Defining Psychedelic "Strength"
The question of the strongest psychedelic is more complex than it appears, as "strength" can be defined in two distinct ways: pharmacological potency by dosage and the subjective intensity of the experience. A drug's potency refers to the amount required to produce an effect, while intensity describes the profoundness of the psychological effects, such as ego dissolution and sensory alteration [1.9.2, 1.2.1].
Potency by Dosage
Pharmacological potency is measured by the effective dose. In this regard, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most potent chemical substances known. It is considered 100 times more potent than psilocybin and up to 4,000 times more potent than mescaline [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. Significant psychedelic effects can be produced from doses as small as 20–50 micrograms (µg) [1.3.3]. Its effects, which can last 8 to 12 hours, are a result of how it binds to serotonin receptors [1.2.1].
Subjective Intensity
While LSD is potent by weight, many users and researchers describe other substances as having a more intense or overwhelming subjective effect. The two main contenders in this category are 5-MeO-DMT and Salvinorin A.
- 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine): Often sourced from the Sonoran Desert toad or synthesized, this tryptamine is 4 to 20 times more potent than DMT [1.3.3]. Its effects are characterized by a rapid onset (1-5 minutes) and short duration (15-30 minutes) [1.3.4]. Users frequently report profound experiences of ego dissolution, sometimes described as a "white light" experience, where the sense of self completely dissolves into a feeling of cosmic unity [1.9.1].
- Salvinorin A: This compound is unique because it is a potent kappa-opioid agonist, not a classic serotonergic psychedelic like LSD or psilocybin [1.3.2, 1.11.2]. It is derived from the Salvia divinorum plant and is also extremely potent by weight, with effective doses in the 200-500 microgram range [1.3.3]. The experience is very short (5-15 minutes) but is known for causing intense dissociation, body distortion, and a sense of overlapping realities [1.3.4, 1.11.4].
Comparison of Potent Psychedelics
To understand the differences, a direct comparison is helpful. While substances like psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are more widely known, they are significantly less potent by dose than the compounds listed below [1.2.3].
| Feature | LSD | 5-MeO-DMT | Salvinorin A | N,N-DMT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Lysergamide | Tryptamine | Diterpenoid | Tryptamine |
| Primary Mechanism | Serotonin 5-HT2A Agonist [1.5.1] | Serotonin 5-HT2A Agonist | Kappa-Opioid Agonist [1.3.2] | Serotonin 5-HT2A Agonist [1.9.2] |
| Typical Dose Range | 20-150 µg [1.3.3] | 5-20 mg [1.3.3] | 200-1000 µg [1.3.3] | 20-60 mg (smoked) |
| Onset of Effects | 30-90 minutes (oral) [1.2.1] | 1-5 minutes (inhaled) [1.3.4] | < 1 minute (inhaled) [1.3.3] | < 1 minute (smoked) |
| Duration | 8-12 hours [1.2.1] | 15-30 minutes [1.3.4] | 5-15 minutes [1.3.3] | 5-20 minutes [1.3.4] |
| Defining Experience | Lasting visual hallucinations, introspection | Intense ego dissolution, unity | Dissociation, alternate realities | Immersive visual and auditory hallucinations [1.8.3] |
Therapeutic Research and Associated Risks
There is a major resurgence in psychedelic research, with institutions like the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) leading the way [1.6.2, 1.7.2]. Studies are exploring the potential of these substances to treat conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders [1.5.2, 1.7.3]. For instance, psilocybin has received a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation from the FDA for depression [1.5.1].
However, the strength of these drugs also correlates with significant risks.
- Psychological Risks: High-potency psychedelics can induce terrifying experiences, often called 'bad trips,' characterized by panic, paranoia, and fear of losing control [1.2.4]. There is also a risk of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), where flashbacks of the experience occur long after use [1.8.4].
- Physiological Risks: While classic psychedelics have low toxicity, they can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure [1.8.3]. The combination of certain psychedelics, like DMT or 5-MeO-DMT, with other drugs such as antidepressants or MAOIs can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome [1.8.2, 1.8.3].
- Legal Status: In the United States, most classic psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use under federal law [1.8.3, 1.10.1]. However, several states and cities have passed measures to decriminalize or legalize them for therapeutic use as of 2025 [1.10.2, 1.10.4].
Conclusion
So, what's the strongest psychedelic drug? If defining strength by potency by weight, the answer is unequivocally LSD. It is pharmacologically active at microscopic doses far smaller than any other common psychedelic [1.2.1]. However, if strength is defined by the sheer intensity and speed of the subjective experience, many would argue for 5-MeO-DMT due to its capacity for profound ego dissolution, or Salvinorin A for its uniquely potent dissociative effects [1.3.3, 1.9.1]. The answer ultimately depends on the metric used, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of these powerful compounds.
