LSD: My Problem Child

LSD: My Problem Child reads as a scientific autobiography — Hofmann traces LSD from its synthesis at Sandoz in 1938, through the accidental discovery of its psychedelic effects on April 16, 1943, to the historic first intentional self-experiment on April 19 (now celebrated globally as "Bicycle Day"). He then follows the substance through its early promise in psychiatric research, its escape into counterculture use, and the political backlash that led to global prohibition. Along the way, he documents his research on psilocybin and psilocin from Psilocybe mexicana mushrooms and his meeting with the Mazatec curandera María Sabina.

What makes this book irreplaceable is its provenance — no one else can tell this story, because no one else was there when LSD was born. Hofmann writes with a scientist's precision and a philosopher's depth, reflecting on the nature of consciousness, the relationship between mysticism and chemistry, and the tragedy of prohibition. The MAPS edition directs 100% of proceeds to psychedelic research. The limitation is that it was written in 1979 and doesn't cover the modern psychedelic renaissance, though its historical perspective makes the current revival all the more meaningful.

For microdosing practitioners, Hofmann's book provides essential context for understanding the substance many of them use. He discusses LSD's pharmacology, its profound effects at microgram-level doses, and the precision required in working with such a potent compound — all directly relevant to microdosing practice. His reflections on responsible use and the distinction between sacramental and recreational contexts remain among the most thoughtful in the entire psychedelic literature.