Helluva Drug

This site seeks to examine the links between LSD, its criminalization, and the musical and cultural movement that popularized it. LSD's legality is directly linked to the emergence of psychedelic music. Between 1943 and 1966 the use, manufacture, and sale of LSD was unrestricted in the United States. The prohibition of the substance in 1966 is a direct result of the popularity and success of the acid inspired music of acts like Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, and countless others. This site will explain the history of the substance and place it within the cultural context of the 1960s. The psychedelic movement actually encompassed several major movements that converged in the early to mid 60s. Academic interest in the substance had been prevalent since the discovery of its effects in 1943. Academics like Timothy Leary played a major role in bringing LSD to a wider population. At the same time the intellectual works of authors like Leary circulated art embraced the 'trippy' imagery associated with the use of the drug. These two cultural phenomenon influenced the musical artists who were adjacent to these cultural shifts and spawned a unique genre which is drastically different from the contemporary pop music of the time.

The Grateful Dead provide an excellent case example of this cultural convergence. They interfaced directly with the different facets of this movement and they were involved in its infant days. Some of the first Acid Tests were performed at Dead shows and tripping was integrated into the music, their performance, and the lifestyle of their fans. In addition to this the Grateful Dead enjoyed a fairly fruitful career even after the psychedelic craze had died down. The lasting impact and cultural relevance of this group provides an image that can be used to examine the movement within the context of its music. Additionally the Dead were indirectly responsible (as were many other groups) for the criminalization of LSD.

The United States has a rocky history with recreational drugs and the dubious legal case of LSD exemplified this relationship. LSD was only illegalized when it became associated with the countercultural movement. Projects like MKULTRA demonstrated that the government was interested in the substance and that its legal status was directly determined by social factors, not legitimate concern for people's wellbeing and safety. The prohibition of the substance lines up almost exactly with the height of the psychedelic movement.

The psychedelic 60s were significant to the future of American rock music. The techniques, styles, and songs of artists like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Pink Floyd, and so many others are hugely influential to people today. Modern psychedelic groups like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Tame Impala, MGMT and others have attained commercial and musical success. Their musical foundation stems from the psychedelic music of the 60s and reflects the after-glow of LSDs golden age.