Classic Psychedelics: Psilocybin, LSD, and Mescaline
The Classic Psychedelics
Shared Features
Psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline are often called classic psychedelics because they share a primary action at serotonin receptors and can produce changes in perception, mood, and cognition.
General Comparison
| Compound | Typical scientific note |
|---|---|
| Psilocybin | A prodrug converted to psilocin in the body |
| LSD | Potent, long-acting, and active at very low doses |
| Mescaline | A naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid |
How They Differ
Psilocybin
- Often studied for depression and end-of-life distress
- Effects usually last several hours
LSD
- Known for very high potency and long duration
- Subjectively can feel highly visual and cognitively intense
Which compound is a prodrug converted into psilocin?
Psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, the active form.
Correct answer: Psilocybin
Which classic psychedelic is famous for very high potency and long duration?
LSD is active at very low doses and can last many hours.
Correct answer: LSD
Scientific Comparison
Researchers compare compounds by receptor profile, duration, dose-response, and therapeutic evidence rather than by popularity or cultural reputation.
What broad family do psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline belong to?
They share a core mechanism and similar experiential effects.
Correct answer: classic psychedelics