Lysergamides are a class of alkaloids with a tetracyclic ergoline core structure. These compounds elicit their hallucinogenic properties by binding to and activating the serotonin 2A receptor. Variations to the ergoline core typically occur at three main regions of the core. These modifications give rise to some analogs with comparable efficacy to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Listen to Camille Watson-Gooden and Danielle St. Germaine, scientists from Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, discuss the history, modifications, fragmentation, and new emerging analogs of lysergamides.

Presented as part of the 2024 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium.