traced to the 1960s and 1970s. The history of LSD is complex. In some cases, recreational users took high doses of the drug (250 micrograms and above) without preparation and in less-than-ideal settings, resulting in isolated instances of psychiatric hospitalization. Marketing campaigns and news stories that included overblown scare tactics contributed to this negative impression of LSD. ( 28 ) The Nixon administration quickly capitalized on this hysteria in order to marginalize individuals associated with the counterculture and anti-Vietnam War movements. The few unfortunate cases of people suffering LSD-induced psychosis would be used to frighten regular Americans and U.S. legislators into supporting the establishment of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The actual risks of LSD are similar to other classical psychedelics. Distressing experiences are more likely to occur if you take too high a dose, without psychological support, and when you fail to respect “ set and setting ” (your current mindset and the environment in which you take the drug — more on that below). The use of LSD may worsen certain pre-existing mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. As with any psychedelic (or other drugs), you should proceed with caution. ( 29 , 30 , 31 ) LSD does carry risks like most substances, so it is important to consult a health professional before use. Clinical trials utilizing LSD ensure that these sorts of risks are minimized. Participants are screened for conditions that don’t mix well with the substance. They also receive plenty of support before, during, and after the experience. In a controlled and supervised setting, a positive and valuable experience is more than possible.

Common LSD side effects include:

• Residual stimulation and/or fatigue after the psychedelic effects wear off
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea (usually just during the come-up)

The day after your LSD journey, you may experience a positive side effect of psychedelics: the “ afterglow .” This is a period, sometimes lasting weeks, when you feel more joyous, energized, optimistic, and confident.  There have been some extremely rare cases of LSD triggering a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). HPPD can cause some people to continue experiencing visual and auditory perceptual changes for months or years after a psychedelic event. However, it is not common.

The Spiritual and Consciousness-Raising Impact of LSD

LSD may impart a “mystical” or “spiritual” experience associated with the expansion of consciousness. These experiences tend to be accompanied by a sensation of ego loss , which can be experienced as a dissolution of barriers between the self and the outside world, a feeling of “oneness” with the universe, and the transcendence of time and space. Underpinning all of these sensations is the perception of the revelation of spiritual truth. These mystical experiences can have a profound, almost ubiquitously positive impact on the individual, altering their views on existence and spirituality in a way that can persist for weeks, years, or even a lifetime. This experience is by no means rare. In fact, studies have shown that as many as 64% of LSD users undergo some form of partial or complete mystical experience. ( 32 , 33 ) Researchers validate a mystical experience via the metrics prescribed by the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) in which test subjects rate various aspects of their LSD journey and the effect it had on their consciousness. However, the study included additional questions that deviated from the standard questionnaire. In addition to reporting profound levels of openness, joy, oneness, ecstasy, a loss of normal space/time, reverence, and the conviction that what they’ve experienced was “real,” subjects also assert that the experience was ineffable and impossible to describe with words. ( 34 ) There is no consensus on why LSD inspires mystical experiences, let alone why it does so with such reliability. While studies have shown that psychedelics cause the brain to function similarly to when a person is dreaming, researchers have yet to uncover proof of the exact biological basis. In other words, we don’t know why it happens, only that it does . ( 35 )

How To Microdose LSD

LSD (along with psilocybin) is one of the few psychedelics that is easy to microdose . This is the process of taking small, sub-perceptual (below the feeling threshold) doses of a drug, in this case, LSD. Anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing may enhance things like creativity, performance, mental acuity, focus, and more. It’s what’s known as a “flow state.” Some proponents of microdosing believe it can do all of these things, though the science is still nascent on the subject. Typically, those who microdose follow something akin to the chart below, which is based on the Fadiman protocol. ( 36 )

Again, the chart above is based on a technique known as the Fadiman protocol , but there are other methods that people use to microdose. Typically you will start with one-tenth to one-twentieth of a recreational dose of LSD and (potentially) scale up from there to find a dose that works best for you. If you are using the Fadiman protocol, you may wish to use the transition day as an opportunity for self-growth. Some individuals enjoy taking time to journal, do yoga, or contemplate their goals. Others simply see it as an off-day to help prevent tolerance buildup.

How to Prepare for Your LSD Trip

The LSD experience tends to be rather long — as mentioned, sometimes lasting as long as eight to 12 hours. Over the course of this period, individuals are likely to oscillate through a wide array of powerful emotions. The experience can be quite positive and pleasurable, but you should be prepared to deal with some feelings that may be more challenging. One of the ways to ensure that you derive the greatest benefit from the journey, while minimizing difficulties, is by properly mentally preparing yourself and creating a comfortable environment — this is known as your “set and setting.” ( 37 ) As the LSD experience is prolonged and can be psychologically taxing, it’s important to prepare your set and setting to maximize your physical and mental well-being for the duration by:

• Learning About the LSD Experience

You should do your best to learn as much as you can about LSD before trying this powerful and mystical compound. Read books, speak with experienced psychonauts and medical practitioners specializing in the subject, and listen to podcasts about psychedelics . All of these tools can help you to prepare for a positive and insightful journey.

• Create an Intention for the Journey

Sit down and ask yourself a few important questions: Why do I want to try LSD? What are my goals? What sort of journey do I want to have? This inquiry can help you to set the stage for a beneficial LSD experience.

• Prepare Physically

The LSD experience can be physically exhausting. Prepare your body by eating healthy, enjoyable food for a few days before your journey. Don’t feel the need to starve yourself either, as a small meal a few hours beforehand can help settle your stomach and give you the energy you need for your trip. However, some people prefer to fast the day before and/or the morning of the experience. Make sure you’ve had plenty of rest ahead of your journey. 

• Calming your mind

While you may be seeking a psychedelic experience to address a mental health concern, you may not want to enter into the journey while actively experiencing acute distress. Additionally, if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, have just had a dispute with a loved one or friend, etc., you will want to take time to reset your mind before beginning the trip. As always, it is advised to be under the care of a mental health professional. Calm your mind as much as possible in the hours, or even days, leading up to taking the LSD. Yoga, meditation , and exercise may help. For that matter, engaging in anything you find joyful can get you in the right state of mind for an LSD trip.

When it comes to your setting, again, it’s important to consider the lengthy duration of the LSD experience. Make sure your setting (physical space) is optimal. This simply means that you should be in a place where you feel safe, secure, and comfortable. It’s a good idea to have things available that you find comforting, such as a favorite blanket, plush toy, or comfy chair. LSD inspires much more activity than other classical psychedelics, so it’s often beneficial to have space to move around. Ideally, you will have access to both indoor and outdoor/natural spaces — even a small garden will do.  It’s also helpful to consider: ( 38 )

• Activities/items you want on hand

There are some things that naturally elevate the LSD experience: art, nature, music, and good company can help you have the best trip possible. Consider painting, going for walks and hikes, or just lying down and listening to your favorite songs.  

• Food/drinks

While some LSD users may find themselves unable to eat during the journey, it’s common to feel hungry while coming down. Some people have no issues with eating while tripping on LSD, and find it highly enjoyable. In any case, have easy-to-eat foods stocked that require little to no preparation. Fruit, hard candy, gum, and bread are ideal. Also, don’t forget to hydrate. ( 32 )

While it’s not advisable to take LSD alone for your first experience, consider wisely who you choose to accompany you. If you’re going to be joined by a sober “tripsitter,” make sure it’s a therapist or friend you can trust and who will approach the situation with compassion (humor helps too). If your companions are taking LSD as well, consider if they are in the right “set” for the experience. One bad set (frame of mind) has the potential to throw the whole thing off for everyone involved. 

What to Expect From Your LSD Trip

LSD trips are extremely unpredictable in terms of the psychological content that may arise, but the physical experience tends to follow a somewhat reliable progression: ( 39 , 40 )

• Once you take LSD, you may not feel anything for 15-120 minutes.
• You’ll often see the change before you feel it. The world around you will appear in increasingly high contrast. In this window of time, you might realize that you’re feeling a bit “lighter” and notice that you’re laughing more than usual.
• When the effects become more obvious, you may begin to see subtly moving patterns overlaying the world around you. You may feel warm to the point of sweating, and may feel LSD’s most common negative physical side effect: nausea. While unpleasant, it will generally pass within about 20 minutes. 
• About 90-120 minutes into the experience, you will begin to “peak.” This is typically the highest point in the journey, and is often when you’ll experience the apex of the mystical experience. You may feel as if you’ve lost the boundaries of your body, and fused with the oneness of the universe. You may experience elaborate hallucinations that completely transform the world around you. You may lose the ability to speak, move with coordination, or even remember your name or the names of those around you. All of this is frequently accompanied by high levels of awe, joy, ecstasy, fear, or some mix of many emotions. It is advisable to sit someplace comfortable and simply take it all in during this period. Remember that you will likely forget most of the details of what you experience during a peak, though you may retain a general impression. 
• After the peak of your LSD trip, the effects of the drug will remain strong for another four to six hours. For many, this is the most enjoyable period of the journey. While the world isn’t quite as transformed as during the peak, it may still appear extraordinarily altered. You may experience a wide range of emotions and insights, often accompanied by a general sense of physical pleasure. Hallucinations are unpredictable, but you will likely experience vivid colors, light tracers, moving patterns (particularly when your eyes are closed), and sometimes dramatically transformed landscapes. It might appear as if you’re in a painting. Plants and structures will probably shift and move. The ground or sky may boil or ebb and flow like the tide. It’s impossible to guess the specifics, but visuals will likely occur. 
• At some point, you’ll sort of snap out of it, and you’ll realize that you’re no longer as deep in the experience as you once were. You’ll likely continue feeling the effects of the LSD for another two to four hours, but they will be significantly diminished. Your thoughts may be somewhat scattered, and you may feel physically shaky, hungry, and tired. 

While many opponents of psychedelics cite the much-touted “bad trip” as a reason to avoid the experience, the fact is that many who undergo a challenging journey later report that it resulted in an improvement in their sense of well-being, and even cite it as one of the most important experiences of their lives. ( 40 ) Even if you have a more difficult journey, it may not really be so “bad.” Mattha Busby’s article The Good Part of A Bad Trip explores how these events can be opportunities to learn about ourselves and our relationship with psychedelics.   Challenging trips tend to arise for a variety of reasons. They may be the result of improper set and setting, or because an individual is confronting a painful topic. The latter is often, in fact, precisely the opportunity for growth and positive change that one is seeking in the first place.  That said, when a challenging trip looms, you can do a few things to alleviate, or even make the best of, the situation:

• Lean Into It

Go into the journey with the conviction that you will move through whatever arises. When challenges emerge, face them bravely and question why you’re feeling the way you do. This is often where the most rewarding work is done.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help

Let your therapist, tripsitter, or companions know that you’re having a hard time. Call a friend if necessary. The Fireside Project has an app that will connect you to support if a tough trip becomes too much to handle.

• Switch Things Up

If your current setting feels a little off, changing things up may be a good idea. Try going outside for a walk or rearrange your setting. Sometimes this can help you snap out of a challenging moment. Nature, in particular, can be excellent for brightening up your spirit and encouraging positive feelings.

• Make Some Noise

Sing, hum, or whistle. This can distract you, and you may even laugh a bit, which can help you to focus on something external and get out of your head.

Integrating Your LSD Journey

After you’ve begun to come down, it’s time for integration . Integration is the process of reviewing and thinking about your experience to determine what, if any, key insights can be taken away from it. Some people enjoy journaling — during and/or after their trip — to integrate things they’ve learned. You could also find a knowledgeable counselor with psychedelic experience and discuss your trip with them.  At its core, integration is about taking the potentially life-changing lessons of these journeys, and grounding them into your daily life. This is transformational work that can inspire and create lasting change. For example, suppose you have an insight that your temper is damaging your relationships. In that case, you may integrate that insight by practicing breathing techniques when you feel anger rising in your daily life. Be gentle with yourself, and seek support as needed. 

Integration comes in many forms, but a few common examples include:

• Talking with a trained therapist, counselor, or guide knowledgeable about the LSD experience. Or seeking out support groups or circles. 
• Speak with your tripsitter, friends who have also used LSD, or people you trust.
• Write down your experience. You can write down all that you remember for posterity and to help you anchor it into your consciousness, but it’s likely best (and more manageable) to choose one to three insights to focus on at a time.
• Create wonderful works of art that reflect the things you saw and discovered.
• Meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices can help to recenter you.
• Create daily rituals that reinforce things you’ve learned. If you’ve realized that you’re not treating yourself with as much love as you’d like, think about doing one thing each day that feels self-nourishing.

The list can be endlessly tailored to your personality and intentions. Whatever the case, this is your time to play with, and integrate, the lessons and epiphanies LSD has imparted. 

This material is not intended as a replacement or substitute for any legal or medical advice. Always consult a medical professional about your health needs. Psychedelics are widely illegal in the United States, and readers should always be informed about local, state, and federal regulations regarding psychedelics or other drugs.

• Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics.  Pharmacological Reviews ,  68 (2), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478
• Fuentes, J. J., Fonseca, F., Elices, M., Farré, M., & Torrens, M. (2019, November 28). Therapeutic use of LSD in psychiatry: A systematic review of randomized-controlled clinical trials . Frontiers. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00943/full
• Psychedelics are transforming the way we understand depression and its treatment | Robin Carhart-Harris . (2021, April 20). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/20/psychedelics-depression-treatment-psychiatry-psilocybin
• IAnne, K., & Abdolreza Saadabadi. (2019, March 25).  Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) . Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482407/
• Belouin, S. J., & Henningfield, J. E. (2018). Psychedelics: Where we are now, why we got here, what we must do.  Neuropharmacology ,  142 , 7–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.02.018
• Tanne, J. H. (2004). Humphry Osmond.  BMJ : British Medical Journal ,  328 (7441), 713. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC381240/
• Thal, S. B., Bright, S. J., Sharbanee, J. M., Wenge, T., & Skeffington, P. M. (2021, May 31). Current perspective on the therapeutic preset for substance-assisted psychotherapy . Frontiers. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617224/full
• Thal, S. B., Bright, S. J., Sharbanee, J. M., Wenge, T., & Skeffington, P. M. (2021, May 31). Current perspective on the therapeutic preset for substance-assisted psychotherapy . Frontiers. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617224/full
• Mithoefer, M., Jerome, L., Ruse, J., Doblin, R., Gibson, E., & Ot’alora, M. (n.d.).  A Manual for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder . https://maps.org/research-archive/mdma/MDMA-Assisted-Psychotherapy-Treatment-Manual-Version7-19Aug15-FINAL.pdf
• Schenberg, E. E. (2018). Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Research and Development.  Frontiers in Pharmacology ,  9 (733). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00733
• Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., Day, C. M. J., Erritzoe, D., Kaelen, M., Bloomfield, M., Rickard, J. A., Forbes, B., Feilding, A., Taylor, D., Pilling, S., Curran, V. H., & Nutt, D. J. (2016). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(7), 619–627. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30065-7
• Koslowski, M., Johnson, M. W., Gründer, G., & Betzler, F. (2021). Novel Treatment Approaches for Substance Use Disorders: Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics and the Role of Psychotherapy.  Current Addiction Reports . https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00401-8
• Grof, Stanislav, 1931- . (2016). Purdue.edu. https://archives.lib.purdue.edu/agents/people/1822
• Pizarro Obaid, F. (2012). Sigmund Freud and Otto Rank: debates and confrontations about anxiety and birth.  The International Journal of Psychoanalysis ,  93 (3), 693–715. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-8315.2012.00594.x
• Busch, A. K., & Johnson, W. C. (1950, August 11). L.S.D. 25 as an aid in psychotherapy; Preliminary report of a new drug . Diseases of the nervous system. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14793387/
• LSD “helps alcoholics to give up drinking.” (2012, March 8).  BBC News . https://www.bbc.com/news/health-17297714
• Duhaime-Ross, A. (2014, March 5).  Acid test: LSD used as drug therapy for the first time in 40 years . The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/5/5473828/lsd-drug-therapy-first-time-in-40-years
• Dolan, W. E,. (2022) LSD-assisted therapy induces rapid and lasting reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, according to new research. (2022, September 8). Psypost.org. https://www.psypost.org/2022/09/lsd-assisted-therapy-induces-rapid-and-lasting-reductions-in-anxiety-and-depression-symptoms-according-to-new-research-63870
• Yuan, W.-C., Wang, Y., Tate, P. H., Rybakin, V., Rothenberg, M. E., Numata, S., Nichols, C. D., Martin, D. A., Ly, C., Jones, P. A., Goto, Y., Detich, N., Cao, J. K., Boulle, F., Almeida, C. A. F., Aizawa, S., Akalin, A., Birot, A., Brown, I. R., … Hibicke, M. (2022, June 28). Modulation of DNA methylation and protein expression in the prefrontal cortex by repeated administration of D-Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): Impact on neurotropic, neurotrophic, and neuroplasticity signaling . Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584622000860
• de Vos, C. M. H., Mason, N. L., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2021, August 19). Psychedelics and neuroplasticity: A systematic review unraveling the biological underpinnings of psychedelics . Frontiers. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606/full
• Calder, A. E., & Hasler, G. (2022). Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity.  Neuropsychopharmacology , 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-022-01389-z
• De Gregorio, D., Inserra, A., Enns, J. P., Markopoulos, A., Pileggi, M., El Rahimy, Y., Lopez-Canul, M., Comai, S., & Gobbi, G. (2022). Repeated lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) reverses stress-induced anxiety-like behavior, cortical synaptogenesis deficits and serotonergic neurotransmission decline. Neuropsychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-022-01301-9
• California Legislative Information. (2021). Senate Bill No. 519. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB519
• Iowa Legislature. (2021). House File 480. https://legiscan.com/IA/text/HF480/2021
• Maryland General Assembly. (2022). House Bill 1054. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1054?ys=2022RS
• Maryland General Assembly. (2022). Senate Bill 784. Retrieved from https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0784?ys=2022rs
• Bogenschutz, M. P., & Johnson, M. W. (2016). Classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, 64, 250-258.
• Halpern, J. H., & Pope, H. G. (2003). Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: what do we know after 50 years?. Drug and alcohol dependence, 69(3), 109-119.
• Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., & Griffiths, R. R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of psychopharmacology, 22(6), 603-620.
• Gasser, P., Holstein, D., Michel, Y., Doblin, R., & Yazar-Klosinski, B. (2014). Safety and efficacy of lysergic acid diethylamide-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases. The journal of nervous and mental disease, 202(7), 513-520.
• Hanes, K. R., Gasser, P., Mithoefer, M. C., Jerome, L., Wagner, M. T., & Doblin, R. (2019). Investigating set and setting in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: a qualitative study. Psychopharmacology, 236(2), 515-527
• Borgland, S. L., & Neyens, D. M. (2022). Serotonergic psychedelic treatment for obesity and eating disorders: potential expectations and caveats for emerging studies.  Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience ,  47 (3), E218–E221. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.220090
• Liechti, M. E., Dolder, P. C., & Schmid, Y. (2016). Alterations of consciousness and mystical-type experiences after acute LSD in humans.  Psychopharmacology ,  234 (9-10), 1499–1510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-016-4453-0
• Barrett, F. S., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2015, November). Validation of the revised mystical experience questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin . Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203697/
• The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (30 Questions) . (n.d.). Trippingly. https://www.trippingly.net/lsd-studies/2018/5/22/the-mystical-experience-questionaire-30-questions
• Murphy, R. J., Sumner, R. L., Evans, W., Menkes, D., Lambrecht, I., Ponton, R., Sundram, F., Hoeh, N., Ram, S., Reynolds, L., & Muthukumaraswamy, S. (2021). MDLSD: study protocol for a randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of repeated microdoses of LSD in healthy volunteers.  Trials ,  22 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05243-3
• LSD – Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.). Adf.org.au. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/lsd
• Erowid LSD (Acid) Vault : Effects . (2017). Erowid.org. https://erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_dose.shtml
• HANDBOOK FOR THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE-25 INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PROCEDURES. (n.d.). https://maps.org/research-archive/ritesofpassage/lsdhandbook.pdf
• Gashi, L., Sandberg, S., & Pedersen, W. (2021). Making “bad trips” good: How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences.  International Journal of Drug Policy ,  87 , 102997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102997

• Animated Movies You Should Watch
• See 'Machine Elves' on DMT
• Fun Facts About Mushrooms!
• The Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch
• Awesome Movies to Watch on Mushrooms
• Colorful Films to Watch on Psychedelics
• The Funniest Movies to Watch
• Documentaries to Check Out
• Scary Movies to Watch with Caution
• The Best Things to Look at on LSD
• The Worst Things That Can Happen on Mushrooms
• Honey That Is Hallucinogenic
• What's Happening to Your Body
• Celebs Who Owe Their Careers to Psychedelics
• The Dangers of Misidentifying Mushrooms

The 65+ Best Psychedelic Animation Movies

When it comes ot the  best animated movies to watch on LSD, there are actually a surprising number of options. Perhaps you've come in from a long commune with nature and are looking for some beautiful visuals to help you unwind? Or maybe you're tripping in the dead of winter and want a film that will inspire long, meaningful conversations. Regardless, look no further LSD adventurer! This list has got you covered with some pretty trippy cartoon movies..

Here, you'll find a collection of animated films to watch when you're high that are full of gorgeous visuals, mind-bending storylines, and perhaps even the occasional deep bit of insight. Whether you're looking for a movie to really tune into or something cool to play in the background, these trip-worthy animated movies will not disappoint. 

Be sure to vote for your favorite movies in order to help others find great animation to accompany an acid trip! 

Ponyo is a spellbinding animated film that explores the wonders and mysteries of the ocean through the eyes of a young girl and her magical fish friend. Filled with enchanting visuals, mesmerizing underwater sequences, and vibrant colors, this Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece is a must-watch for those seeking a psychedelic and awe-inspiring cinematic experience. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid ,  Ponyo incorporates whimsical elements and endearing characters that evoke a sense of wonderment and adventure. The film's lush animation and heartwarming story will leave you entranced and eager to dive deeper into the magical world of Ponyo .

• # 112 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 339 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
• # 81 of 219 on The Best English Dubbed Anime of All Time

Paprika is a dazzling, mind-twisting animated film delving into the world of dreams and subconscious desires, making it a perfect movie to watch while high. Director Satoshi Kon expertly crafts a surreal, disorienting world that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, keeping viewers entranced from beginning to end. Using innovative animation techniques, Paprika explores layered, intricate psychological themes that will challenge your perceptions and leave you questioning the nature of reality itself. With its bold colors, dynamic visuals, and engaging storytelling, Paprika is a stunning experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression on any viewer.

• # 41 of 69 on The Top Horror Anime Of All Time, Ranked
• # 16 of 66 on The Greatest Animated Sci Fi Movies
• # 22 of 73 on The Best Anime to Watch While You're Stoned

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is a breathtaking visual masterpiece that transcends the traditional animated film medium, making it the perfect movie to watch while under the influence of LSD. Director Hayao Miyazaki harnesses the power of complex and otherworldly imagery, crafting a universe filled with bold colors, fascinating creatures, and mesmerizing environments. Encompassing themes of self-discovery, growth, and perseverance amidst a rollercoaster of emotions, Spirited Away is a mind-bending journey that will captivate your senses and leave you awestruck by the sheer artistry on display.

• # 390 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 37 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 9 of 80 on The 50+ Best First Anime To Watch For New Fans, Ranked

Howl's Movie Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is a mesmerizing fusion of whimsical storytelling, complex characters, and richly textured animation that takes viewers on a captivating journey into the ethereal realm of magic and romance. As the titular castle roams across psychedelic landscapes, morphing and transforming amidst fantastical battles, the film envelopes the viewer in a kaleidoscope of surreal images and experiences. Director Hayao Miyazaki creates a world where logic and imagination intertwine, offering an intoxicating escape from the mundane. Filled to the brim with mind-bending visuals, Howl's Moving Castle is a must-watch for anyone seeking a highly stimulating and thought-provoking animated experience.

• Dig Deeper... 15 Quotes From 'Howl's Moving Castle' That Could Break Any Curse
• # 322 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 20 of 182 on The 50+ Best Romance Anime Ever Made (2024 Update)

Fantastic Planet

Fantastic Planet is a groundbreaking animated film that delves into the realms of science fiction and surrealism, taking viewers on a mind-altering journey into the heart of an alien world. Directed by René Laloux, this French classic is renowned for its distinctive art style, mesmerizing visual effects, and captivating narrative that explores themes of oppression, freedom, and the strangeness of life itself. The movie's psychedelic landscapes and bizarre creatures transport viewers to a realm of pure imagination, ripe for exploration while under the influence of LSD. As a standout example of innovative animation and thought-provoking storytelling, Fantastic Planet is undoubtedly a film that will leave a lasting impression on all who venture into its otherworldly depths.

• # 345 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 29 of 66 on The Greatest Animated Sci Fi Movies
• # 117 of 143 on The 100+ Best Movies To Watch While You're Stoned

Yellow Submarine

As a classic psychedelic adventure that transports viewers to a fantastical realm of music and art, Yellow Submarine is an essential addition to any list of animated films to watch while high. Directed by George Dunning and inspired by The Beatles' music, the film effortlessly blends vibrant colors, abstract animation, and surreal imagery to create a one-of-a-kind visual experience. The distinctive character designs and unique musical interludes throughout the film work in tandem to immerse viewers in a brightly colored, kaleidoscopic world that defies the bounds of imagination. Yellow Submarine provides an unforgettable journey into the very heart of psychedelia, inviting you to come aboard and explore the endless possibilities of creativity and self-expression.

• # 79 of 204 on Musical Movies With The Best Songs
• # 287 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 208 of 703 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Princess Mononoke

The sprawling epic tale of Princess Mononoke is anchored in its unique combination of stunning visuals and powerful environmental themes, making it an enthralling animated film to experience whilst high. The distinct character design, particularly of the various animal gods, draws viewers into an immersive world teeming with intrigue and enchantment. Director Hayao Miyazaki seamlessly integrates traditional Japanese folklore into the narrative, creating a complex tapestry that explores the battle between nature and humanity. Within the film's lush landscapes and intense action sequences, viewers are transported on a mind-altering journey through a fantastical realm that challenges the very fabric of reality.

• # 6 of 122 on The Best Old School Anime From 1999 And Before
• # 80 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 59 of 115 on The Saddest Anime Series of All Time

Heavy Metal

As a cult classic that pushes the boundaries of animated storytelling, Heavy Metal is an intoxicating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adult-oriented themes that makes it a perfect film to watch while high on LSD. This 1981 anthology film features a series of distinct stories, each showcasing stunning visuals, groundbreaking animation techniques, and a pulsating rock soundtrack. The film's vivid colors, sensual imagery, and evocative narratives transport viewers to a realm of pure imagination where anything is possible, and reality is only limited by the mind's own creations. With its diverse and imaginative storytelling, Heavy Metal stands as a true testament to the power of animation to captivate and challenge viewers in a way that few other films can.

• # 250 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 332 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 31 of 75 on The Best Movies Of 1981

Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking anime, Akira , is a visual and cerebral tour de force that explores the depths of human nature, technology, and the power of the human mind. The film's stunning animation and innovative use of color contribute to an intense, visceral experience that captivates and challenges viewers, making it an ideal choice for those under the influence of LSD. With its complex narrative and intricate visuals, Akira transports audiences to a dystopian future where the lines between reality and imagination are blurred, and the possibilities are as limitless as the human mind itself. As a testament to the transformative power of animation, Akira remains an unforgettable and essential viewing experience for anyone seeking to explore the far reaches of their consciousness.

• # 322 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 64 of 165 on The 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
• # 144 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

The Lord of the Rings

Ralph Bakshi's ambitious adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings transports viewers to the awe-inspiring world of Middle-earth, where fantastical creatures and epic battles come alive through groundbreaking animation techniques. This visually arresting film employs a unique blend of traditional animation and rotoscoping, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that is both haunting and mesmerizing. With its richly detailed landscapes, captivating character designs, and enthralling storytelling, The Lord of the Rings provides viewers under the influence of LSD with a truly immersive and mind-expanding journey into the heart of one of literature's most beloved sagas.

• # 124 of 374 on The Best Movies Based On Books
• # 32 of 308 on The 300+ Best Epic Movies Of All Time
• # 7 of 50 on The Best Movies With Elves

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox is a wonderfully eccentric and visually captivating stop-motion animated film that delivers an irresistible blend of wit, charm, and heart. With its attention to detail and inventive storytelling, the movie immerses viewers in a distinctive world teeming with endearing characters and delightful quirks. Through the use of intricate set designs, vibrant colors, and stylized animal puppets, Anderson creates a whimsical and immersive world that is sure to captivate and mesmerize viewers under the influence of LSD. Fantastic Mr. Fox's unique blend of humor and pathos, coupled with its singular visual style, make it an animated film that stands out from the pack and leaves a lasting impression on all who experience its offbeat charm.

• # 123 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 229 of 374 on The Best Movies Based On Books
• # 26 of 35 on Great Movies That Take Place In Autumn

Fantasia 2000

A magnificent ode to the fusion of music and animation, Fantasia 2000 offers viewers an unparalleled sensory experience that showcases the power of imagination and the boundless possibilities of the animated medium. Building upon the legacy of the original Fantasia , this gorgeously crafted film features a series of visually stunning and emotionally evocative vignettes set to the soaring melodies of various classical compositions. Through a combination of cutting-edge digital animation and traditional hand-drawn techniques, Fantasia 2000 blends the realms of sight and sound to create a mesmerizing, psychedelic journey that will leave viewers under the influence of LSD in awe of the sheer artistry and creativity on display. As an enduring celebration of the wonders of animation and the magic of music, Fantasia 2000 stands as a testament to the transcendent power of the cinematic experience.

• # 199 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 114 of 155 on The 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
• # 93 of 136 on The 120+ Best Movies For 10-Year-Old Kids

My Neighbor Totoro

Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting tale of childhood wonder, My Neighbor Totoro , is a delightfully surreal adventure packed with vivid colors, captivating creatures, and heartwarming moments. This beautifully animated film transports viewers to a dreamlike world where the lines between reality and imagination are constantly shifting, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a visually stimulating and emotionally resonant viewing experience while under the influence of LSD. Through its richly detailed landscapes and endearing character designs, My Neighbor Totoro instills a sense of wonder and nostalgia that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. As a timeless celebration of the magic of childhood and the healing power of nature, this beloved classic is sure to captivate and enchant all who venture into its fantastical realm.

• Dig Deeper... There's Totally a My Neighbor Totoro Sequel, But You Can Only See It At The Ghibli Museum
• # 9 of 122 on The Best Old School Anime From 1999 And Before
• # 318 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

Masaaki Yuasa's Mind Game is a psychedelic and mind-bending exploration of love, self-perception, and the human experience, making it an ideal animated film to watch high on LSD. With its unconventional narrative structure, mesmerizing visuals, and bold use of color, Mind Game provides an immersive and surreal experience that challenges the boundaries of conventional animation. The film's ingenious mix of traditional hand-drawn animation and digital techniques, combined with a compelling story and memorable characters, make Mind Game a must-see for anyone seeking a truly transformative and mind-expanding cinematic adventure. As an innovative masterpiece of modern animation, Mind Game is a testament to the power of the medium to push the limits of imagination and transport viewers to worlds beyond their wildest dreams.

• # 128 of 139 on The 100+ Best Films To Watch Stoned
• # 16 of 31 on The Best Anime Like Paprika
• # 42 of 64 on The 50+ Trippiest Anime That Mess With Your Head, Ranked

Ghost in the Shell

Taking viewers on a cerebral and visually stunning journey into a futuristic world where the line between man and machine has become blurred, Ghost in the Shell delivers an immersive experience that is as thought-provoking as it is awe-inspiring. Directed by Mamoru Oshii, this groundbreaking anime film explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality through its intricate narrative and breathtaking animation. The film's evocative mix of traditional hand-drawn animation and cutting-edge CGI creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that will leave viewers high on LSD questioning their own perceptions and the very nature of existence. As a pioneering work of science fiction, Ghost in the Shell remains a timeless exploration of the human condition and the potentials and pitfalls of technological advancement.

• Dig Deeper... Who Would You Cast Instead Of Scarlett Johansson In Ghost In The Shell
• # 7 of 122 on The Best Old School Anime From 1999 And Before
• # 217 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

It's Such a Beautiful Day

Don Hertzfeldt's deeply poignant and visually experimental film, It's Such a Beautiful Day , takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through the human experience, making it an ideal animated film to watch while high on LSD. Through a combination of minimalist animation, striking visuals, and thought-provoking narrative, Hertzfeldt explores complex themes of memory, mental health, and the nature of existence with a rare blend of humor and heart. The film's unique mix of hand-drawn animation and inventive storytelling techniques provides a visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience that will leave viewers questioning their own perceptions and contemplating the beauty and fragility of life itself. As a testament to the power of animation to capture both the absurdity and the profundity of the human experience, It's Such a Beautiful Day is a truly transformative work of art.

The Animatrix

As a visually breathtaking and philosophically profound extension of the groundbreaking Matrix trilogy, The Animatrix offers viewers a collection of nine animated stories that explore the mysterious and mesmerizing world of the Matrix . Each segment is a unique blend of cutting-edge animation techniques, mind-bending storytelling, and evocative themes that delve into the nature of reality, identity, and the human experience. Perfect for those seeking a visually stimulating and intellectually challenging viewing experience while under the influence of LSD, The Animatrix transports audiences to a realm of pure imagination where the boundaries between the real and the virtual are constantly being redefined. As a testament to the endless possibilities of animated storytelling, this groundbreaking anthology film is a must-watch for fans of both animation and thought-provoking science fiction.

• # 13 of 66 on The Greatest Animated Sci Fi Movies
• # 82 of 152 on The Best Movies Of 2003, Ranked
• # 371 of 403 on The 300+ Best Sci-Fi Movies Of All Time

Ralph Bakshi's groundbreaking animated feature, Wizards , is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the philosophical battle between technology and nature. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology coexist in an uneasy balance, the film's use of richly detailed animation and striking imagery makes it a perfect choice for viewers under the influence of LSD. The unique blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and social commentary creates a fascinating and immersive experience that challenges the viewer's perceptions and invites them to ponder the nature of reality itself. As a testament to the power of animation to stimulate both the senses and the intellect, Wizards stands as a truly groundbreaking and visionary work of art.

• Dig Deeper... The Best Songs About Magic
• # 364 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 43 of 50 on The Best Movies With Elves

As a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of family, memory, and the power of music, Disney and Pixar's Coco is a captivating animated film that transports viewers to a colorful and vibrant world beyond the veil of our own reality. The film's richly detailed landscapes, inspired by Mexican culture and the celebration of Día de los Muertos, provide an immersive and visually stimulating experience that is perfect for those under the influence of LSD. Through its endearing characters, heartfelt storytelling, and mesmerizing visuals, Coco offers a deep and transformative journey into the heart of what it means to be human and the enduring bonds that connect us all. As a testament to the power of animation to illuminate the deepest aspects of our humanity, Coco stands as a timeless celebration of love, life, and the inherent magic of the world around us.

• Dig Deeper... 10 Facinating Facts Most People Don't Know About The Dog Breed From Disney's 'Coco'
• # 47 of 204 on Musical Movies With The Best Songs
• # 22 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies

The Triplets of Belleville

The Triplets of Belleville is a visually striking and delightfully offbeat animated film that transports viewers to a surreal world teeming with quirky characters and enchanting musical performances. Directed by Sylvain Chomet, this unique movie plays with the boundaries of reality and imagination, blending traditional hand-drawn animation with innovative storytelling techniques to create a truly mesmerizing experience. The film's distinctive art style, richly textured atmosphere, and engaging narrative make it a perfect choice for those seeking a mind-bending adventure while under the influence of LSD. With its blend of whimsy, wonder, and arresting visuals, The Triplets of Belleville is a cinematic gem that showcases the power of animation to captivate and delight viewers in a way few other films can.

• # 371 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 6 of 10 on Creepy Easter Eggs Hidden In The Background Of Movies
• # 104 of 120 on The Best Family Movies Rated PG-13

Treasure Planet

Disney's Treasure Planet takes the classic tale of Treasure Island and catapults it into a visually stunning and imaginative world of space pirates, futuristic technology, and intergalactic adventure. The film's innovative combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and cutting-edge CGI creates a vibrant and immersive universe that is perfect for exploration while under the influence of LSD. With its breathtaking landscapes, dynamic action sequences, and endearing characters, Treasure Planet offers a truly captivating and thrilling experience that defies the bounds of reality. As a testament to the limitless potential of animation to transport viewers to new and exciting worlds, this beloved film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a visually stimulating and engaging cinematic adventure.

• # 78 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 108 of 155 on The 150+ Best Classic Tween Movies
• # 29 of 152 on The Best Movies of 2002

Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit dives headfirst into the fascinating world of Middle-earth, offering a unique and mind-bending visual experience for viewers seeking a trip into an enchanting realm. Utilizing a striking combination of traditional animation and rotoscoping techniques, the film delivers an otherworldly atmosphere that captures the essence of Tolkien's epic tale. The lush landscapes and captivating character designs transport viewers on a mesmerizing journey alongside Bilbo Baggins, as he navigates the challenges and wonders of a world filled with magic and mystery. The Hobbit's innovative animation techniques and immersive storytelling make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the depths of their imagination while under the influence of LSD.

The Emperor's New Groove

The Emperor's New Groove is a vibrant and quirky animated film that takes viewers on a wild ride through a fantastical world filled with eccentric characters and outlandish misadventures. This Disney classic is bursting at the seams with colorful animation, slapstick humor, and unexpected twists, making it a joyous and entertaining experience for those under the influence of LSD. The film's unique blend of ancient South American culture and modern comedic sensibilities creates a captivating atmosphere where anything can happen and nothing is quite as it seems. With its lively animation, infectious energy, and heartwarming story, The Emperor's New Groove guarantees a rollicking good time for anyone who ventures into its delightfully zany world.

• Dig Deeper... 12 Things You Didn't Know About The Chaos Behind The Scenes Of 'The Emperor's New Groove'
• # 26 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 554 of 703 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Heavy Metal 2000

As a sequel to the cult classic Heavy Metal , Heavy Metal 2000 continues the tradition of delivering a visually striking, adult-oriented animated film that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. This anthology features a series of distinct stories, each showcasing stunning visuals, innovative animation techniques, and a pulsating soundtrack. The vivid colors, sensual imagery, and evocative narratives make Heavy Metal 2000 a perfect choice for viewers seeking a mind-bending adventure while under the influence of LSD. As a testament to the power of animation to captivate and challenge audiences, this film is a worthy successor to its legendary predecessor.

• # 33 of 66 on The Greatest Animated Sci Fi Movies
• # 157 of 187 on The 150+ Best Sci-Fi Movies About Space
• # 15 of 33 on The 30+ Best Creepy Animated Movies, Ranked

Beavis and Butt-head Do America

In their feature film debut, Beavis and Butt-head embark on a wild and absurd road trip across America that is packed with raucous humor, surreal imagery, and a genuinely entertaining narrative. The distinct animation style and offbeat sensibilities of creator Mike Judge come to life in this hilarious and visually striking adventure, making it an ideal film to watch while under the influence of LSD. As viewers follow the duo on their outrageous journey, they are treated to a cacophony of bizarre moments, memorable characters, and mind-bending visuals that heighten the film's comedic impact. Beavis and Butt-head Do America offers a uniquely entertaining experience that showcases the imaginative possibilities of animation while providing laughs from start to finish.

Song of the Sea

Song of the Sea is a visually stunning animated film that embraces the power of myth and folklore to explore the emotional ties that bind family and the natural world. Director Tomm Moore weaves a breathtaking tapestry of hand-drawn animation, evocative music, and heartfelt storytelling to create a magical and immersive experience unlike any other. Drawing inspiration from ancient Celtic mythology, the film beautifully captures the essence of Ireland's rich cultural heritage and timeless connection to the natural world. With its enchanting animation and resonant themes, Song of the Sea is a truly transformative experience for anyone seeking an animated film that speaks to the power of love, courage, and the enduring bond between humans and the natural world.

• # 299 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 165 of 188 on The 180+ Top Kids Movies
• # 59 of 65 on The 60+ Funniest Kid Movies For Adults

Rango is a visually inventive and wildly entertaining animated film that immerses viewers in a bizarre and fascinating world where the line between reality and fantasy is constantly being redrawn. Directed by Gore Verbinski, this quirky and offbeat Western adventure features a delightful mix of eccentric characters, imaginative storytelling, and innovative animation techniques that come together to create a truly unique viewing experience. Perfect for those seeking a mind-bending journey while under the influence of LSD, Rango transports viewers to a surreal realm filled with unexpected twists, striking visuals, and larger-than-life personalities. As a testament to the boundless potential of animation to create new worlds and push the limits of storytelling, Rango is a must-watch for anyone seeking a visually stimulating and engaging cinematic escape.

• # 247 of 288 on The 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
• # 163 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 507 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars

Madagascar is a visually vibrant and energetically paced animated film that takes viewers on a hilarious and heartwarming journey through a whimsical world filled with lively characters and captivating landscapes. With its unique blend of eye-popping animation, infectious humor, and engaging storytelling, the movie provides an immersive and entertaining experience for those under the influence of LSD. As the film's lovable protagonists navigate the challenges and joys of their unexpected adventure, viewers are treated to a kaleidoscope of color and imagination that will leave them eager for more. As a testament to the power of animation to inspire laughter and delight, Madagascar is a must-watch for anyone seeking a lighthearted escape from the constraints of reality.

• # 304 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 49 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 400 of 703 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Isle of Dogs

Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs is a visually captivating and emotionally engaging stop-motion animated film that transports viewers to a beautifully crafted dystopian world where man's best friend struggles to survive amidst adversity. Featuring an ensemble of eccentric characters, intricate set designs, and a distinctive visual style, the movie offers a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience for those under the influence of LSD. As viewers accompany the film's lovable canine heroes on their quest for hope and redemption, they become immersed in a world that is both strangely familiar and undeniably surreal. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and breathtaking visuals, Isle of Dogs stands as a testament to the power of animation to transport and inspire audiences.

Watership Down

• # 293 of 447 on The 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
• # 10 of 133 on The Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
• # 93 of 199 on The Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
• Entertainment
• Animated Movies
• Watchworthy

Lists about the substances that make you lose your effing mind—and what to look at once you've ingested them.

Press ESC to close

When You Take Acid: Different Stages of an LSD Trip

How to prepare for an acid trip.

Before we tell you what stages of an LSD trip you need to be prepared for, it’s important to prepare in general. Depending on how much acid you take, you may experience different outcomes. Less acid equals less intense experience, but it will still alter your state of mind. In any case, you need to be prepared for a bad trip. That means ensuring you’re in a safe place, and having someone to take care of you.

Trippy Cartoon Design Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle

You should also have plenty of water on hand, and eat before the trip. Satisfying your physical needs prior to the experience, allows you to enjoy the psychedelic experience to its fullest.

Stage 1: Taking the Acid

You may be wondering why taking acid is a stage of an LSD trip itself. The thing is, when you take LSD, you might not feel it “kick in” for some time. Some people feel the first effect of acid after 15 minutes, and some after an hour. People don’t realize it, but even when you’re “not feeling anything” your body and mind are already transitioning.

Sometimes, one can experience accelerated heartbeat and trouble breathing because their body hasn’t yet processed the drug. It should pass after a few minutes. If it doesn’t seek medical help.

Stage 2: First Effects and the Climax

Once the acid takes you in, the LSD experience begins. The first effects are usually just “trippy,” in other words, uncanny, dizzy, or strange. This is also when the hallucinations and visual distortions begin. Colors might switch places, and things can melt, bend or twist. The climax happens when you feel the reality in the strangest or most fantastic way possible. This stage usually lasts around 3 to 4 hours.

Erosebridal Trippy Mushroom Sherpa Blanket

Stage 3: active tripping.

The next stage of an LSD trip is active tripping. This happens when you have already gotten used to the altered state. Visual hallucinations may slowly retreat, but you can still feel bizarre and funny. This is also the stage where it’s more or less safe to engage in some activities. Some people like to take walks, or stargazing. Active tripping may take a few hours.

Stage 4: Comedown

At some point you will start feeling the effects of LSD less and less. This stage is often called a comedown. As the name suggests, you’re coming down from a high. Obviously, all LSD trips vary, but many people report that at this stage they feel hungry and dehydrated. A sweet snack, such as chocolate bars and candy, are good to take in moderation (so that you avoid nausea).

A bad comedown happens when you feel the effects stop sharply, and you feel very bad very suddenly. If you experience this, a good remedy is to calm down and wait it out. It doesn’t happen often, but it may, so it’s good to be prepared for it. Comedown most often passes after 2 hours or earlier.

Stage 5: Afterglow

The last stage of an LSD trip is the afterglow. Your rational thoughts come back, but you can still feel how amazing you felt just a few hours ago. This is a good stage for meditation or journaling. How long the afterglow will last depends entirely on your experience, however it will probably last around an hour.

Liquid Blue Road Trippin’ Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Stages of an lsd trip – key takeaways.

Theoretically, there are as many stages of an LSD trip, as there are people. LSD experiences differ, and trips can go through many stages. Nevertheless, there are a few stages that are common and these are: climax, active tripping, comedown and the afterglow. A trip can last even more than 12 hours, so it’s important to be prepared to spend at least half a day on it. 

• Eating Before LSD? About Acid Trips and Food
• How Long Does a DMT Trip Last and Can You Make It Longer?
• Is It Safe to Trip by Yourself? A Simple Guide to Doing Shrooms Alone
• LSD Tips – How to Avoid a Bad Acid Trip When You Take LSD
• How Long Does It Take for LSD to Work? Acid Trip Duration
• Mixing LSD and Shrooms (Psilocybin) | Psychedelic Substances
• Sex on LSD | Psychedelic Making Love and Psychonauts

Share Article:

Michael brown.

Dance teacher. One of his closest friends introduced him to psilocybin therapy when he was struggling with anxiety during his dance performances. Ever since that day he actively participates in psychedelic treatment and helps people find their inner peace.

LSD Detox in a Nutshell: Stopping Use and Treating Addiction

Lsd and breastfeeding: lysergic acid diethylamide in breast milk, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The desert is gentrifying. This snake wrangler has a front-row view

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Good morning. It’s Monday, May 6 . I’m Alex Wigglesworth , an environment reporter for The Times. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

• The desert is gentrifying — and a famous snake wrangler has a front-row view.
• LAPD officers cleared out USC’s pro-Palestinian encampment Sunday morning.
• Our ocean noise pollution is harming marine life, a new study reveals .
• And here’s today’s e-newspaper .

You're reading the Essential California newsletter

Our reporters guide you through our biggest news, features and recommendations every morning

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

A snake wrangler’s view of gentrification in the California desert

When I first reached out to Danielle Wall, I was hoping to learn about rattlesnakes. The snake wrangler has become a celebrity in California’s high desert , and I wanted to tag along on some calls and check out her work.

But it turns out that her job is enlightening not just about rattlers but also their shrinking habitat and the humans who have been shaking it up.

The communities surrounding Joshua Tree National Park have been rocked by transformative changes since the COVID-19 pandemic sent hordes of city dwellers into more isolated areas. (Full disclosure: I was one of them, exchanging my Inglewood one-bedroom for a 7.5-acre spread for roughly the same monthly price.)

Some, like me, became full-time residents; others flipped properties or converted them to vacation rentals. Home prices skyrocketed.

As someone who humanely relocates rattlesnakes that people find on their properties, Wall has seen these shifts from a unique vantage point. I realized this as I followed her on her eighth call of the day, to yet another home that was being renovated.

Just look at Landers, where Wall lives. Between 2020 and 2022, the unincorporated community north of Yucca Valley — historically known as a meeting spot for UFO enthusiasts — saw the biggest jump in typical home values of anywhere in California, according to the San Francisco Chronicle . It was followed by the nearby towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.

There were, of course, beneficiaries. For instance, Wall sold her home for a profit, using the proceeds to purchase her great-grandparents’ larger property. That investment has essentially underwritten her snake-wrangling services. The donations she collects are not sufficient to cover her expenses.

But many locals were pushed out entirely, especially those who rented. The people who have replaced them sometimes appear to be better off financially and yet less willing to contribute to the community, said Wall, who for a time contemplated charging short-term rentals for her services before realizing it wasn’t legal to do so.

She’s unable to charge anyone since she’s prohibited by state law from operating as a business and lacks nonprofit status. That means she relies on donations (which aren’t tax deductible) to continue her work.

“Those ended up being the people who didn’t want to even donate $5 for gas; who were rude, didn’t care,” said Wall from the front porch of her home, which sits on a dirt road that dead-ends into a semicircle of rocky mountains.

Wall’s view is not limited to how demographic shifts have affected the human residents of this slice of the Mojave Desert. She’s watched in real time as the same changes have wreaked havoc on the local wildlife — including an increase in rodent poison that’s killing birds of prey, and an uptick in trash that’s attracted more ravens, which feed on the young of desert tortoises. And, of course, humans’ burning of fossil fuels has ratcheted up temperatures worldwide, making this infamously hot and dry place even hotter and drier.

All this raises hard questions. Is the presence of humans, and the changes they’ve recently wrought, hurting the very things that people seek to enjoy about the desert — its wildlife and beauty? And how can we be better neighbors?

The answer isn’t that hard, Wall says: Simply focus on improving your little corner.

“I save what I can,” she said, “and I tell people to save what they can.”

You can read more about Wall in my Times subscriber exclusive story .

Today’s top stories

Pro-Palestinian protests on campus

• Police removed tents and cleared USC’s pro-Palestinian encampment Sunday, but no arrests were made.
• UCLA has created a high-level post to oversee campus safety after security lapses that occurred when protesters were attacked .
• UCLA faculty protested at the Hammer Museum gala , decrying the treatment of pro-Palestinian students

More on campus protests

• It’s been 55 years since California’s then-Gov. Ronald Reagan took on Berkeley over Vietnam War demonstrations. Now-Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking more of a linger-in-the-background approach .
• Metal detectors, fear and frustration. Here’s how college commencements are being altered amid Gaza war protests .
• For two young journalists, the showdown at UCLA’s camp was baptism by fire

George Gascón’s reelection efforts

• Felony charges against L.A. County Dist. Atty. Gascón’s top advisor have sparked confusion and criticism .
• The high-ranking L.A. prosecutor was booked in April, and released on $50,000 bond.
• George Gascón survived the primary. Can Nathan Hochman unseat him as D.A. ?

Crime and public safety

• Seven people were injured, four critically, in a shooting near a nightclub in Long Beach on Saturday night.
• Amid a spike in school crime, a task force says L.A. campuses should be allowed to decide whether they need police stationed on campus .
• A driver was killed after his SUV slammed into a South L.A. church .

More big stories

• The California supreme court will hear arguments battle over the legality of an initiative that would restrict the governor and legislature from increasing taxes .
• A superintendent was fired after allegedly investigating students for not applauding her daughter enough.
• After years of partisan feuding, California’s new generation of Congress members tries to get along . Will it work?

Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here .

Commentary and opinions

• Doyle McManus : Donald Trump puts America on notice again: If he loses, he won’t go quietly.
• Gustavo Arellano: Pringles, plywood and chalk. Here’s the supply chain sustaining the Cal State L.A. encampment .
• Robin Abcarian: Don’t denigrate pro-Palestinian campus protests by claiming the Vietnam War protests backfired .
• Editorial: L.A. Metro is doomed if it can’t keep bus and train riders safe .
• Jackie Calmes: Donald Trump’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad second term .
• Editorial : Break out the hook. This time the Trump-Biden debates need tight rules of civility .

Today’s great reads

We’ve been making quite a racket in our oceans. A new study shows how that’s harming whales and other marine animals. While few land dwellers have given much thought to this shift in ambient marine noise, new research has modeled, for the first time, how the Industrial Revolution and the advent of commercial shipping have turned up the volume in the waters off Los Angeles. Hear the difference for yourself.

More great reads

• L.A. influencers and businesses l ive or die on TikTok’s algorithm . Now they fear for the future
• We strapped in with director George Miller , the ‘Mad Max’ mastermind, back with ‘Furiosa.’ Here’s what he had to say .

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to [email protected] .

For your downtime

• 🍔 Looking for your new favorite cheeseburger? Times food columnist Jenn Harris says you’ll find it in Redlands .
• 👟 If you want more of a challenge to your daily walk, check out this 28-mile route from Griffith Park to San Pedro (or just walk vicariously, through this story).
• 🤣 Netflix Is a Joke Fest continues through May 11. Here’s a list of must-see shows .
• 📖 Contributor Sarah Fay reviews Ernesto Londoño’s memoir “Trippy,” which explores psychiatry’s renewed flirtation with drugs such as LSD.
• 🧑‍🍳 Here’s a 40-minute recipe for pita bread .
• ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games .

And finally ... a great photo

Show us your favorite place in California! We’re running low on submissions. Send us photos that scream California and we may feature them in an edition of Essential California.

Today’s great photo is from Lee Friedersdorf of Costa Mesa: the record-holding Goat Canyon Trestle in Anza Borrego State Park. Lee writes:

“It’s the world’s largest all-wood trestle . It was built in 1933 as part of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway, after one of the many tunnels through the Carrizo Gorge collapsed.”

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Ryan Fonseca, reporter Amy Hubbard, deputy editor, Fast Break

Check our top stories , topics and the latest articles on latimes.com .

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

Alex Wigglesworth is an environment reporter who covers wildfire and forestry for the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Trump VP selection will be like ‘The Apprentice,’ McCarthy says

Billionaires sue L.A. for right to demolish Marilyn Monroe’s house

May 7, 2024

Police officers won’t be forced to disclose their gender identity to state officials following lawsuit

Landlord sentenced 20 years in prison in murder-for-hire plots