Lysergamides, LSD & Ergot with Paul Daley | Psychedelic Chemistry Part 2

Explore the chemistry of LSD, lysergamides, ergot alkaloids, and psychedelic science with chemist Paul Daley, protégé of Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin. In Part 2 of the Shulgin Foundation’s Psychedelic Chemistry Basics series, Daley examines the scientific and historical foundations of lysergamides, the family of compounds that includes LSD and naturally occurring ergot alkaloids. Speaking from the laboratory at Shulgin Farm, where Sasha Shulgin conducted much of his pioneering psychedelic chemistry research, Daley explains how lysergamides are structured, how they interact with serotonin receptors, and why these compounds have produced both extraordinary medical discoveries and profound chapters in human history. The presentation follows the story of ergot from its role in historical outbreaks of poisoning to its medicinal use in childbirth, migraine treatment, pharmaceutical development, and the eventual discovery of LSD by Albert Hofmann at Sandoz Laboratories. Daley also explores the early history of LSD research, its use in psychiatry, the effects of drug prohibition on psychedelic science, and the contemporary study of LSD analogues and related lysergamide compounds. Topics covered include: • LSD chemistry and the lysergamide family • The chemical structure of lysergic acid compounds • Ergot fungi and naturally occurring ergot alkaloids • How LSD interacts with serotonin receptors • Why LSD produces such long-lasting effects • The history of ergot poisoning and St. Anthony’s Fire • Historical medical uses of ergot compounds • Albert Hofmann and the discovery of LSD • Sandoz Laboratories and early psychedelic research • LSD-assisted psychotherapy and alcoholism research • Military and intelligence interest in LSD • Morning glory seeds and naturally occurring lysergamides • Ergot cultivation and pharmaceutical production • LSD analogues, prodrugs, and emerging lysergamide research • LSD purity, iso-LSD, receptor binding, migraines, and cluster headaches About Paul Daley Paul Daley is a chemist, researcher, and protégé of Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin. He is the co-founder, Chief Science Officer, and Chemist at the Alexander Shulgin Research Institute. He has managed the laboratory at Shulgin Farm for nearly two decades, preserving and extending an important legacy of psychedelic chemistry, scientific inquiry, and public education. About the Series Psychedelic Chemistry Basics is a three-part educational series presented by the Shulgin Foundation. Part 1 explored phenethylamines, including compounds related to mescaline, MDMA, and 2C-B. Part 2 examines lysergamides, including LSD and ergot alkaloids. Part 3 will explore tryptamine chemistry and will take place on November 18, 2026. Subscribe to the Shulgin Foundation YouTube channel for more educational programs on psychedelic chemistry, the history of psychedelic science, Sasha and Ann Shulgin, and the continuing legacy of Shulgin Farm. This presentation is shared for scientific, historical, and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide instructions for manufacturing, obtaining, or using controlled substances. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Chemistry Basics 01:43 What Are Lysergamides? 03:41 How Lysergamides Affect the Human Body 07:49 LSD, Serotonin, and Neurotransmitter Receptors 10:00 The History of Ergot Poisoning 13:17 Ergot in Medicine and Childbirth 14:46 The Life Cycle of Ergot Fungus 17:53 Sandoz Laboratories and Albert Hofmann 20:04 The Development and Discovery of LSD 24:02 Early Psychiatric Research with LSD 25:49 Military and Cultural Interest in LSD 26:58 Albert Hofmann and Natural Psychedelics 29:24 Pharmaceutical Production of Ergot Alkaloids 36:05 The Chemistry of Lysergamide Production 39:11 Prohibition and Psychedelic Research 40:38 LSD Receptor Binding and Duration 41:35 Cluster Headaches and Lysergamides 44:47 LSD Analogues and New Lysergamides 46:25 Audience Q&A 49:13 Lysergamides and Serotonin Receptors 50:16 Can LSD Be Fully Synthesized? 51:25 Lysergamides and Migraine Treatment 53:29 LSD Purity and Iso-LSD 56:08 Chemistry, Separation, and Purity 58:14 Part 3 Announcement Learn more about The Shulgin Foundation: https://shulginfoundation.org/ Explore our Upcoming Events: https://shulginfoundation.org/events/ Support Shulgin Farm: https://shulginfoundation.org/give/ Visit the Farm: https://shulginfoundation.org/visit-t...