Microdosing is the practice of consuming small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, such as LSD or psilocybin (the active ingredient in certain types of mushrooms), with the intention of enhancing creativity, improving mood, and reducing stress and anxiety. The idea behind microdosing is that these substances can have a positive impact on the brain at low doses, without producing the full-blown psychedelic experience that typically occurs at higher doses.
Microdosing is often done by following a specific dosing schedule, such as taking a very small dose (usually between 10 and 20 micrograms of LSD or 0.2-0.5 grams of mushrooms) every three days. Some people who have tried microdosing report feeling more focused, energized, and productive, while others have experienced improved mood and reduced anxiety and depression.
However, it is important to note that microdosing is still an experimental practice and there is a lack of scientific research on its safety and effectiveness. Additionally, psychoactive substances like LSD and psilocybin are illegal in many countries and can have potentially serious side effects, including hallucinations and psychosis, at higher doses. It is always important to be cautious when using any psychoactive substance and to consider the potential risks and benefits before deciding to try microdosing.
To address the need for additional scientific research, renowned mycologist Paul Samets has launched a community driven initiative called microdose.me in partnership with researchers at UBC and the Quantified Citizen app. Those interested in participating in public research into microdosing can document their regimen and results in a mobile app. The initial phase of this study covered 12,000 participants over 6 months, it has since expanded and has resulted in 2 published papers in Nature Scientific. The research indicates promising results for small amounts of psilocybin, Lion’s Mane and vitamin B3 to impact mental health in less than 30 days.
