LSA: Everything You Need To Know

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

Freelance Cannabis Journalist

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

Last updated: November 5, 2020

Contents:

• What is LSA?
• LSA Chemistry
• LSA Effects
• History Of LSA
• Legality
• Drug Testing

What is LSA?

LSA, d-lysergic acid amide or ergine, is a product during the creation of LSD, and psychoactive in itself. It was later discovered to be natural, and is known as a chemical in Morning Glory seeds, as well as Ololiuhqui (Rivea corymbosa) & Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) seeds, some Convolvulaceae vines, and fungi such as Sleepy Grass. Chemically it is known as LA-111, and is an ergoline alkoid.

As a precursor to LSD, the chemical structure of LSA and LSD is similar. Although active in microgram doses, LSA is not as potent as synthesised LSD, and shows a distinct character in its effects.

In the black market, LSA has often been sold as LSD, since it is much easier to obtain. Morning glory is the best known source of LSA, and its effects have been known to the native tribes since ancient times.

While both Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Vine and Morning Glory contain abundant LSA, garden center type seeds of the Morning Glory can be covered in fungicide to prevent mold.

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LSA Chemistry

Upon analysis, Albert Hoffman found LSA to be very similar to LSD in structure. The main difference being that LSA has NH2, whereas LSD has N(C2H5)2. LSA is largely insoluble in water, but can be dissolved in ethyl alcohol and methyl alcohol.

Jonathan Ott reported large, over ten-fold variations of alkaloid concentration from batch to batch of various LSA seeds. Some other ergoline alkaloids discovered in the seeds were: ergonovine, elymoclavine and lysergol.

"TiHKAL: The Continuation" is a book published by Alexander Shulgin. The work paints a broad picture of tryptamines, and delves into the mental and physiological effects of LSA. Shulgin says that a half milligram dosage (a tiny amount, but large compared to LSD doses) of LSA led to “a tired, dreamy state,” lingering off after around 5 hours. He dismisses its epimer as a major active psychoactive in Morning Glory seeds, citing Albert Hofmann’s self-trial of the substance, in which Hofmann said he got little effect but a feeling of “tiredness and emptiness.”

He writes that the LSA epimer is C-8 inverted, identifying it as either isoergine or d –isolysergamide. Pointing to the fact that lysergic acid and ergine are scheduled in the US, he proposes that it is simply a governing tactic to better enforce the laws surrounding LSD, since they are involved in its synthesis. Shulgin’s book sheds much needed light on the chemistry of LSA & LSD, describing their drug relatives and other tryptamines. However, debates on the similarity between an LSA and LSD trip still continue.

LSA Effects

Whilst not as powerful as LSD, LSA can induce light to medium strength psychedelic effects that are reminiscent of LSD, although distinctly more sedative and with more physical side effects. LSA produces most of the common effects known from the class of psychedelic substances. Indigenous Mexican tribes used LSA in sacred ceremonies, providing further evidence for their entheogenic value. Effects vary largely from person to person.

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History of LSA

The Spanish conquistadors considered the rituals a diabolic blasphemy and attempted to stop its use as well as prevent knowledge from spreading. LSA seeds were rediscovered in 1941, when enthobotanist Richard Schultes reported of their usage dating back to Aztec times. Later, it was reported to be used in ceremonies of the Zapotec Indians.

Samples of Ololiuqui (Turbina corymbosa) seeds have been sent to Albert Hofmann, the creator of LSD, for analysis – he was surprised to find the active compounds to be remarkably similar to LSD. First self-experiments are reported to have made him feel tired and put him in a dream like state.

Legality

Seeds containing LSA, such as Morning Glory, are not illegal. However, the production, extraction and consumption of LSA is illegal in many countries around the world. For example, LSA is considered a controlled substance in the Netherlands, a Class A drug in the UK and a schedule III drug in the USA.

Countries that do not currently have a classification for LSA or enforce any law include Canada and Hungary.

Drug Testing

LSA is not looked for specifically in most standard and extended drug tests. However, due to its chemical structure and nature, it has the potential to possibly trigger an alert on tests looking for LSD.