white → yellow2
dose.wiki is still in beta. Entries may contain inaccuracies and/or lack citations. See our docs for more info.
ALD-52
1-Acetyl-N,N-diethyllysergamide
1-Acetyl-LSD, 1A-LSD, 1A-LAD, Orange Sunshine (historical misnomer)
ALD-52 is a psychedelic lysergamide structurally related to LSD, first synthesized by Albert Hofmann at Sandoz in 1957.citation needed It functions as a prodrug that readily converts to LSD in the body, producing virtually indistinguishable effects at comparable potency. The compound gained notoriety through false claims that it was distributed as 'Orange Sunshine' during the 1960s counterculture era. Like LSD, it is not considered addictive or toxic, though unpredictable adverse psychological reactions remain possible.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold30 µg
Light25-75 µg
Moderate75-150 µg
Strong150-300 µg
Heavy300+ µg
Potency is close to that of LSD, with sources reporting roughly 90 to 100 percent of LSD's potency; toxic dose and long-term effects are unstudied. Combination with MDMA is strongly synergistic and unpredictable, warranting markedly reduced doses of both.
Duration
Onset20-40 minutes
Come Up1-2 hours
Peak3-5 hours
Offset3-5 hours
After Effects4-24 hours
Total8-14 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Cognitive
In comparison to other lysergamides such as LSD and 1P-LSD, ALD-52 is less stimulating and is associated with a more relaxed mental state. The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:
Analysis enhancementConceptual thinkingDelusionsDéjà vuEmotion enhancementImmersion enhancementLaughterMemory suppressionEgo deathNovelty enhancementPersonal bias suppressionSpirituality enhancementThought accelerationThought disorganizationThought loopsTime distortionUnity and interconnectednessWakefulness
Visual
Distortions
Geometry
The geometry of ALD-52 is very similar to that of its close relative LSD. The geometry of ALD-52 is suspected (but not confirmed) to lead to level 8A geometry (similar to LSD).
Hallucinatory States
Auditory
See also: Psychedelic Intensity Scale, Effects of psychedelics (visual, cognitive, miscellaneous)
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
ALD-52 functions as a prodrug for LSD, with a large percentage of the administered dose metabolizing into LSD in the body.citation needed The conversion to LSD has been confirmed with human liver enzymes in vitro and in rodents in vivo.1 Through its metabolite LSD, ALD-52 acts as a partial agonist at multiple serotonin receptor subtypes, including 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT6 receptors, with the psychedelic effects believed to primarily stem from activity at the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors. The parent compound ALD-52 itself shows dramatically reduced affinities for the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors compared to LSD, with markedly reduced activational potency and efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptor, while agonistic activity at the 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors was lost entirely.1 ALD-52 is also expected to act as an agonist at dopamine receptors such as D2 through its conversion to LSD.
Pharmacokinetics
ALD-52 acts as a prodrug that is readily converted to LSD following administration.citation needed The formation of LSD from ALD-52 is primarily mediated by CYP3A4, which catalyzes the deacetylation of ALD-52 into LSD. This conversion can be largely blocked by the strong cytochrome P450 inhibitor ketoconazole. CYP2D6 is also involved in hydroxylation processes.2 In addition to LSD as the primary metabolite, ALD-52 is metabolized into N-deethyl ALD-52 and N6-demethyl ALD-52 (nor-ALD-52).citation needed Circulating levels of LSD following administration are virtually identical between ALD-52 and the related prodrug 1P-LSD.
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Full Tolerance
Tolerance to the effects of ALD-52 develops almost immediately following ingestion.
Baseline Reset
Approximately 14 days to return to baseline tolerance levels without additional use.
Half Tolerance
Approximately 5-7 days for tolerance to reduce to half in the absence of further consumption.
Cross Tolerance
Psychedelics (all serotonergic psychedelics will have reduced effects following ALD-52 use)
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely LowAs a classical psychedelic lysergamide, ALD-52 is not considered to have significant abuse potential or habit-forming propertiescitation needed, though adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses.
Psychosis Risk
Unpredictable adverse reactions including anxiety, paranoia, delusions, and psychosis are possible, particularly among those predisposed to psychiatric disorders.citation needed These reactions can occur spontaneously even among experienced users. ALD-52 may act as a potential trigger for those with underlying psychiatric conditions, and use is discouraged for individuals with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.
Seizure Risk
Although no cases of ALD-52-induced seizures have been documented, it is believed to have a similar seizure risk as LSD. LSD is thought to lower the seizure threshold, though seizures are very rarely reported and believed to only be a risk to those predisposed to them, particularly when combined with physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, undernourishment, overheating, or general fatigue.citation needed
History & Culture
Discovery and Early Research
ALD-52 was first synthesized and described in the scientific literature by Albert Hofmann and Franz Troxler at Sandoz in 1957 as part of Hofmann's broader study of LSD analogs. The properties and effects of ALD-52 were studied and reported in the late 1950s and early 1960s, though it remains
Trip Reports
Loading related reports
Preparing section content
Still loading. Refresh if this section does not appear.
Legality
International
ALD-52 is not listed under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It is not listed under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It is not listed under the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
By Country
Illegal12
ArgentinaIllegalALD-52 is listed in Annex I of Decree No. 122/2026, which replaced the individual-substance list in Decree No. 560/2019 and took effect on 3 March 2026. Article 2 of Decree No. 560/2019 treats substances in Annex I as estupefacientes under Article 77 of the Penal Code; unauthorized manufacture, preparation, sale, distribution, supply, and possession are offences under Law No. 23.737.
AustraliaIllegalALD-52 (1-acetyl-LSD) is a lysergamide and is therefore within the Schedule 1 controlled-drug entry for lysergamides in the Commonwealth Criminal Code Regulations 2019. The Criminal Code Act 1995 treats a listed drug and its statutory drug analogues as controlled drugs and creates offences for trafficking and manufacturing controlled drugs. The Regulations also list lysergamide as a border controlled drug in Schedule 2, so Commonwealth border-control offences apply to its import and export.
BrazilIllegalALD-52 is listed in Lista F2, Brazil's list of prohibited psychotropic substances, under ANVISA's Annex I to SVS/MS Ordinance No. 344/1998. It has been controlled since RDC No. 598 of 9 February 2022 added it to that list. Brazil's Drug Law prohibits unauthorized possession, production, importation, sale, transport, and supply of substances designated as drugs in the federal lists.
DenmarkIllegalALD-52 is listed as item 30 of Liste B under Denmark's Bekendtgørelse om euforiserende stoffer, in force from 29 March 2026. Liste B substances may be used only for medical and scientific purposes; their import, export, manufacture, supply, and other regulated activities require the permissions specified by the order.
JapanIllegalOrdinance on Designated Drugs under Article 2(15) of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act232425
ALD-52 (1-acetyl-LSD) is a designated drug (指定薬物) under Japan's Ordinance on Designated Drugs under Article 2(15) of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act; the official list records its designation from 28 February 2020. The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act prohibits manufacturing, importing, selling, supplying, possessing, purchasing, receiving, or using a designated drug for purposes other than specified medical or other authorized purposes.
LatviaIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Narkotisko un psihotropo vielu un zāļu, kā arī prekursoru likumīgās aprites likums26
Controlled as an LSD structural analogue under an amendment effective June 1, 2015, though not officially scheduled by name.
NetherlandsIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Opiumwet27
ALD-52 (1-acetyl-LSD) is covered by List I of the Opiumwet as a lysergic-acid derivative obtained by introducing an acetyl group. Article 2 prohibits importing or exporting, preparing, processing, selling, supplying, distributing, transporting, possessing, and manufacturing List I substances in the Netherlands. The List I entry also covers preparations containing one or more of its listed substances.
SingaporeIllegalMisuse of Drugs Act 197330
Controlled as a Class A substance under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act, carrying severe penalties for possession, trafficking, and consumption.
SwitzerlandIllegalBetäubungsmittelverzeichnisverordnung (BetmVV-EDI)31
Specifically named as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis E of Swiss narcotics legislation.
UkraineIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 770 of 6 May 2000, List of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors3233
ALD-52 (1-acetyl-LSD) is prohibited in Ukraine as a derivative of LSD. Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 770 places LSD in Table I, List No. 2 and expressly includes derivatives of the psychotropic substances in that list; the List No. 2 heading states that their circulation is prohibited. The Law of Ukraine on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors prohibits circulation of Table I psychotropic substances except for activities permitted by that law.
Controlled / restricted3
AustriaRestrictedNeue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) and Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV)10111213
ALD-52 (1-acetyl-LSD) is covered as a 9,10-didehydro-ergoline-8-carboxamide derivative with a substituent at the indole nitrogen under Anlage II of the NPSV. The NPSG makes it an offence, when done for gain and with intent for human psychoactive use, to manufacture, import, export, supply, or procure a covered new psychoactive substance; the current ergoline class has applied since 18 April 2024.
FinlandRestrictedValtioneuvoston asetus kuluttajamarkkinoilta kielletyistä psykoaktiivisista aineista (1130/2014)1819
ALD-52 is listed as "1-Asetyyli-LSD (ALD-52)" in the annex to Finland’s Government Decree on psychoactive substances prohibited from the consumer market. The listing restricts ALD-52 as a consumer-market prohibited psychoactive substance, rather than placing it in the decree’s narcotics schedule.
GermanyRestrictedNot scheduled1
United StatesUnscheduled (Analogue Act may apply)Not specifically scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. However, as a structural analogue of LSD (Schedule I),37 sale for human consumption or use for illicit purposes could be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act.citation needed
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Adam L. Halberstadt, Muhammad Chatha, Adam K. Klein, John D. McCorvy, Markus R. Meyer, Lea Wagmann, Alexander Stratford, & Simon D. Brandt. (August 2020). Pharmacological and biotransformation studies of 1-acyl-substituted derivatives of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Neuropharmacology, 172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.10785612
- Lea Wagmann, Lilian H. J. Richter, Tobias Kehl, Franziska Wack, Madeleine Pettersson Bergstrand, Simon D. Brandt, Alexander Stratford, Hans H. Maurer, & Markus R. Meyer. (July 2019). In vitro metabolic fate of nine LSD-based new psychoactive substances and their analytical detectability in different urinary screening procedures. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 411(19), 4751–4763. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-018-1558-91
- Acid Trip: Denver's Secret LSD Labs Fueled the Psychedelic Revolution. Denver Westword (31 October 2017). https://www.westword.com/news/denvers-underground-lsd-labs-fueled-the-psychedelic-revolution-9644844/1
- Decreto N° 122/2026, modifying Decreto N° 560/2019. argentina.gob.ar (n.d.). https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/nacional/decreto-122-2026-423520/texto1
- Decreto N° 122/2026, modifying Decreto N° 560/2019. argentina.gob.ar (n.d.). https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/423520_dec122_jpg/archivo1
- Decreto N° 122/2026, modifying Decreto N° 560/2019. argentina.gob.ar (n.d.). https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/nacional/decreto-560-2019-326675/actualizacion1
- Decreto N° 122/2026, modifying Decreto N° 560/2019. argentina.gob.ar (n.d.). https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/nacional/ley-23737-138/actualizacion1
- Criminal Code Regulations 2019. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2019L00561/latest/text1
- Criminal Code Regulations 2019. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04868/latest/text1
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) and Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV). ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=200076051
Further Reading
Article Status
Step 1 · Automated synthesisAn autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins compiled this article's foundation from information published across the web.
- Step 2 · First-pass review
A first pass manual review and edit of article prose and copy has been performed by subject-matter expert Lyrea. This does not guarantee factual accuracy. An additional human review for each of this article's citations is yet to be performed.
- Step 3 · Citation reviewPending
No one has reviewed this article's citations yet. That second pass checks each claim against the source it cites.
Recent changes8 human edits · latest
Times are UTCNewest first
3 September 2026
Lyrea · Changed a word in Dosage & Duration › Routes 1 › Dose ranges › Heavy
24 July 2026
Lyrea · Updated the article
24 January 2026
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Suggest an edit
Spotted a mistake, an outdated claim, or something missing from the ALD-52 article? Send the editors a private note. Feedback lands in a moderation queue and is never shown on the site.
Wish to give generalised feedback? You can do so here.
