What is LSD? LSD is the most common hallucinogen and is composed of lysergic acid, which is derived from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It comes in several forms, the most common of which is paper towels. The paper towel is perforated into small squares. LSD also comes as a clear liquid that can be ingested on its own or put on a sugar cube or even in the eye. It is also sometimes found in thin squares of gelatin. What are some of the street names for LSD? Some of the street names for LSD are acid, rainbow, blotter, cheer, hawk, dots, and window glass. How much is used "In 2008, 802,000 Americans aged twelve and older had abused LSD at least once in the previous year. 1.3% of eighth graders, 1.8% of of 10th and 2.7% of 12th graders had abused it in their lifetime. What short-term effects can it have? Short-term effects of LSD include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, and tremors. Internal effects and feelings may include feeling more than one emotion at a time or having rapid emotional swings. Also, sense of self and time of the user can change. Sometimes the senses can "cross", giving the illusion of seeing sounds and hearing colors. If enough LSD is taken, visual hallucinations can occur. What are the long-term effects it can have ?Some people who have taken LSD experience sudden or unexpected flashbacks (some of the symptoms of returning to the drug), which can occur anywhere from several to days to more than a year since the person last took the drug. Is it addictive? Technically, LSD is not considered an addiction because it does not produce a physiological need for it. Most people gradually stop using this drug over time as they age and the judgment centers in the brain develop. Is it legal and what are the consequences of its use? LSD has a federal Schedule I drug classification. This means that it is available for medical research but is illegal for any other use and that it has a high potential for abuse. The federal penalties for LSD possession are as follows: 1st offense 2nd offense 3rd offense 1-9 grams if caught In prison 5+ years In prison 10+ years Life imprisonment