Diplo ran the LA marathon on acid. Here’s what experts have to say
Diplo says he ran a marathon on LSD. Yes you’ve read correctly.
The 44-year-old DJ finished the Los Angeles Marathon last weekend in 3 hours and 35 minutes, he recently said on social media. In a video synopsis, Diplo showed how he put several drops of LSD in his water bottle for the race.
“I think you need about four drops of LSD,” Diplo said before adding another. “Five.”
It’s hard to tell how high or low the dose he was taking — there’s no “universally accepted standard” for how concentrated liquid LSD should be, notes Greg Fonzo, co-director of the Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at the University of Texas at Austin.
And not only is it impossible to speculate how much Diplo took, Fonzo adds that it’s “not clear what his motivation was for taking LSD before a marathon” because “there is currently no rigorous or conclusive evidence to support this.” that LSD or psychedelic ingestion could improve physical or athletic performance.”
What does LSD do?
Experts warn that using psychedelics without proper education and guidance from a doctor is risky.
Experiences vary depending on the amount of LSD ingested — according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, lower doses have been found to increase mood, sensory awareness, and energy.
But negative short-term effects can include elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, as well as dizziness, insomnia, weakness, and rapid emotional changes, according to the institute — not ideal athletic circumstances.
There are also certain individuals who are at risk of having a negative experience, even with the right setting and dosage. dr Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine, previously told USA TODAY that anyone with a personal or family history of schizophrenia should avoid these substances.
And it’s worth noting that the use of psychedelic drugs, even in medical settings, is illegal in the United States except for Oregon, where psychedelic mushrooms were legalized in 2020.
The connection between athletes and LSD
There is no significant research to back up the physical boosts Diplo may have gained from taking LSD, although some top athletes have started using psychedelics for mental health purposes in recent years, which experts say can help with self-healing better focus on their performance.
Former NBA star Lamar Odom, four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, and NFL graduate Kenny Stills are some of the most famous professional athletes to have spoken publicly about their use of psychedelics for mental health and substance abuse.
Some medical experts, citing clinical research, say that using psychedelics in the right amounts and in safe environments can have legitimate benefits. But they also warn that following the latest medical trends, which are much talked about, can be dangerous.
“When people are stuck or suffering, well-managed change can be beneficial, and psychedelics are agents that promote such transformative experiences,” says Dimitriu, who doesn’t use psychedelic treatments on his patients because the treatments are illegal.
He added that psychedelics can encourage users to “connect loose issues” and experience “enhanced clarity and memory.” But that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone or should be used recreationally.
More on LSD, psychedelics, and microdosing
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The Next Big Trend in Mental Health Treatment? Psychedelic Therapy.
More:How LSD Helped Ayelet Waldman Have “A Really Good Day.”
Contributor: Jenna Ryu
