1P-LSD and 1S-LSD banned: Why the well-known LSD derivatives are now illegal

For many months, 1S-LSD was considered one of the most sought-after modern psychedelics in the psychonaut community.

Researchers saw it as an exciting opportunity to legally study the effects of classic lysergamides. However, this phase came to an abrupt end in late 2025: with an amendment to the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG), the sale, possession, and use of 1S- and 1SB-LSD were prohibited.

The following article takes a look at the current regulations and explains how this step came about within the framework of drug policy in Germany, what originally made these substances so attractive, and which alternatives have been available on the market since then.

Note: 1SB-LSD is not intended for human consumption. All content described is based on scientific sources or subjective experience reports and is not to be understood as instructions or recommendations.

1S-LSD and 1SB-LSD are synthetic derivatives of the classic active ingredient lysergic acid diethylamide. The chemical structure is slightly altered, but it is so close to the well-known LSD molecule that the experienced effects are described as fundamentally similar. It was precisely this proximity to the base substance that allowed 1S-LSD and 1SB-LSD to exist in a legal gray area for a long time, which facilitated scientific research.

The crucial question – whether the derivatives are still legal today – can unfortunately be answered unequivocally with "No." For many, this sounds like, quite literally, a sobering answer.

For many months, the psychedelic community exploited a loophole in the law, as 1S-LSD and 1SB-LSD were not explicitly mentioned in the NpSG or BtMG. This changed in 2025 when the legislature expanded the structural groups, thereby including all previously known LSD derivatives. Since the law came into force, manufacture, trade, possession, and distribution are considered criminal offenses.

Despite this tightening, manufacturing laboratories and dealers reacted quickly. 1BP-LSD appeared as a new derivative, whose chemical structure does not fall under the updated regulations and is therefore, unlike 1S-LSD, still legally available.

1S-LSD works by docking onto certain serotonin receptors. Through interaction with these 5-HT2A receptors, which also play a role in regulating mood, sleep-wake cycles, and drive, LSD derivatives exert their typical effects.

Through the metabolism of the so-called prodrug in the body, which a legal LSD derivative typically functions as, an effect profile emerges that strongly resembles that of the original LSD-25: intense, often colorful, and associated with a significant alteration of perception.

The range of reported effects is broad. These include:

• Altered sensory perception
  Many researchers report colors being more vivid, and surfaces can appear to dance. Visual patterns, strong color shifts, or even synesthetic overlays – such as "tasting" colors or "seeing" music – appear in many reports.

• Increased creative impulses
  Numerous creatives described new thought processes or unusual ideas under 1S-LSD. This heightened inspiration led to the derivative being frequently used in artistic and productive contexts.

• Inner insights and emotional depth
  Many users reported a stronger connection to their inner world. Through intensified self-awareness, ingrained perspectives could be broken down and personal patterns more clearly recognized.

• Improved social resonance
  According to experience reports, enhanced sensitivity and empathy can lead to deeper conversations in social settings, which can strengthen relationships between people.

In addition to classic full doses, LSD microdosing gained particular importance. With microdosing, only a fraction of a usual amount is used, meaning no primary psychedelic effect (i.e., no "trip") occurs, but subtle changes can be felt.

Private researchers described, under this everyday application, among other things:

• more mental clarity

• higher motivation

• a more balanced emotional baseline

Even after the ban, interest in this form of application continues – now predominantly based on the legal derivative 1BP-LSD, which exhibits a comparable profile.

Although the 2025 ban caused considerable unrest within the community, research into LSD derivatives did not come to a standstill.

Specifically, 1BP-LSD quickly came into focus as a new prodrug, as its effects and intense perceptual quality closely resemble known LSD variants, but it is currently (as of 12/2025) not covered by the NpSG or the Narcotics Act.

Thus, interested parties can continue to legally purchase 1BP-LSD from German dealers and conduct research. Possession and consumption are also currently not prohibited.

The decision to ban 1S- and 1SB-LSD has changed the landscape, but it has not halted scientific discourse on psychedelic drugs. 

With new LSD derivatives such as 1BP-LSD, there remains room for gaining knowledge, for creative impulses, and for experiencing altered states of consciousness.

How long these substances will remain legal is uncertain. There is always a risk that competent authorities or the federal government could initiate new prohibition procedures, regulations, or another amendment to the New Psychoactive Substances Act. Therefore, the inclusion of 1BP-LSD in the NpSG and a resulting ban are possible at any time.

What is certain, however, is that research will find ways to continue evolving – regardless of regulatory fluctuations. There is hope that the availability of legal LSD derivatives can continue to be ensured.

• Seragnoli F., Pires Martins D., Thorens G. (2021). Microdosage de LSD: pratiques et risques. Rev Med Suisse. 2021 Jun 9;17(742):1108-1110. 

• https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/ 

• https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/detail/gesetz-zur-bekaempfung-der-verbreitung-neuer-psychoaktiver-stoffe-npsg.html

• https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/