Effects of Acid: What LSD Does to Your Mind and Body

What are the actual effects of acid, and why did it take host April Pride until five years ago to find out for herself? In this episode of The High Guide, April unpacks LSD's complex legacy—from its origins in ergot fungus to its mind-bending resurgence in mental health settings today. Combining science, personal storytelling, and practical trip tips, this guide will help you understand how acid really works, what to expect, and how to approach it with care.

Spoiler: LSD is not your average psychedelic. Its intense duration, vivid visual effects, and powerful emotional insights demand respect—and a bit of preparation.

The effects of acid stem from LSD's origin in ergot, a parasitic fungus that once caused hallucinations, convulsions, and even death when consumed in contaminated grains. In the 1930s, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann synthesized LSD while researching medicinal benefits. The story goes that he accidentally absorbed a small amount through his fingertips—thus beginning the world's first acid trip.

Later, LSD found its way into Harvard research labs (thanks to Timothy Leary), the '60s counterculture, and eventually, the CIA's MK-Ultra mind control program. Yep, the same stuff used for healing today was once a tool for manipulation. As April jokes, it's the most poetic plot twist: a drug made to control the mind now frees it.

Today, LSD is being studied for its impact on depression, anxiety, addiction, and end-of-life distress. But whether you're taking a microdose or gearing up for a six-hour journey, knowing what LSD actually does is essential.

The effects of acid go beyond colorful visuals. At its core, LSD affects the brain's serotonin system, disrupting your Default Mode Network (DMN), which normally governs ego and sense of self. The result? Ego dissolution, emotional release, and a feeling of timelessness.

Let’s get practical. How long do the effects of acid last?

• Onset: 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion

• Peak: 2 to 5 hours

• Total Duration: 6 to 12 hours (yep, it’s a commitment)

• Afterglow: Some users report a gentle after-effect for another 24 hours

Depending on your dosage and body chemistry, an acid trip can feel like:

• A shift in visual perception (patterns move, colors pulse)

• Heightened emotions and sensitivity to sound and touch

• A sense of timelessness or altered time perception

• Insights that feel spiritually or psychologically significant

• A childlike wonder—or deep existential dread

Start low. Go slow. April recommends starting with 20–40 micrograms for a light, clear-headed experience. Standard full doses are closer to 100 micrograms. LSD is typically taken via blotter paper or liquid drops.

While LSD has a low toxicity profile, the effects of acid can be intense—and not always pleasant.

Avoid LSD if you or someone in your family has a history of:

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

• Psychosis or brain tumors

Also avoid it if you are taking:

• Lithium

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• SSRIs

Bad trips often stem from poor preparation. April stresses the importance of:

• Set: Your mindset going in

• Setting: Your physical and social environment

Take time to prepare emotionally and physically. Don’t mix substances. And always know your source. April only began exploring acid once she had a trusted supply and a deep understanding of dosing.

The effects of acid have long intrigued pop culture. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe, the Netflix docuseries Wormwood, and even a 1960s video of a woman tripping on LSD for the first time (watch it on YouTube) all offer cultural snapshots of the compound's storied past.

Let’s not forget MK-Ultra, the infamous CIA program that dosed unsuspecting subjects with LSD. It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but it’s well-documented and darker than fiction. Wormwood covers this history in detail—and yes, it’s also the name of a strain of weed.

April’s dad warned her about "bad acid," but once she understood proper dosage and harm reduction, she found it to be a powerful tool. Her advice? Do your homework, prepare with intention, and don’t trip alone the first time.