Microdosing 101: A Modern Phenomenon Rooted in Ancient Times

Fans of microdosing claim it offers a host of benefits, from enhanced creativity to reduced depression. But what does current research say, and is it safe to microdose?  
 

Once a relatively unknown practice, microdosing has gone mainstream. Microdosing is the practice of taking tiny, ‘sub-perceptual’ amounts (generally about 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical dose) of a drug – usually, but not always – a psychedelic. The substances typically taken are LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. The aim of microdosing is not to attain a mind-bending ‘trip’, but rather to stimulate productivity, creativity, mood, and potentially, spiritual awareness.

More recently, the drugs used in microdosing has broadened to include other psychedelic or psychoactive substances, such as mescaline (found in select species of cacti such as peyote), ketamine, MDMA, the African indigenous plant- based iboga, and other compounds. 

People also microdose with cannabis to alleviate pain without inducing a high, with some scientific studies backing up the benefits. For example, Cuttler et al. (2022) found modest doses of THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) helped in stress reduction.

 

How Do People Microdose?

Microdoses are typically taken on a consistent schedule multiple times a week. Some fans of the practice cycle on and off, microdosing for a month or two in a row, then taking a break.

In reality, microdosing is more complicated than it sounds. The majority of substances are illegal and there isn’t a huge amount of high-quality scientific evidence on the topic (we'll come to that later). What's more, all humans react to these substances differently. 

Psilocybin mushrooms 

 

Why Do People Microdose?

Proponents of microdosing claim that it helps improve focus and boost energy levels. Other people report improvements to their overall well-being. Some have claimed it also helps with medical concerns, including:

• depression
• anxiety
• chronic pain
• menstrual pain
• substance use disorders

 

History of Microdosing

While it may seem a recent invention, microdosing has deep roots in ancient times. Centuries-old indigenous traditions, particularly in Central and South America, have long validated the use of natural substances like psilocybin mushrooms and peyote for ritualistic and medicinal purposes.

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However, the modern term 'microdosing' and its emergent popularity can be traced back to psychedelic pioneer Dr. James Fadiman. His book, The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide, published in 2011, ignited the trend, indicating a unique method of consuming psychedelics to boost a person's daily functioning.

 

The Popularity of Microdosing

Indeed, microdosing represents a shift in cultural attitudes towards psychedelics. Long stigmatised as part of the 'hippie' counterculture and driven into the shadows by prohibitionist policies, psychedelics are now stepping into the light of mainstream acceptability, thanks in part to microdosing.

Tech workers in Silicon Valley, home to Google and Facebook, are known to microdose in order to remain innovative and competitive. In fact, proponents of microdosing include Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who openly admitted to LSD's positive influence in his life.

 

The Scientific Evidence Behind Microdosing

The narrative praising microdosing's benefits is abundant in pop culture and anecdotal records; however, substantiating scientific evidence remains confined due to ongoing legal restrictions relating to psychedelic substances. Investigations are underway, and some interesting observations have been made.

 

“Microdosing merges the ancient and the modern, promising an array of benefits from enhanced creativity to improved emotional well-being.”

 

For instance, Prochazkova and colleagues (2018) reported improved creative problem-solving abilities after microdosing with psychedelic truffles. Anderson et al. (2019) noted decreases in depressive symptoms and dysfunctional attitudes among participants who microdosed LSD and psilocybin.

 

Research has also suggested a bi-directional relationship between psychedelics and nature connectedness – the feeling of connection and oneness with the natural world. A study by Lyons and Carhart-Harris (2018) indicated potential long-term increases in nature-relatedness following psychedelic use.

Microdosing involves taking carefully-measured drug amounts

 

Other studies like Polito and Stevenson (2019) noted an immediate and sustained decrease in depression and stress scores following microdosing. Hutten et al., (2019) observed improvements in various psychological functioning aspects, including mood and focus.

 

Shortcomings of Microdosing Research

Yet, even these studies have their limitations, mainly revolving around self-reporting, absence of control groups, and potential placebo effects. Ly et al. (2018) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study and reported a mild increase in psychological well-being. However, the scientists noted that this could be attributed to a placebo effect, highlighting the critical need for further, more extensive research.

 

Microdosing 101: Is it Safe?

While microdosing – if done correctly – appears to be relatively safe, it does carry risks. This is mainly due to the illegal status of many psychedelic substances in the West. Without formal regulation, it’s imppssible to know exactly what you’re microdosing or its actual potency. 

For example, in June 2024 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned about a product line containing a blend of mushrooms intended for microdosing. At least 12 people became severely ill after using it, with 10 being hospitalized. Symptoms ranged from nausea and vomiting through to seizures and loss of consciousness.

Furthermore, psychedelics affect people differently. While microdosing is supposed to bypass extreme effects of psychedelics such as hallucinations, some people may still have unwanted experiences. It can also be tricky to measure out small doses. If you accidentally take more of a psychedelic substance than planned, more serious side effects can occur, including:
 

• anxiety
• agitation
• paranoia
• increased/decreased heart rate

While these aren’t life threatening, they can be concerning for people that have underlying mental health or heart conditions.

 

What is Psychedelic Therapy?

While the evidence supporting the effectiveness of microdosing is limited, a 2022 study from the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, showed psychedelic-assisted therapy could offer promise for some mental health conditions, including depression and PTSD.

Psychedelic therapy is a relatively new therapeutic approach and involves using psychedelic substances in larger doses while under the supervision of a medical professional, often in combination with psychotherapy in so-called psychedelic integration.

 

“While microdosing – if done correctly – appears to be relatively safe, it does carry risks. This is mainly due to the illegal status of many psychedelic substances in the West.”

Within the United States, some states have loosened restrictions on certain psychedelics, and othes are considering it. Presently, ketamine-assisted therapy is the most widely available psychedelic therapy available.

 

The Takeaway: Microdosing 101

While the scientific community grapples with trying to discern the veracity of claims surrounding microdosing, other spheres of society are enthusiastically embracing it. However, it's essential to remember that while some countries have decriminalized or legalized the use of certain psychedelic substances, in many parts of the world these substances remain illegal.

In conclusion, microdosing is a cultural and scientific phenomenon that merges the ancient and the modern, promising an array of benefits from enhanced creativity to improved emotional well-being. As society continues to evolve and our understanding of the human brain advances, it will be fascinating to observe how attitudes towards microdosing and psychedelics at large will shift, and what place they might hold in our lives in the future. Nevertheless, for those interested in exploring this frontier, it's crucial to understand both the legal and health implications involved.

 

Microdosing paints a promising and contentious picture, highlighting the enduring human quest for cognitive enhancement, psychological wellness, and creative expansion. However, until thorough scientific research establishes its benefits and potential risks unequivocally, the jury is still out on whether microdosing has real potential. ●
Images: Room27, Cannabis_Pic