In the United States, unless a person has a DEA license, it is illegal to possess or distribute LSD. It is classified as Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse. They also have no medical use or purpose in the United States and lastly, they are not safe to consume even under medical supervision. Drugs which fall under this classification typically result in the harshest legal punishments, i.e., jail sentencing, probation or court appointed rehab.

The use of LSD had already taken somewhat of a dive in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s there was some resurgence. Today, many users take ecstasy and ketamine in lieu of LSD. 

Before 1966, LSD was legal in the U.S. It was used experimentally as a psychiatric drug. Some health professionals believed that it might be effective in treating persons with psychiatric disorders. It turned out not to be.

On October 6, 1966, it became illegal to possess and distribute LSD without a DEA license. Since that time, chemists have been most responsible for manufacturing the LSD sold in the United States. In fact, the DEA dealt a heavy blow to the LSD trade when it raided and arrested two prolific acid manufacturing chemists.

LSD is a psychedelic drug synthesized in the 1930’s. It became a pretty popular recreational drug in the 1960s. At one time, it was legal and even given to those that suffered from psychiatric disorders. It was used experimentally in this capacity for a number of years. By 1966, it was deemed unlawful to possess or use LSD. Individuals caught with it, whether for personal use or distribution, can be jailed. As mentioned above, LSD is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States. These drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and have no recognized medical purposes in the United States. They also typically receive the harshest sentencing.  Other drugs classified as such include marijuana, ecstasy, GHB and heroin.