What Are LSD Gel Tabs?

Overview: LSD is a potent semi-synthetic psychedelic drug that was first synthesized by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. LSD has gained widespread recognition due to its characteristic classic psychedelic effects and significant role in popular culture since its discovery. LSD is typically consumed by oral ingestion, either by placing a drop of liquid LSD directly on the tongue or by placing a specific dose of liquid LSD onto a piece of perforated blotting paper or “tab.” LSD gel tabs, a form of LSD that comes in the form of small gelatin squares, are a recent development in the preparation of LSD that offer several key benefits compared to traditional blotter papers. While LSD is generally considered safe when used responsibly, it can pose risks when used improperly. 

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What is LSD?

In 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann became the first to synthesize Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

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LSD is a potent, semi-synthetic psychedelic drug derived from lysergic acid, which is an unnatural product of an ergot alkaloid called ergotamine. Ergot is a contaminating fungus that primarily grows on the spikes of cereal crops such as rye, wheat, and barley. Requiring only a microgram-level dose to have an effect, LSD is a remarkably potent psychedelic drug.

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LSD binds to a specific subtype of serotonin receptors known as 5-HT2A receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system. This binding leads to an altered state of consciousness, characterized by perceptual distortions, changes in thought patterns, intensified emotions and sensory experiences, and alterations in one's sense of self. LSD usage has also been associated with increases in well-being, happiness, closeness to others, openness, and trust. 

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Widely regarded as the quintessential psychedelic substance due to its characteristic classic psychedelic effects and profound impact on the mind, LSD was one of the first psychedelic substances to be widely used and studied, and its effects are well-documented. Also, LSD has been used in a wide range of cultural and artistic contexts, from the counterculture movements of the 1960s to modern electronic music festivals. 

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Some studies suggest that LSD may have therapeutic benefits for certain physical and psychological ailments, including addiction, anxiety associated with life-threatening illnesses, and certain chronic pain conditions. Though, more research is needed to determine LSD's therapeutic potential.

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Additionally, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which LSD may work in the brain and body to produce its effects beyond its binding to 5-HT2A receptors. This research can help to inform the development of safe and effective treatments using LSD or related compounds.

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In some users, LSD can produce profound and mystical-type experiences often characterized by a sense of sacredness, feelings of unity or interconnectedness beyond the boundaries of time and space, and a deeply felt positive mood. Such experiences can have a lasting beneficial impact on an individual's worldview, relationships, and sense of self. 

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While responsibly used LSD produces positive effects in some individuals and is typically considered very safe relative to other psychoactive substances, it's important to acknowledge that improper use of the substance can pose risks. We will delve into these potential risks in more detail below.

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How is LSD Consumed?

LSD can be consumed in several different ways. The most common method is by oral ingestion, either by placing a drop of a liquid LSD directly on the tongue, or by placing a specific dose of liquid LSD onto a piece of perforated blotting paper or “tab,” which, at moderate doses, produces an experience lasting approximately 6-12 hours.

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LSD tabs can be consumed by placing them under the tongue and chewing, allowing the substance to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method bypasses first-pass metabolism, leading to fast absorption.

It is generally held that the exact amount of time that the LSD is held under the tongue does not significantly impact the overall experience. Many users simply swallow the LSD without any sublingual holding and experience the same or similar effects. 

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Ingesting LSD orally is considered to be the most straightforward and safe method for personal use. This allows the user to taste test it, as pure LSD should not have any noticeable flavor. A bitter, metallic, or chemical taste or numbness of the tongue can indicate the presence of an unwanted psychoactive compound with unpredictable, potentially toxic effects, such as those belonging to the DOx class of psychedelic amphetamines or 25x-NBOMe series of psychedelic phenethylamines. 

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Before using LSD, it is recommended to use reliable methods of identification, such as reagent testing kits, rather than relying only on differences in taste.

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Aside from blotter paper, LSD can be added to a variety of other substances, too, such as sugar cubes, tablets, gummy candies, and gelatin capsules or “gel caps.” 

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What are LSD Gel Tabs?

LSD gel tabs are a recent development in the preparation of LSD that offer several key benefits compared to traditional blotter papers. They are one of the most popular forms of LSD and are considered easy to ingest, and some are suggesting that gel caps may become more popular as global experimentation with psychedelics continues to rise.

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Gel tabs are small, usually circular, pieces of LSD-infused gel that are consumed orally. They are made by combining liquid LSD, gelatin, and water, and then cutting the resulting gelatin square into individual doses. These tabs typically contain a single dose of LSD and are used in a similar manner to conventional blotter papers — by chewing and swallowing, or by being placed under the tongue. 

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They are often brightly colored or intricately designed with unique shapes and patterns to make them distinctive. “Windowpane” acid — a form of LSD that uses gelatin as its base — was particularly popular in the 80s and 90s. It is said to have earned its name due to the supposed use of fluorescent light diffusers as molds during its production. 

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One of the most widely purported benefits of LSD gel tabs is their prolonged shelf-life. The gelatin composition of the tab securely encloses the LSD, shielding it from the negative impacts of exposure to air, heat, and UV light which are known to accelerate the degradation of LSD blotters.

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The exact duration of the shelf-life of LSD gel tabs is yet to be determined, but it is estimated to be around 3 to 6 years when stored appropriately. This is in contrast to the typical shelf-life of LSD blotters, which is limited to around 1.5 to 3 years.

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The quality and strength of LSD gel tabs can vary, though, so users must exercise caution to obtain them from a reputable source. Regardless of whether LSD is delivered through a gel tab or blotter paper, the potency remains the same. Both contain the same active ingredient and will have a similar effect if dosed equally. 

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Risks Associated with Taking LSD

Before deciding to use LSD, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with its consumption. Firstly, the use of LSD is illegal in many countries and can carry severe consequences if caught possessing or consuming the substance. 

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There is also the possibility of having a challenging LSD experience which can lead to anxiety, confusion, paranoia, and fear. LSD can also cause long-term perceptual effects, which can include a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), a rare disorder in which patients continue to experience perceptual disturbances well after the acute effects of LSD have subsided.

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Despite being listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, very little is known about HPPD and what exactly contributes to its onset. In some individuals, the condition can occur after a single LSD experience (albeit extremely rarely). In others, the condition does not occur despite regular psychedelic use. It is quite clear, however, that this disorder arises in a minority of psychedelic users.

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LSD can also have physical effects such as mild increases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, which can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. 

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It's crucial to recognize that LSD can affect people differently based on individual traits, how it is consumed, and the dosage — which can be challenging to measure in recreational settings.

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Furthermore, the user's expectations, assumptions, and other psychological factors brought into the experience, and the physical environment in which the experience occurs, referred to as “set and setting,” also play a significant role in shaping the content and nature of the LSD experience. Set and setting are key determinants of an individual's psychedelic experience.

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Ensuring the context is suitable for a psychedelic experience is vital in order to allow for an optimally beneficial experience to occur.

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When considering the use of LSD, it is crucial to exercise caution and fully understand the potential risks that may be associated with its use. Additionally, it is recommended to use LSD in controlled circumstances, such as under the supervision of a trusted guide or medical professional.

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