market as a crystalline powder in capsules. It also may be found as a liquid
in ampules or vials. The drug is generally taken orally but may be injected.
Because of its bitter taste, the drug is often ingested with tea, coffee, milk,
orange juice, or some other common beverages.
c. Psilocybin is obtained from the fungus on the psilocybe mushroom that
grows in Mexico. It is not nearly as potent as LSD. However, with adequate
doses, hallucinogenic effects are produced.
Psilocybin is available in
crystalline, powdered, or liquid form. The mushrooms were used by the medicine
men of the Southwestern Indian Tribe during religious ceremonies.
d. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide).
(1) LSD was synthesized in 1938 from lysergic acid.
This is present in
egot, a fungus that grows on rye.
(2) LSD is one of the psychedelic drugs.
The term "psychedelic",
meaning mind-opening or mind-manifesting, is often associated with LSD.
(3) LSD is the most potent of the hallucinogens.
(4) LSD cannot be obtained legally, except for research.
Even this must
be authorized by the National Institute for Health.
(5) Law enforcement is primarily concerned with the illicit use or abuse
of LSD. It is a difficult job to track down the illicit drug because it is
colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
Also, the liquid is easily prepared by
chemists with a minimum of equipment.
(6) There are approximately 300,000 doses in an ounce of LSD.
A
standard dose is 100 micrograms. This dosage is very minute or microscopic.
Therefore, LSD must be mixed with another substance for distribution.
(7) At first, illicit LSD was prepared in liquid form.
The small vials
of colorless solution had to be kept in the refrigerator.
(a) ALL FORMS OF LIQUID LSD MUST BE KEPT REFRIGERATED.
Therefore,
when searching premises do not overlook the refrigerator or the freezer
compartment.
Vodka is considered to be one of the most readily available
preservatives for LSD. All vodka should be seized and examined.
(b) LSD is now prepared in powder form.
It can be found as white
powder, small capsules, or tablets and does not need refrigeration.
(8) Distribution of LSD.
(a) Formerly, the liquid was distributed generally by placing one or
two drops on a sugar cube.
(b) Liquid LSD is also distributed by placing one or two drops on
pieces of blotting paper. Be suspicious of all torn pieces of blotting
MP0100
6-14
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