6-Ethyl-6-nor-lysergic acid diethylamide (also known as N-Ethyl-nor-lysergic acid N,N-diethylamide,[1] N-Ethyl-nor-LSD,[1] and ETH-LAD[1]) is a lesser-known novel psychedelic of the lysergamide class. ETH-LAD is chemically similar to LSD and has a similar mechanism of action, acting primarily by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain.
The human use of ETH-LAD was first documented by Alexander Shulgin in his 1997 book TiHKAL (“Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved”). It is noted for its “modified visual distortion” relative to LSD.[2] It has been marketed alongside psychedelic lysergamides like 1P-LSD and AL-LAD as a legal, grey-market alternative to LSD, and commercially distributed through online research chemical vendors.
ETH-LAD has been shown to be moderately to significantly more potent than LSD itself in animal studies[3] with an active dose reported at between 40 and 100 micrograms. Anecdotal reports suggest that while it produces similar effects to LSD at low to common doses, it displays a notably divergent effects profile at higher doses, sometimes described as producing “algorithmic” and “warped” visual and auditory distortions, combined with a more “introspective” and “analytical”, if not more “neutral” head space.
ETH-LAD has also been reported to more readily produce adverse physical effects such as severe and persisting nausea, temperature dysregulation, and generalized bodily discomfort, particularly at higher doses. This has been speculated to owe itself to an unusually sensitive and unpredictable dose-response curve, as low to common dose experiences are generally described as being very manageable and non-threatening.
Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of ETH-LAD, and it has little history of human usage. Along with its sensitive dose-response and potentially concerning physical side effects, many reports suggest that this substance may be overly difficult to use safely for those who are not experienced with hallucinogens. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
papathomas –
I prefer ETH-LAD to 1P. In fact, it’s my favorite psychedelic. Personally I find the headspace stronger than 1P (headspace off 150ug ETH-LAD was more significant for me than 350ug 1A-LSD). I do feel a bit weighted down, so 1P is superior for hiking. But nothing compares to sitting someplace beautiful on a solid dose of ETH-LAD. The visuals are absolutely insane. It feels more calm and peaceful to me than LSD. I had a plus 4 experience with ETH-LAD, it felt like I was experiencing “true” reality for the first time, like my life up till then had been a dream, merely a shadow of all life had to offer.