LSD: tryptamine or phenethylamine?

[Ginkgo]

Here is the abstract for a study demonstrating phenethylamine in Psilocybe semilanceata. Note that this is phenethylamine (PEA), not some substituted phenethylamine such as the psychedelic phenethylamines are. The highest amount found is relatively low, 146 µg/g of wet mushrooms or approximately 1.46 mg/g of dried.

 

[Ayawasqero]

Conclusion: half phenethylamin, half tryptamine?

 

[Rising Spirit]

I'm glad this thread exists. Many people seem to like to call LSD a tryptamine, even though I've pointed out to them that it's not and that structurally it is just as much a phenethylamine as a tryptamine. It's a bit of a pet peave of mine.

I agree with Shakti. From my understanding of these journeys, it is incorrect to see LSD as simply another, in a series of traditional, more historically ingested tryptamines. While acid may have many, many elements in common with psilocybin mushrooms and DMT, it definitely shares many mescal-like qualities with the cacti-derived phenethylamines (mescaline), as well. Ultimately, the states of consciousness I have experienced with Lucy in the Sky of Diamonds, have also been unique to this medicine. I almost want to say 60% x 40%, in favor of acid being a tryptamine but... on a physical level, It sure FEELS like a dance with Mescalito (minus the nausea).

So, for me it's both, yet, something else altogether? To quote Winston Churchill, "A riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma."

Anyway, exponentially it has elements of both to me. LSD generally gives me a profound sense of clarity as well as a physical energy that is reminiscent of phenethylamines. Yet, it's more like tryptamines in it's ability to connect me with Higher Self and Truth.

So I'm kinda torn as to which I think it's more like. I think acid stands alone.

I concur with Shakti and feel that perhaps it is LSD's interrelationship with both, tryps and phens, is what makes it so very powerful. At times, electrifying/zingy and euphoric, other times during the very same session, transcendental/ internally directed and extremely visual (multi-faceted fractal patterns). Spiritually, all of these magic medicines shatter the fixations of my ego-driven perspective and dissolve my sense of self into the infinity of the Void.

Now if I were to project symbolic characteristics upon these medicines... I would say that tyrps are like the Moon and phens are like unto the Sun (in they way they reflect the light of the ONE). Then maybe LSD-25 would turn out to be a Solar Eclipse? 8)