How is LSD made and any dangers in the process?

Answer 1

LSD commonly is produced from lysergic acid, which is made from ergotamine tartrate, a substance derived from an ergot fungus on rye, or from lysergic acid amide, a chemical found in morning glory seeds. Although theoretically possible, manufacture of LSD from morning glory seeds is not economically feasible and these seeds never have been found to be a successful starting material for LSD production. Lysergic acid and lysergic acid amide are both classified in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Ergotamine tartrate is regulated under the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act.

Cooking LSD is time consuming; it takes from 2 to 3 days to produce 1 to 4 ounces of crystal and is very difficult. A limited number of chemists, probably less than a dozen, are believed to be manufacturing nearly all of the LSD available in the United States. Some of these manufacturers probably have been operating since the 1960's.

Answer 2

Green and blue mold (Claviceps fungus) is first infested on a rye plant and colonized. The ergot is then extracted from the Claviceps fungus or it can be from morning glory seeds or Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds and boiled in ether. LSD boils to the surface and is than removed and placed in a container or on blotter paper.