Which hallucinogen was invented by Albert Hofmann in 1938 and marketed initially as a mental health drug?

Which hallucinogen was invented by Albert Hofmann in 1938 and marketed initially as a mental health drug?

• A. MDMA
• B. LSD
• C. Psilocybin
• D. Mescaline

Answer: (B)

Albert Hofmann synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide in 1938 at Sandoz while exploring derivatives of ergot. It wasn’t until Hofmann’s own experience with the compound a few years later that its powerful hallucinogenic effects became clear, leading researchers to consider its psychiatric potential. Because of that line of investigation, the substance was marketed by Sandoz as a mental health medication, which is why this option is the correct match. The other substances have different origins: MDMA was developed by a separate company and later explored for therapy, while psilocybin and mescaline come from natural sources (mushrooms and the peyote cactus, respectively) and were not invented by Hofmann in 1938.

Albert Hofmann synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide in 1938 at Sandoz while exploring derivatives of ergot. It wasn’t until Hofmann’s own experience with the compound a few years later that its powerful hallucinogenic effects became clear, leading researchers to consider its psychiatric potential. Because of that line of investigation, the substance was marketed by Sandoz as a mental health medication, which is why this option is the correct match. The other substances have different origins: MDMA was developed by a separate company and later explored for therapy, while psilocybin and mescaline come from natural sources (mushrooms and the peyote cactus, respectively) and were not invented by Hofmann in 1938.