drug information

LSD

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens in New Zealand. LSD usually comes in the form of liquid, tablets or capsules, squares of gelatine or small squares of paper (blotting paper) that have been soaked in Liquid LSD.

  1. What it is

    LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens in New Zealand, and is most commonly sold as ‘tabs’, or small squares of blotting paper that have been soaked in liquid LSD.

  2. Health effects

    Short-term effects

    LSD produces many physical and psychological short- and long-term effects which are unpredictable and can vary between people and from occasion to occasion.

  3. Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

    Dependence and addiction

    LSD does not appear to be physically addictive, though users can become psychologically dependent. Regular users may feel compelled to use it to function effectively or feel good in certain situations – such as at parties or on occasions when they would normally use the drug.

  4. Law and penalities

    LSD is illegal in New Zealand and is classified as a Class A drug scheduled under the Misuse of Drug Act 1975. This means it attracts the highest penalties possible for manufacture, sale, and use.

  5. Drug trends

    In the 2010 Illicit Drugs Monitoring System report the majority (49 percent) of regular drug users said it was ‘easy’ to access LSD and a single tab or trip of LSD cost around $40. A record amount of LSD was seized by Police in 2009, possibly indicating a resurgence in its popularity due to the declining purity of ecstasy in New Zealand.

  6. Reducing the harm

    The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

  7. How to get help

    If you feel you or anyone you know needs help, there are a number of treatment organisations you can contact in strict confidence.

  8. Links

    A list of relevant links to further information and resources about LSD:

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