What is Microdosing? Everything You Need To Know.
Updated: Feb 1
Microdosing is not new to the psychedelic community, but microdosing is gaining mainstream popularity.
Microdosing is taking a small amount of a psychedelic drug like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, iboga, ayahuasca, or other psychoactive compounds.
Evidence suggests microdosing protocols were active throughout the development of the modern-day Tech Industry.
Even Albert Hofmann, the Swiss scientist credited for discovering LSD, microdosed throughout much of his adult life and lived 102 years of age.
While it is not for everyone, microdosing has its place in the wellness and alternative medicine world.
What Actually Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is taking little amounts of hallucinogenics such as psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, ecstasy, PCP, ketamine, salvia, cannabis, and other hallucinogenics.
The user will take these in small microdoses, typically 1/10th of a full amount, on a set schedule or use a specific protocol to boost creativity, productivity, and overall satisfaction with life. The effects of psychedelics are usually considered to be sub-perceptual, referring to the fact that there are no perceptible effects.
A network of psychologists and psychiatrists utilized these dosing methods in the early 1960s. Dr. James Fadiman and others conducted scientific experiments with microdosing LSD in Menlo Park and Silicone Valley, CA.
What Are The Benefits Of Microdosing Psychedelics?
Most people report having a positive experience, enhanced moods, more creativity, increased energy levels, enhanced immunity, increased proper digestive flow, a better quality of life, and divergent thinking, after taking psychedelics in small microdoses, especially improved mood.
So far, the evidence for the benefits of microdosing psychedelics has been obtained from scientists.
Some scientific studies suggest that these substances can indeed enhance mood and cognitive function.
For example, one study found that psilocybin-containing mushrooms improved the moods of cancer patients. In addition to enhancing mood, microdosing psychedelics may also enhance cognitive function.
Another study found that LSD enhanced “divergent thinking” in healthy individuals. Divergent thinking is a type of thinking that allows for the generation of new ideas and solutions.
Some even report that microdosing provides a reduction of rapid emotions, fears, worries, and unwanted thoughts.
Microdosing with LSD and Psilocybin also increases creativity according to a recent report showing that taking a small amount of LSD before completing a creative task resulted in more creative outputs.
There were many studies about several psychedelics in the 1960s that hold a candle in today’s world. It’s fair to suggest the compounds have distinct benefits for the mind and body.
New research shows potential physical benefits such as improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, enhanced immunity, reduced redness from wounds, increased flow of digestion, and a reduction in unwanted mental confusion.
Yes, the research is new and has not been fully validated or peer-reviewed because psychedelics are Schedule 1 narcotics by the DEA. Also, the approved research has been focused on negative mental outcomes and not the quality of life applications.
If some psychedelics could get rescheduled in the future, then the applications for microdosing can continue to grow based on the reports coming from the experience of microdosers.
While additional research is being conducted for verification and validation, all indications show that routinely using small amounts of LSD or psilocybin can be an effective amount to enhance one's overall quality of life.
Potential Mood-Related Benefits:
Improved and balanced mood
Fosters a more positive mindset
Increases emotional self-awareness
Strengthens empathy and emotional connection
Fosters a present state of mind
More openness with others
Increases a sense of belonging in the community
Encourages a feeling of oneness
Increases connection with a life purpose
Increases gratitude for others and their contributions to your life
Potential Cognitive Benefits:
Strengthens brain neuroplasticity
Enhances concentration and focus
Gives access and maintains the flow state
Increases creativity and productivity
Enhances analysis and problem-solving ability
Provides better decision-making
Limits the inclination for procrastination
Increases mental resilience