How Long Does LSD Take to Kick In?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most well-known psychedelic substances, famous for its influence on the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Often referred to as ‘acid,’ LSD has been an increasingly common subject of discussion in recent years, and some have described this rising public interest as a “psychedelic renaissance.”

Reports of life-altering experiences with recreational doses alongside the reported benefits of microdosing LSD from those in creative and professional communities have many people wanting to give it a try. Without experience, it can be difficult to know what to expect, and certain questions may arise, like “how long does LSD take to kick in?”

Psychable has answers to this question and many more with a vast selection of articles about LSD and other psychedelics. Here is a brief overview with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about LSD.

How Long Does LSD Take to Kick In?

Though it can vary from person to person and may be impacted by the dose ingested, the onset of effects for LSD generally ranges from 30 minutes to an hour after consumption, with 1 hour being the most common marker for the noticeable onset of effects.

Before hallucinations or alterations of sensory input and perception become noticeable, however, many have reported elevated mood and increased energy as the initial signs that LSD has begun to kick in. During this time, people sometimes feel mild nausea that quickly subsides.

An LSD trip lasts anywhere from 6 to about 15 hours depending on dosage and concentration, though 12 hours is the most commonly reported duration of acute effects. Once these wear off, it’s possible to experience a period of “afterglow” for 6-8 hours, wherein residual positive feelings and sensations remain after the full effects have waned.

Effects of LSD

LSD has hallucinogenic effects, altering perception and sensory stimuli. Visual effects can include colors that may change or become more vivid, shapes that warp and move, the appearance of geometric patterns, and altered spatial orientation. Auditory enhancement has caused some people to claim that LSD makes listening to music a completely different immersive experience. Additionally, increased awareness of sensations caused by touch can make common surfaces and physical interactions with other people or the environment seem extraordinary.

LSD also amplifies your mood. For this reason, it is best to use LSD when you have a positive outlook and have an optimistic mindset. Generally, LSD bolsters these feelings and increases energy. However, taking LSD when you are upset or angry increases the likelihood of a “bad trip,” which may include unpleasant hallucinations or flashbacks, anxiety, and confusion.

Learn more on Psychable

Psychable is an online community of members seeking to connect with one another to discuss psychedelic therapies, locate practitioners and guides with experience in the psychedelic field, and learn about psychedelics from their collection of medically reviewed articles and ebooks.

Currently, LSD is an illegal, Schedule I substance. Though laws may change as the cultural mindset toward psychedelics continues to shift, the only legal way to obtain LSD is to participate in a clinical study wherein it is administered in a controlled, supervised setting.

LSD obtained illicitly is not subject to clinical standards and regulations for drug purity and may be adulterated with other unknown, possibly unsafe substances.

Psychable seeks to offer reliable, accurate information for harm reduction purposes but does not encourage anyone to obtain psychedelic substances illegally or use them without the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.