BOOTLEGGED ECSTASY

For years, scientists have quietly studied the behavioral pharmacology of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) and psilocybin in animals and humans. The drugs' psychotic effects partially resemble schizophrenic psychoses, leading to their classification as psychomimetics, but research has not revealed the cause or treatment of natural psychoses, though it has provided information about abnormal mental states. Two problematic byproducts have emerged unrelated to legitimate science: widespread recreational use by irresponsible people for the hallucinatory "kick" effect, gratification, and a sense of belonging to a superior social group; and experimentation with the drugs outside proper controls.

Study at a glance

Abstract

For several years, quietly and without publicity, several scientists have been studying the behavioral pharmacology of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25), and lately psilocybin, on experimental animals and human subjects. The psychotic effects of these drugs have some but not complete similarity to the schizophrenic psychoses, which has resulted in their classification as psychomimetics. Yet the study of their effects has not given a clue to the etiology or therapy of the naturally appearing psychoses, although a wealth of information regarding abnormal mental states has accrued. We are now confronted with two untoward byproducts which have no relation to legitimate scientific endeavors. The first is the widespread use of these drugs by irresponsible lay persons for their "kick" effect, for the gratification derived from vivid hallucinatory experience, and the pleasure of belonging to a "superior" social group which transcends the mundane existence of ordinary people. The second is the experimentation with