LSD vs Psilocybin
A side-by-side research comparison of LSD and Psilocybin across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | LSD | Psilocybin |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Lysergic acid diethylamide | Psilocybin (from psilocybin mushrooms) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule I (FDA Breakthrough Therapy for depression) |
| Mechanism | Activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (and others), changing perception, mood and the way brain networks communicate. Effects last much longer than most psychedelics. | Converted in the body to psilocin, which activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This temporarily loosens rigid thinking patterns and increases connectivity between brain networks. |
| Molecular weight | 323.43 g/mol | 284.25 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~3-5 hours | ~2-3 hours (psilocin) |
| Bioavailability | Oral | Oral |
| Typical dose | 100-200 mcg in clinical trials | 10-30 mg in clinical trials |
| Frequency | One to a few supervised sessions | One to a few supervised sessions |
| Route | Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting | Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting |
LSD reported benefits
- Studied for anxiety in serious illness
- Explored for depression and addiction
- Long duration allows deep therapeutic work
- Renewed clinical research interest
Psilocybin reported benefits
- Studied for treatment-resistant depression
- Eases anxiety in life-threatening illness
- Explored for alcohol and tobacco addiction
- Often produces durable improvements after few doses
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.