As of: April 2026 — This article is updated regularly whenever the legal situation changes. Last update: 05.04.2026.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. It serves solely as information about the current legal situation. For a binding legal assessment, consult a lawyer specializing in narcotics law.

The question of which LSD derivatives are legal in Germany is by far the most common question our research community asks. Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple as "yes" or "no" — because German legislation is in a constant race against chemistry. Here's the complete overview for 2026.

LSD derivatives are chemical modifications of the LSD-25 molecule, where alterations are made at specific positions of the molecular structure. These derivatives are considered distinct substances and — as long as they are not explicitly listed in a law or covered by a substance-group definition — they are not prohibited.

Since the emergence of the first commercially available derivative — 1P-LSD in 2015 — a veritable innovation cycle has developed. As soon as one derivative gets regulated, the next generation appears. According to an analysis by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA, 2024), a total of 14 different LSD derivatives were identified on the European market between 2015 and 2025.

The Narcotics Act (BtMG)

The BtMG is the older and stricter law. Substances listed in Schedule I of the BtMG are prohibited — possession, trade, and acquisition are punishable offenses. LSD-25 has been in Schedule I for decades. Derivatives only appear here if they are individually listed by name.

Listed in the BtMG: LSD-25 (since 1971)

The New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG)

The NpSG came into effect on November 26, 2016 and was the legislator's response to so-called "legal highs." The crucial difference from the BtMG: the NpSG works with substance-group definitions rather than individual listings.

Before we get to the current table, a brief historical overview — because it reveals the pattern that has been repeating since 2015:

The pattern is obvious: an average of 18-24 months between market appearance and regulation. But caution — past patterns do not guarantee future outcomes.

Summary: Of seven known derivatives, only two remain legally available as of April 2026: 1BP-LSD and 1Fe-LSD. All older generations have been captured by various NpSG amendments.

The current NpSG substance-group definition for lysergamides covers modifications at the N1 position of the indole ring — but only certain chemical structure classes. Both 1BP-LSD and 1Fe-LSD use modifications that fall outside the current definition.

1BP-LSD carries a butyrylphenyl group whose size and branching are not covered by the current substance-group definition.

1Fe-LSD is particularly interesting: it contains a ferrocenyl group — an organometallic compound containing iron. This organometallic structure was simply not anticipated when the NpSG substance groups were formulated. According to several chemists, 1Fe-LSD is thus the most innovative derivative to date.

The NpSG does not prohibit individual substances by name but rather defines basic chemical scaffolds with permitted variations. For lysergamides (Section 2(1) NpSG in conjunction with the Annex), this means:

1. The ergoline scaffold is defined as the basic structure
2. At specific positions, permitted substituents are enumerated
3. Everything that falls under this combination of basic structure + permitted substituents is prohibited
4. Everything that does not fall under it is (still) legal

With each NpSG amendment, the list of permitted substituents is expanded — and consequently more derivatives fall under the ban. It's a cat-and-mouse game between legislation and chemistry.

Around 85% of EU member states now use similar substance-group-based approaches (EMCDDA Report 2025). Germany was one of the pioneers in the EU with the NpSG.

When the federal government passes a new NpSG amendment, the following occurs:

For Buyers

• From the effective date, acquisition of the derivative is prohibited
• Possession, however, is not punishable for end users under the NpSG (unlike the BtMG!)
• You are therefore not committing a crime if you still have remaining stock
• However: New acquisition and importation are prohibited

For Vendors

• Trade, placing on the market, and importation become immediately punishable
• Penalties: fines or imprisonment of up to 3 years (for commercial trade)
• Reputable vendors remove the derivative from their offerings before the effective date

Typical Sequence

1. Draft legislation becomes public (approx. 3-6 months before taking effect)
2. The Bundesrat (Federal Council) approves
3. Publication in the Federal Law Gazette with the effective date
4. The ban applies from that date onward

Honestly? Not very likely — in the long run. The pattern of the last 7 years clearly shows: every derivative has been regulated sooner or later. The average "lifespan" of a legal derivative is 18-24 months after market launch.

As of April 2026, there are no publicly known legislative initiatives that would specifically target 1BP-LSD or 1Fe-LSD. But that can change — sometimes only a few weeks pass between announcement and decision.

Our recommendation: Stay regularly informed about the current legal status. We update this article with every relevant change. Subscribe to our newsletter for instant updates.

Who actually decides when a new derivative falls under the NpSG? In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) is the central authority. The BfArM operates the "Early Warning System for New Psychoactive Substances" — a monitoring system that identifies and evaluates new substances on the market.

The process typically proceeds as follows:

1. Identification: Customs, police, or health authorities report a new substance
2. Analysis: The BfArM has the substance chemically analyzed and checks whether it falls under existing substance-group definitions
3. Assessment: If not covered, they evaluate whether an NpSG amendment is needed
4. Drafting: The BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) prepares a regulatory draft
5. Decision: The Bundesrat approves, publication in the Federal Law Gazette

According to the BfArM Annual Report 2025, 47 new psychoactive substances were identified on the German market for the first time in the past year — of which 6 belonged to the lysergamide class. The authority employs approximately 120 staff members in the NPS monitoring division.

As a researcher in Germany, you have a personal responsibility to stay informed about the current legal situation. Here are concrete tips:

1. Check the current status before every order. This article is updated, but hours may pass between a legal change and an article update. When in doubt: check the Federal Law Gazette.

2. Only buy from reputable vendors. Reputable suppliers proactively remove regulated substances from their offerings — often weeks before the effective date. If a vendor still offers a banned derivative, that's a red flag.

3. Document your orders. Keep records of when you ordered what. If a derivative gets banned after your order but before delivery, you have proof that the order was legal.

4. Subscribe to reliable information sources. Our newsletter, BfArM announcements, and relevant professional forums are good starting points.

5. When in doubt: consult a specialist lawyer. An initial consultation with a lawyer specializing in narcotics law costs approximately 100-250 EUR — a worthwhile investment when you're unsure.

The legal landscape for LSD derivatives in Germany is a dynamic field. What is legal today may be banned in 12 months. 1BP-LSD and 1Fe-LSD are legally available as of April 2026 — but that's a snapshot, not a guarantee.

As responsible researchers, it's our duty to know and respect the legal situation. This article will be updated with every change.