I’ve always been interested in the potential of hallucinogens.
I know that sounds crazy to many, but the mere notion that some drugs are legal and some illegal because a suit in Westminster says so baffles me. Why is cannabis illegal but tobacco legal? Why is alcohol legal but magic mushrooms illegal? The damage caused by the legal drugs in this sentence is far worse than that of the illegal drugs.
I don’t take drugs, but I’m not going to say I never have. Hallucinogens, in particular, are something that fascinate me. Back in the day (I won’t say which day), there was a stall at the indoor market where you could buy magic mushrooms. They weren’t dried out, so not illegal, but it wasn’t hard to get them ready for a pretty wild night in.
I did, once, do mushrooms, and the way it made me think, more than anything, left a huge mark on me. It was as if another part of my brain had been opened for a short while and some of the things I thought about my life while lying in a muddy field near Huntingdon were so accurate and had previously been unknown to me. In honesty, some of those thoughts did actually scare me a lot, and that time (20 years ago, maybe more) was the only time I dabbled. However, I remember thinking things about my life at the time that were so accurate and that I’d never faced, such as my job being an anchor weighing me down. It was a little depressing, but on that evening, I even saw the way forward in my life.
Since then, I have been paying close attention to something called microdosing. Microdosing has gained significant attention in recent years as an alternative means to enhance cognition, creativity, and overall well-being. Rooted in the controlled intake of psychedelic substances at sub-perceptual levels, microdosing promises potential benefits without inducing a full-blown psychedelic experience – in other words, a bit of mental clarity without seeing a glow-in-the-dark angel sitting in a tree serving alcoholic beverages from a teapot. As research continues to unfold, more individuals are exploring microdosing as a tool for personal and professional development.
For the record, the angel in the tree was actually there, and it wasn’t a hallucination. Yeah, it was that kind of festival. At the time, I described it as a lot of posh people necking truffles. I’ve had no reason to change my description in the two decades since.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming small, sub-therapeutic doses of psychedelic substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), truffles or psilocybin mushrooms. The goal is not to experience hallucinations or profound alterations in perception but rather to subtly enhance cognitive function, mood, and creativity. Typically, microdoses range from 5 to 10 micrograms of LSD or 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms.
The History of Microdosing
The origins of microdosing can be traced back to the mid-20th century, particularly within the scientific community studying psychedelics. Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD, reportedly engaged in microdosing later in life, advocating for its potential cognitive and emotional benefits. In the 1960s, psychedelic research flourished but was eventually suppressed due to stringent regulations.
The resurgence of interest in microdosing emerged in the 21st century, largely credited to psychologist and author Dr. James Fadiman, whose book The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide (2011) provided detailed accounts of microdosing regimens and personal experiences. Today, entrepreneurs, artists, and mental health enthusiasts are among those who explore microdosing for its potential benefits.
Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Although formal research is still in its early stages, anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest that microdosing may offer several psychological and physiological benefits:
1. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving
Many individuals who engage in microdosing report increased creative thinking, improved problem-solving skills, and heightened pattern recognition. These benefits make microdosing particularly appealing to professionals in creative industries, including artists, musicians, and writers.
2. Improved Mood and Emotional Regulation
Microdosing has been associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some users describe experiencing greater emotional resilience, enhanced social connectivity, and an overall sense of well-being.
3. Increased Focus and Productivity
Some claim that microdosing can enhance concentration, making it easier to stay engaged with tasks for longer periods. This potential benefit has made microdosing popular among tech industry professionals and students.
4. Greater Mindfulness and Presence
Microdosing may encourage mindfulness and a deeper connection with the present moment, leading to increased self-awareness and introspection.
5. Reduction in Addictive Behaviors
Preliminary studies suggest that psychedelics may help reduce dependence on substances like alcohol and nicotine. Microdosing could play a role in breaking negative behavioural patterns.
Risks and Challenges of Microdosing
Despite its potential benefits, microdosing is not without risks and challenges. Some of the key concerns include:
1. Lack of Long-Term Research
While anecdotal evidence is abundant, scientific studies on the long-term effects of microdosing remain limited. More research is needed to determine potential risks and adverse effects.
2. Potential Psychological Side Effects
For individuals with a predisposition to mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, microdosing may exacerbate symptoms or trigger unwanted psychological responses.
3. Legal and Ethical Concerns
Some psychedelics remain illegal in many countries, which poses legal risks for individuals interested in microdosing. However, there is growing advocacy for decriminalization and the medical use of psychedelics in some regions.
4. Inconsistencies in Dosage and Quality
Since microdosing often involves substances that are not regulated, ensuring precise dosing and substance purity can be challenging. Variability in substance potency may lead to unexpected effects.
Scientific Research on Microdosing
The scientific community has begun to investigate microdosing more rigorously, with studies emerging in recent years to explore its cognitive and emotional effects.
- Placebo vs. Real Effects: A 2021 study published in eLife suggested that some of the reported benefits of microdosing might be attributed to the placebo effect rather than direct pharmacological action.
- Neuroplasticity: Early research indicates that psychedelics may promote neuroplasticity, potentially leading to cognitive and emotional flexibility.
- Mental Health Applications: Studies on full-dose psychedelics for treating depression and PTSD have been promising, leading some researchers to explore whether microdosing can offer similar benefits with fewer side effects.
The Future of Microdosing
As societal attitudes toward psychedelics shift and scientific research progresses, the future of microdosing appears promising. Decriminalization efforts, clinical trials, and technological advancements in drug delivery may pave the way for a more structured and accepted use of microdosing in mental health and cognitive enhancement.
Conclusion
Microdosing represents a fascinating frontier in the exploration of human potential. While anecdotal reports and early research suggest significant benefits, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to validate these claims. As with any emerging practice, individuals should approach microdosing with caution, awareness, and respect for both its potential and its limitations. Whether used for creativity, productivity, or mental health, microdosing remains a subject of intrigue and ongoing discovery in the modern world.