Microdosing: Potential Benefits, Risks, and Current Research

Therefore, the common accepted definition is a small dose that does not cause any intoxication or significant alteration of consciousness. As a study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology notes, a technical definition of a microdose would be a dose of a drug that is only 1% of the active dose. One study found that MDMA tablets are often mixed with other substances including bath salts and only 60% of these tablets even contained any MDMA at all.

1. His findings with numerous positive experiences serve as the foundation for the scientific quest into the world of microdosing.
2. In the Netherlands, it’s possible to purchase fresh ready-to-use microdosing truffles that are vacuum-sealed in portions of 6 ×1 gram.
3. The researchers took 34 patients and randomized half of them to receive psilocybin and half to placebo.
4. There is some early research on using low doses of psychedelics (for review, see Passie, 2019); however, the exact dose along with the practiced dosing schedule people use today is not known.

The present study living amends scholarship addressed this gap by surveying psychedelic users about their experience with microdosing including their dosing schedule, motivation, and potential experienced negative effects. People choose to microdose for a variety of reasons, mostly to be more productive, creative, and focused without the effects of a full psychedelic experience. The science around microdosing is still being explored and clinical studies are needed to determine its benefits and risks. However, one self-reported observational study suggests microdosing may help with depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.

Benefits of Microdosing

Microdosing is a relatively recent phenomenon involving taking very small doses of some popular psychedelic hallucinogens or other drugs. Firstly, it’s important to remember that psychedelics like psilocybin are not legal in the United States just yet, even in places like Oregon where the substance has been decriminalized. There are still potential benefits and risks to be aware of before microdosing, though. Whether it is a placebo effect at play, people have been known to report relief after microdosing psilocybin.

It is important to note that these substances are still illegal and cannot be legally prescribed or given by a doctor or psychiatrist. However, as more research is done on the use of psychedelics, both in standard dosages and microdoses, it may be possible that psychedelics find their way into various treatment paradigms. A “bad trip” is an experience characterized by frightening hallucinations, paranoia, mood swings, and delusions that can potentially be dangerous. So while standard doses of psychedelics appear to offer some benefits, they are not always desirable due to the alterations in perceptions, cognitions, and emotions as well as the potential for unwanted side effects. Microdosing involves taking very low doses of a substance, usually a psychedelic drug.

This would recognize that these have medical uses, which would make it possible to conduct further research and utilize them in clinical, supervised settings. Some studies have found that LSD and psilocybin may be useful in the treatment of drug and alcohol dependence and depression. Also, MDMA has shown some benefits in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While a number of different substances can be used, those most commonly utilized for microdosing are the psychedelics LSD and psilocybin.

What does microdosing feel like?

If you or a loved one are considering microdosing, speak with your healthcare provider and/or a mental health provider about your risks. Side effects of decreased mood, cognitive impairment, neurosis, and feelings of disconnection from others have also been noted. The substances people microdose are illegal, further complicating research efforts. In addition, respondents were asked whether they have microdosed with the listed psychedelic substances, followed by the same questions. Two further microdosing-specific questions were asked, namely the route of administration and the frequency of use. In addition, respondents were asked to indicate where they found their microdosing schedule.

“Did We Get All These People to Be in a Clinical Trial That We’re Going to Realize, One Day, Was a Bad Idea?”

In addition, participants received psychological support before, during, and after each MDMA session. However, the doses used in such studies are not microdoses but macrodoses, which are medium to high amounts of the drug. Many participants who took lower doses also experienced anxiety, which is not surprising, said Mitchell. The thinking behind microdosing is that it allows you to experience potential benefits without unwanted side effects.

These small doses do not cause any notable changes in consciousness or sensations. While many may challenge this scheduling, the fact remains that these substances are illegal to possess or consume in most cases. Some people may be very sensitive to the compounds in common hallucinogens. People also reported other benefits and enjoyments of microdosing, such as the ability to control the dose and the general lack of side effects. This method often involves asking questions to people who have been microdosing or were already interested in it. As such, there may be a bit of bias in these studies, as the people may expect to have a good experience while microdosing.