Microdosing Psychedelics Might Improve Mental Health

While results are not yet definitive, preliminary research suggests a positive correlation between the effects of microdosing psychedelic substances and improved mental health.

Microdosing Psychedelics Might Improve Mental Health
The term “microdose” refers to the measured consumption of 5-10% of what’s considered a normal dose of a chemical.

The use of psychedelic drugs is nothing new. For millennia,  indigenous cultures have used psychedelic plants in rituals and medicinal ceremonies, with dozens of books written on these traditional shamanic practices.

Clinical research into psychedelics gained momentum in the 1950s and 60s as popular figures like Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (both clinical psychologists at Harvard University) were leading the charge. However, the decades that followed brought sweeping governmental action that made research into psychedelics illegal, effectively stopping any sanctioned scientific inquiry into the effects of these substances in many instances.

So, why is everyone suddenly talking about microdosing?

To understand the sudden resurgence of psychedelic research and discourse, we have to first look at the role of the media.

Although the concept had already existed, microdosing first became trendy in California’s Silicon Valley.

Rolling Stone published one of the first related articles in 2015, covering the fad of tech entrepreneurs experimenting with psychedelic substances.  Forbes magazine picked up on the story the following week.

One year later, dozens of worldwide publications with millions of readers like  Vice,  Marie Claire,  GQ,  Vogue,  Wired,  BBC, and Huffington Post published articles on the emerging trend.

Today, hundreds of books,  podcasts, and documentaries exist on the subject.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at what psychedelics are, how to microdose them, what clinical research has to say about it, and whether these drugs can help you with your mental health.

What is a psychedelic substance?

Psychedelics—sometimes called hallucinogenics—are any substance that produces an alteration in consciousness.

A long list of plants and compounds fall under the psychedelic class of substances. For example, the cannabis plant produces THC, a psychedelic drug. Even tobacco and cacao technically fall under this class, though their psychoactive properties are considerably less intense.

Other psychedelics of note are:

At high doses, these substances can produce extraordinarily intense and long-lasting sensory, emotional, and cognitive effects.

So, what does it mean to microdose?

The word “microdose” literally means taking a tiny—or micro—dose of something.

Typically, microdosing has come to represent taking small amounts of a psychedelic compound. Although the exact measurement will change based on substance, tolerance, and protocol, a typical microdose will be 1/10 or 1/20 of a standard dose.

The two most broadly recommended and researched psychedelics for microdosing are organic psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Dr. James Fadiman pioneered the modern theory of microdosing. He first explored the concept in a chapter of his 2011 book, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys. Since then, he’s been a strong advocate for the benefits of this practice.

He also created the first-ever microdose protocol: a schedule dictating the quantity and frequency of your microdose routine.

Several other protocols have also been proposed since Fadiman published his book, each taking a slightly different philosophy and approach.

What happens when you take a microdose?

Short answer? Not much.

Unlike the intense experience of a full dose, the effects of a microdose are incredibly subtle and sub-perceptive, with most people having no observed psychedelic experiences.

If you take a single microdose, you’re unlikely to notice any significant changes. That’s why supporters see microdosing as a supplement regimen lasting several weeks.

What about the risks?

One of the biggest obstacles to microdosing is the illegal status of many psychedelic substances. At the moment, very few countries have made psychedelics legally available, so trying to find some comes with risks that may not be worth it.

In terms of physical drawbacks, microdosing is relatively safe. A common negative consequence is taking too strong of a microdose, though, where the effects are noticeable.

To avoid this, always measure your dose and begin at the lowest possible level.

Additionally, microdosing is not always okay for everyone. Here are a few examples of  when you should avoid microdosing:

  • You have children in your care.
  • You have a preexisting mental health issue.
  • You’re on the autism spectrum.
  • You’re colorblind.
  • You’ve experienced past trauma.
  • You’re physically unwell.
Early research shows a promising link between microdosing and positive mental health outcomes.

What are the benefits of microdosing?

There’s a ton of anecdotal evidence suggesting that microdosing positively affects mental health. Accounts differ from person to person, but the overall trend is clear: Those who microdose correctly are seeing positive results.

Although there isn’t enough peer-reviewed research to give us definitive answers, clinical evidence in preliminary research is promising.

For example,  a 2018 study at the University of Toronto found correlations between microdosing, improved mood and focus, and reduced anxiety and depression.  A 2019 PLoS One study echoed these results, finding that microdosing psychedelics helped reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, in 2021, the Center for Psychedelic research in London cast doubt on previous findings by conducting the most extensive study on microdosing, concluding that the Placebo Effect significantly impacted the positive effects participants observed.

Still, research into the potential benefits of microdosing continues.

In June, July, and August of this year, three studies—two by Scientific Reports and a third by the Journal of Translational Psychiatry—once more indicated a correlation between microdosing psychedelics and improved mental health.

The complete list of potential benefits to mental health is extensive:

  • Better sleep
  • Lower stress
  • Higher energy levels
  • Increased awareness
  • Increased productivity
  • Improved concentration and focus
  • Better mood and emotional balance
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety
  • Reduced symptoms of depression
  • Reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder

Can we trust the research?

Preliminary research is not definitive for a reason, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a trend to be hopeful about.

Canada has been one of the first countries to react to the prevailing data. This year, the government gave its first-ever grant to Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to officially study the effects of psilocybin on mental health.

In August of 2022, Health Canada also granted permission to Optima Health to produce psilocybin for use by approved patients in a therapeutic setting.

Moves like these paint an encouraging picture. Although there is still a way to go regarding research, access, and breaking down the stigma of widely illegal substances, the future of microdosing and the treasure trove of benefits it can bring are promising.

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