AL-LAD Review

AL-LAD, also known as 6-allyl-6-nor-LSD, is a psychedelic drug that is chemically similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This novel psychoactive substance belongs to the lysergamide class and is described in Alexander Shulgin’s book “TiHKAL” (Tryptamines I Have Known And Loved).

AL-LAD is synthesized in lab from nor-LSD using allyl bromide as a reactant. Other names of AL-LAD are N-allyl-nor-lysergic acid N, N-diethylamide and N-allyl-nor-LSD. It works in a similar way to LSD by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. This action is responsible for its psychedelic effects and make it an interesting agent among the researchers and users.

History of AL-LAD

AL-LAD was first researched in 1984 by Andrew J. Hoffman and David Nichols as part of a series of LSD analogs, including other compounds like ETH-LAD and PRO-LAD. Its effects on humans were later detailed by chemist Alexander Shulgin in his book TiHKAL (“Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved”). Shulgin referred to AL-LAD as “one of the several very potent compounds in a large series of nor-LSD analogues.”

Basic Chemical Information

• IUPAC Name: N,N-Diethyl-6-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-9,10-didehydroergoline-8beta-carboxamide
• Molecular Formula: C22H27N3O
• Average Mass: 349.478 g/mol
• Monoisotopic Mass: 349.215413 g/mol

Chemical composition

AL-LAD is a semisynthetic alkaloid that belongs to the lysergamide family. It is a structural analog of lysergic acid, with an N, N-diethylamide functional group attached to the nitrogen atom of its chemical structure. AL-LAD’s structure includes a bicyclic hexahydroindole fused to a bicyclic quinoline group, called nor-lysergic acid. Unlike LSD, AL-LAD lacks a methyl group at the R6 position of the nor-lysergic acid skeleton, as indicated by the “nor-” prefix. Instead, it has an allyl group that contain a methylene bridge connected to a vinyl substituent. At carbon 8 of the quinoline, there is an N, N-diethyl carboxamide group.

Chirality and Stereochemistry: AL-LAD is a chiral compound with two stereocenters at positions R5 and R8. The psychoactive form of AL-LAD is known as (+)-D-AL-LAD, with an absolute configuration of (5R, 8R). The other three stereoisomers of AL-LAD do not have psychoactive properties.

Reactivity with Reagents: In chemical tests, AL-LAD does not produce a color change when exposed to Marquis, Mecke, or Mandelin reagents. However, it turns Ehrlich’s reagent purple due to the presence of an indole moiety in its structure.

Dose Information for AL-LAD

The active dose of AL-LAD is reported to be between 50 and 150 micrograms. It has a known but short and uncommon history of recreational use, primarily originating in Ireland and the UK before spreading internationally. Typically, people who use AL-LAD say it makes them see more vivid visuals but doesn’t make them think as deeply as LSD. The effects of AL-LAD don’t last as long, and it usually causes less anxiety and is easier to handle compared to LSD.

Mechanism of Action

AL-LAD probably functions as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor, similar to other serotonergic psychedelics. The psychedelic effects of AL-LAD are thought to come from its capability to activate the 5-HT2A receptors. However, the exact mechanisms by which these interactions produce the psychedelic experience are still under investigation.

AL-LAD shares many characteristics with its parent compound, LSD. In humans, it appears to be nearly equal in potency to LSD, though slightly less potent. The mechanism of action is similar, but the effects of AL-LAD are usually shorter and less intense, making them easier to handle. This could be because AL-LAD is metabolized more rapidly in the body. In animal studies, particularly with rats, AL-LAD was discovered to be approximately twice as potent as LSD. However, anecdotal reports from humans indicate that AL-LAD is about as potent as LSD, if not slightly less.

Positive and Negative Health Effects: Based on User Reports and Personal Analyses

The following effects are based on anecdotal user reports and personal analyses, and should be approached with caution. These effects may vary greatly between individuals and are not always predictable. Higher doses are more likely to produce the full range of effects, and the risk of adverse outcomes, such as addiction, severe injury, or even death, increases with higher doses.

1. Physical Effects of AL-LAD

AL-LAD is known to boost physical energy levels, similar to LSD but more intense than sedative psychedelics like psilocybin. Users report feeling a burst of energy that encourages activities such as walking, dancing, or engaging in various tasks. This stimulation can sometimes be overwhelming, especially at higher doses, making it difficult to remain still. Users often experience intense, euphoric tingling sensations throughout the body. These sensations are like those induced by LSD but tend to be less sharp. The “body high” can feel like a fast-moving, sharp, and location-specific tingling. For some, this sensation occurs spontaneously at different points during the experience, while for others, it maintains a steady presence that peaks with the onset of the drug’s effects.

This sensation often accompanies the feeling of stimulation. Users may feel as if their body is lighter, contributing to a sense of ease and agility. This feeling can enhance the overall physical experience and encourage movement and activity. AL-LAD can induce physical euphoria, although this effect is not as consistently reliable as with substances like stimulants or entactogens. The euphoria can quickly turn into physical discomfort without an apparent reason, making the experience variable among users. Users often report a sense of unity or connection with other objects during the peak of the experience. This effect is usually described as comfortable and peaceful, with sensations of warmth and oneness.

Enhanced tactile sensations are consistently reported. Users may become more aware of their sense of touch, feeling every surface and texture more intensely. This increased awareness of touch enhances the overall sensory experience. AL-LAD mildly enhances stamina compared to traditional stimulants. Users may feel an increase in physical endurance, allowing them to engage in prolonged physical activities. Users often report an improvement in their ability to control their body movements, contributing to a more coordinated physical experience. Some users experience an increase in sexual desire, a common effect among many psychedelics.

1.1 Negative Physical Effects

Like other psychedelics, AL-LAD can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Users are advised to monitor their body temperature, especially at higher doses, and use methods such as hot showers or cold packs to manage it. Users may experience an increase in body temperature, which can contribute to feelings of discomfort if not managed properly. Some users occasionally report mild nausea, particularly at higher doses. This nausea often appears during the peak of the experience and typically subsides after vomiting or gradually diminishes as the peak progresses. Like many stimulants, AL-LAD can suppress appetite, leading to reduced food intake during the experience.

Some users find it difficult to urinate while under the influence of AL-LAD, a common effect among many psychedelics. AL-LAD can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can be concerning, especially for users with pre-existing heart conditions. Users often report sweating more than usual, a side effect linked to the increase in body temperature and stimulation.

Additionally, AL-LAD can cause muscle contractions and spasms, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming. This effect is significantly less pronounced than with psilocybin but still occurs in some users. Moreover, pupil dilation is a common physical effect of AL-LAD that makes the eyes more sensitive to light. Some users report increased salivation during their experience with AL-LAD. Besides, there is a potential risk of seizures, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to them, especially under physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, fatigue, or undernourishment.

2. Visual Effects of AL-LAD

Users often report that AL-LAD enhances their vision and make the colors appear more vibrant and patterns in everyday objects more detailed and noticeable. This enhanced clarity and vividness can make the visual experience more engaging.

AL-LAD can also cause visual distortions, where objects seem to melt, breathe, morph, or flow. These distortions are typically detailed, cartoon-like, slow-moving, and short-lived, similar to the visual effects experienced with LSD. Moving objects may leave behind trails of light or color, creating afterimages and tracers. Colors might change and shift, adding a surreal touch to the visual experience. Depth perception can also be affected, with objects appearing closer or farther away than they actually are.

Scenes may look fragmented or sliced that make the visual experience seem disjointed. Patterns often repeat symmetrically across surfaces, adding to the complexity of the visuals. The visual patterns created by AL-LAD are complex, brightly lit, colorful, and cartoonish. These effects are similar to those produced by LSD, 2C-B, or 4-HO-MET. At higher doses, users often see very complex and immersive geometric visuals.

3. Hallucination States

AL-LAD can cause vivid hallucinations in your mind (Internal Hallucinations), like seeing characters, places, and scenes that feel very real. These visions can be interactive and often have themes related to spirituality, fantasy, or surrealism. Users might also see these hallucinations outside of their minds (External Hallucinations), appearing in their surroundings. At higher doses, people may see complex scenes involving machines and transformations that make the hallucinatory experience even more intense.

4. Cognitive Effects

AL-LAD affects the mind in several interesting ways that people often find fascinating. It makes it easier for users to think deeply and reflect on their thoughts. This drug helps users understand complex ideas more easily, and many feel a mental boost or euphoria, although it’s generally less intense than with other substances like psilocybin or MDMA. The mental uplift often comes from an enhancement of the user’s current mood and emotional state. AL-LAD also makes users feel more immersed in their surroundings and thoughts that give a sense of newness and excitement. At lower doses, it usually improves focus and motivation that help users get things done more effectively.

Emotionally, AL-LAD makes feelings stronger, making users more in tune with their emotions and those of others. This heightened emotional state often makes music sound more profound and emotionally touching. Many users report laughing more easily and finding humor in everyday situations. However, AL-LAD can also cause temporary memory loss and experiences of ego death, where the sense of self fades away. Users often experience time distortions, feelings of déjà vu, and repetitive thought patterns. Additionally, AL-LAD tends to keep users awake, making it hard to sleep during and after the experience.

5. Auditory Effects

AL-LAD changes how users perceive sounds. Some sounds may become distorted, while others may seem clearer and more intense. At higher doses, AL-LAD can cause users to hear things that aren’t really there, like voices or other noises. These auditory hallucinations can be quite vivid and realistic.

6. Multi-Sensory Effects

In rare cases, AL-LAD can cause synaesthesia, a condition where one type of sensory experience triggers another, like seeing colors when hearing music. This unusual effect is more common at higher doses and among people who are naturally prone to such experiences.

7. Transpersonal Effects

AL-LAD often leads to deep, meaningful insights about life and existence. Users might feel a strong sense of connection to the universe and see themselves as part of a larger design. This can include feelings of timelessness and understanding how opposites in life are interconnected. Many users report experiencing a profound sense of unity and connection with the world and others, bringing about feelings of peace and understanding.

Toxicity and Harm Potential of AL-LAD

The toxicity and long-term health effects of AL-LAD have not been studied extensively. The exact toxic dose is unknown due to its status as a research chemical with limited history of human use. Anecdotal reports suggest that low to moderate doses of AL-LAD, when used sparingly, do not typically result in negative health effects. However, this cannot be guaranteed, and users should conduct independent research to ensure safety when combining substances.

AL-LAD, like other psychedelics, is considered to have relatively few physical side effects during acute exposure. It is believed to be non-addictive and to have extremely low toxicity relative to the dose, similar to LSD. Nonetheless, it can potentially trigger psychiatric conditions in individuals with a personal or family history of mental illness. Therefore, such individuals are advised to avoid using AL-LAD, especially outside a supervised medical setting. Harm reduction practices are strongly recommended when using this substance.

Tolerance and Addiction Potential

Although no formal studies have confirmed it, AL-LAD is thought to be non-habit-forming, similar to LSD. Users often find that the desire to use it decreases with repeated use. Tolerance to AL-LAD builds almost immediately after ingestion and takes about 5-7 days to reduce by half, returning to baseline after approximately 14 days without further consumption. AL-LAD also presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that the effects of other psychedelics are reduced after using AL-LAD.

Metabolism of AL-LAD

A research study investigated the metabolism of nine LSD derivatives, including AL-LAD. The researchers used pooled human liver S9 fractions and advanced techniques like liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The study found that AL-LAD undergoes N-dealkylation and hydroxylation, primarily catalyzed by the enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. These metabolic steps were confirmed using recombinant human enzymes and inhibition experiments. However, despite these detailed metabolic report, standard urine screening methods failed to detect parent drugs or metabolites in rats administered with expected recreational doses of AL-LAD.

Overdose

The lethal dose (LD50) of AL-LAD is unknown. Higher doses can lead to adverse psychological reactions such as anxiety, delusions, panic attacks, and, in rare cases, seizures. Severe psychotic episodes or reactions to “fake acid” (e.g., 25i-NBOMe or DOB) may require medical attention. In such cases, administering benzodiazepines or antipsychotics can help alleviate negative cognitive effects.

Dangerous Interactions

Combining AL-LAD with certain substances can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Known dangerous interactions include:

• Lithium: Commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, lithium combined with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures.
• Cannabis: Cannabis can enhance the effects of AL-LAD unpredictably, increasing the risk of anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users should start with a small dose and take breaks between hits.
• Stimulants: Stimulants like amphetamine, cocaine, or methylphenidate can increase anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and thought loops, raising the risk of mania and psychosis.
• Tramadol: Known to lower the seizure threshold, tramadol combined with psychedelics may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.

Users should always conduct thorough research to ensure the safety of combining substances and be aware of the potential risks associated with AL-LAD.

Legal Status of AL-LAD

AL-LAD is not scheduled under the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which means it is not universally controlled. However, its legal status varies significantly from country to country.

In Denmark, AL-LAD is illegal. Similarly, it is banned in France. Finland has listed it in a decree of psychoactive substances that are prohibited from the consumer market. Although not specifically scheduled in Latvia, AL-LAD may be controlled as an LSD structural analog due to an amendment made on June 1, 2015.

In Sweden, AL-LAD was added to the Narcotic Drugs Punishments Act under schedule I, which includes substances that typically do not have medical use. This classification was published by the Medical Products Agency (MPA) in regulation HSLF-FS 2015:35 as of January 26, 2016. Switzerland also considers AL-LAD illegal.

The United Kingdom classified AL-LAD as a class A drug under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act. This classification followed the recommendation of the UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) on June 10, 2014, despite the ACMD not identifying any specific harm associated with its use. The ban was enacted on January 6, 2015.

In the United States, AL-LAD is controlled at the federal level. It is legally considered an analog of LSD, meaning that its sale or possession with intent for human consumption could be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act.