LSD Derivatives – Overview, Differences & Research

LSD derivatives have increasingly come into the focus of research, the psychonautic community, and the interested public in recent years.

While classic LSD-25 is banned in many countries as one of the most well-known drugs, new variants are constantly emerging that are chemically slightly altered and thus sometimes operate in a legal gray area.

But what exactly are LSD derivatives? How do substances like 1S-LSD, 1P-LSD, or modern representatives such as 1Fe-LSD and 1BP-LSD differ? And what role do they currently play in science and in anecdotal reports?

In this article, you will get an understandable overview of LSD derivatives, their differences, their legal classification, as well as the current state of modern developments.

Enjoy reading!

Note: LSD derivatives such as 1Fe-LSD and 1BP-LSD are not intended for human consumption. All described contents are based on scientific sources or subjective experience reports and are not to be understood as instructions or recommendations.

LSD derivatives (also referred to as LSD analogs) are chemically slightly modified variants of classic LSD-25 (lysergic acid diethylamide, acid), developed by Albert Hofmann.

In their construction, the basic molecule is specifically modified, usually by changes to the side chain attached to the indole ring. These adjustments lead to the creation of new substances that are structurally closely related to classic lysergic acid diethylamide but can differ in certain properties and are initially not affected by existing regulations.

Many of these derivatives function as so-called LSD prodrugs. This means that they are converted into the actually active LSD in the body through cleavage and metabolic processes, or they unfold a very similar effect after metabolization.

The systematic development of LSD derivatives in highly specialized laboratories has several reasons:

• Research: Scientists investigate structure-activity relationships

• Pharmacology: Desire to understand mechanisms of action in the brain

• Legal Context: Circumvention of existing bans by new molecule variants not covered by prohibitions (the so-called "legal by design" principle)

• Curiosity and Exploration: Interest in altered states of consciousness

The legal aspect, in particular, plays a central role: New derivatives often emerge faster than legal regulations can be adapted.

In recent years, numerous LSD analogs have appeared and then disappeared from the market after prohibition proceedings, including:

• 1P-LSD

• 1cP-LSD

• 1V-LSD

• 1D-LSD or 1T-LSD

• AL-LAD

• 1B-LSD

• 1S-LSD or 1SB-LSD

These substances were very popular in the psychonautic community due to their lack of regulation until their bans, because they operated in a legal gray area and, unlike LSD consumption, did not incur punishment for use.

They usually differ from the basic substance LSD-25 only in minor chemical details but can still exhibit differences in effect, duration, color, or intensity.

Due to the differences in their respective molar masses, the dosages of LSD variants must also be adjusted to achieve an intensity of effect comparable to normal LSD.

The New Psychoactive Substances Act is a peculiarity in German drug policy: it covers groups of substances to adapt the legal situation specifically and promptly to the constant changes in the world of research chemicals. In contrast, the Narcotics Act specifically regulates certain individual substances, including medicines, drugs, and even certain plants, to prevent abuse.

In the past, many LSD derivatives were legally classified and prohibited relatively quickly after their market introduction: One example is 1D-LSD, which was initially legally available in Germany after its introduction, but after an amendment, it now falls under the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG).

• a new substance appears

• it becomes widespread on the market

• a legal adjustment is made

• shortly thereafter, the final ban comes into force

• a new substance not covered by the ban is developed, and the process repeats itself

This creates an ongoing "cat-and-mouse game" between chemical development and legislation: one of the reasons why there are constantly new LSD versions on the market.

Currently, 1Fe-LSD and 1BP-LSD are particularly in focus. They are the currently legally available LSD derivatives that were launched as successors to 1S- or 1SB-LSD.

1Fe-LSD is characterized by a specific chemical structure, which includes a ferrocene component, among other things. This modification significantly increases the molecular mass of the molecule compared to LSD-25, but also ensures that this LSD variant is legally available as of the current status (04/2026).

In practice, this means that a higher microgram dose is required for a comparable effect.

1BP-LSD is also one of the newer LSD derivatives and has a modified side chain with a boron-containing heterocycle. Due to this adjustment, 1BP-LSD is currently (as of: 04/2026) legally available in Germany.

Similar to other analogs, the same applies here: the substance is probably metabolized in the body and produces an LSD-like effect.

At present, some modern LSD derivatives, including 1Fe-LSD and 1BP-LSD, do not yet explicitly fall under the BtMG (German Narcotics Act) or NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act) and can therefore be legally available in Germany in some cases. [1]

However, as explicit research chemicals, they are not intended for human consumption and do not have corresponding tests or approvals.

Important: This situation can change at any time.

Although many LSD derivatives are structurally similar, there are differences in:

• Dosage (due to molar mass)

• Potency

• Duration of effect

• Subjective intensity

A key point is the conversion to LSD-25 effect: Since some derivatives are heavier in terms of their molar mass, a higher amount is theoretically needed to achieve a comparable effect strength.

At the same time, anecdotal reports suggest that the differences are often subtle and depend heavily on individual factors such as set and setting.

Scientific research into LSD and other psychedelics is currently experiencing a resurgence, the so-called "Psychedelic Renaissance."

Studies are investigating, among other things:

• possible therapeutic applications for depression [2,3]

• treatment of anxiety disorders [4]

• use in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [5]

• influence on the so-called default mode network in the brain [6]

LSD derivatives play an indirect role here, as they can help to better understand mechanisms of action and develop new pharmacological approaches.

However, the data for many new derivatives – particularly 1Fe-LSD and 1BP-LSD – is still limited and is based more on individual experience reports than on scientific findings.

Even if LSD derivatives are legally available in some cases, this does not automatically mean that they are risk-free.

Possible risks include:

• psychological overload or anxiety ("bad trip")

• unpredictable reactions

• lack of long-term studies

• uncertainties regarding purity, dosage and composition

• Detectability in traffic or at work

For a successful trip, factors such as:

• Set (inner state)

• Setting (environment)

• Experience and preparation

LSD derivatives are an exciting yet complex field at the intersection of chemistry, legislation, and research interest.

While older variants like 1SB-LSD are now banned, modern substances like 1Fe-LSD and 1BP-LSD are currently in focus. They show how dynamically this area is developing and how closely scientific curiosity, market mechanisms, and legislative changes are intertwined.

At the same time, it is important to note: the differences between the derivatives are often subtle, particularly in structure, dosage, and legal classification. Even small changes in an atomic group are enough to make an illegal drug temporarily legally available.

Anyone dealing with LSD derivatives should do so in an informed, reflective, and responsible manner – with a clear understanding that, in addition to the substance itself, context, knowledge, and responsible handling are crucial.

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

• [2] Galvão-Coelho N.L., Marx W., Gonzalez M., Sinclair J., de Manincor M., Perkins D., Sarris J. (2021). Classic serotonergic psychedelics for mood and depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis of mood disorder patients and healthy participants. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2021 Feb;238(2):341-354. doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05719-1.

• [3] Walsh C.A., Gorfinkel L., Shmulewitz D., Stohl M., Hasin D.S. (2024). Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide by Major Depression Status. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 1;81(1):89-96. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3867.

• [4] Inserra A., Piot A., De Gregorio D., Gobbi G.(2023). Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. CNS Drugs. 2023 Sep;37(9):733-754. doi: 10.1007/s40263-023-01008-5.

• [5] Zaretsky T.G., Jagodnik K.M., Barsic R. et al. (2024). The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2024;22(4):636-735. doi: 10.2174/1570159X22666231027111147.

• [6] Gattuso J.J., Perkins D., Ruffell S. et al. (2023). Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2023 Mar 22;26(3):155-188. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac074.