Reefer Madness

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Blue Star Acid

Debunked: "Blue star" or cartoon character (especially Mickey Mouse) tattoos laced with LSD are sold/given away at schools to hook kids on acid.

One of the "classic" ULs, this one typically appears as a poorly typed/copied official-looking flier. The UL had its heyday in the late-1980s and is the classic example of faxlore.

The warning plays on fears of schoolchildren playing with transfer-type, temporary "tattoos" and receiving a "fatal trip." The warning typically contains mistaken facts about LSD, along with mispellings and URGENT warnings in CAPITAL LETTERS.

The UL dates to 1980-81, but surged in popularity in 1987-88.

While the UL has been thoroughly debunked, there is a grain of truth back in the dim past that may have served as its inspiration. In 1980, the New Jersey State Police circulated a memorandum describing a batch of LSD that was being distributed on blotter paper that had been printed with images of Mickey Mouse. No mention was made of decals or transfer tattoos, nor did the police warn that the acid was intended for children. But evidently the idea of a cartoon character being associated with children was too much for some people, and the legend grew from there.

References:

• AFU Archive: Blue Star LSD FAQ
• AFU Archive: Blue Star Tattoos Contain Acid
• "Curses Broiled Again," by J.H. Brunvand