Psychedelic therapy holds promise as a potential treatment for conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, and more. Additionally, microdosing, which involves taking psychedelics in non-hallucinogenic doses, may offer some psychological benefits in theory. However, it remains significantly under-researched within the already intricate realm of psychedelic therapy. Moreover, the use of certain psychedelics for microdosing purposes is illegal in the United States. As of now, our understanding of microdosing is limited, hinting at the need for further investigation.

 

An Overview of Psychedelic Therapy

 

Here’s the gist: Under the supervision of healthcare professionals, often within clinical trial settings, patients may undergo therapeutic sessions involving psychedelic substances such as psilocybin (derived from “magic mushrooms”), LSD, MDMA, or ketamine. These experiences aim to induce altered states of consciousness, potentially facilitating brain changes that can positively impact cognition and help alleviate psychological conditions.

 

However, psychedelic therapy presents several drawbacks, including legal complexities, potential side effects, psychological challenges, and the necessity for extensive, multi-session treatments to achieve potential efficacy.

 

In the realm of psychedelic therapy, some patients may prefer not to experience hallucinations — and this is where microdosing comes into play.

 

It’s crucial to emphasize that this article serves solely as an informational guide regarding our current understanding of microdosing. Everyday Health does not endorse the illicit use of psychedelic substances for therapeutic or recreational purposes.

 

What Is Microdosing?

 

Microdosing psychedelics lacks an officially recognized medical definition or dosage standard, according to Harvard Health Publishing. However, as the term suggests, microdosing generally refers to ingesting amounts below the threshold for hallucinogenic effects, as indicated by a research article. Nevertheless, at present, there are more uncertainties than certainties.

 

One interpretation, derived from her own research, comes from Harriet De Wit, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago. She defines microdosing as “taking very low doses of these drugs, about one-tenth of what you’d take to trip, and you take this dose every three to four days over an extended period of time.” For instance, a typical dose to induce a high might be 100 micrograms (mcg); microdosing would then fall within the range of 10 to 20 mcg.

 

While most published research pertains to LSD, Dr. De Wit notes anecdotal reports of microdosing with psilocybin and MDMA as well. Theoretically, these minimal doses do not induce hallucinogenic effects. Instead, the aim of microdosing is to subtly alter brain function while the individual remains fully conscious, with the hope of improving well-being over time.

 

Challenges to Psychedelic Medicine

 

Regarding psychedelic therapy in general, and microdosing in particular, two crucial points must be considered.

 

Legal complexities are significant and ever-evolving. The majority of psychedelics, whether at full doses or microdoses, remain illegal for use.

 

While esketamine (Spravato), a ketamine nasal spray, obtained FDA approval in 2019 for treating treatment-resistant depression under medical supervision, it is the only psychedelic-like substance federally legal in the United States.

 

Certain states, such as Oregon, have sanctioned the supervised use of psilocybin, though licensed facilities offering the drug have yet to open. Legislative efforts to decriminalize psychedelics on local and state levels are gaining traction.

 

However, the regulatory landscape could change, as evidenced by the FDA’s draft guidance in June 2023 for researchers conducting studies on psychedelic drugs for psychiatric or substance use disorders. This draft outlines study design and drug development procedures for psychedelic medicines, pending public commentary before finalization.

 

Research is still in its early stages, and findings are mixed. Studies are primarily conducted within academic medical settings via clinical trials involving hallucinogenic doses of these substances. Substantial further research is required to draw clearer and more widely applicable conclusions.

 

There is even less data on microdosing, with many purported health benefits inferred from larger-dose trials. These benefits may not hold true as research evolves. Consequently, more extensive investigation is necessary, emphasizing the need for caution when considering the potential of psychedelic therapy.

 

Considering the aforementioned points, here’s what some experts and research suggest regarding potential health benefits of microdosing, though these findings may evolve over time.

 

May Lead to a Short-Term Mood Boost

 

LSD affects the serotonin neurotransmitter system similarly to SSRIs, common antidepressants. Thus, there is theoretical support for the notion that LSD, whether as a hallucinogenic dose or microdose, could benefit mood disorders.

 

In a study by De Wit and colleagues, individuals without depression were given either a placebo or microdoses of LSD (13 mcg or 26 mcg) every three to four days. Although the higher dose produced noticeable effects, neither dose significantly altered mood or cognition over the study’s duration.

 

Another study found that individuals who took LSD microdoses reported increased creativity, connectivity, energy, happiness, and well-being on dosing days. However, these effects were short-lived.

 

May Enhance Mental Performance and Creativity

 

Anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing enhances creativity. Research on microdosing psychedelic truffles showed improved performance on creative problem-solving tasks and cognitive flexibility compared to non-users.

 

A survey of microdosers found higher ratings of creativity, open-mindedness, and wisdom, as well as lower ratings of dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality, compared to non-microdosers.

 

Low Doses May Allow Normal Functioning

 

Microdosing is akin to taking a typical pharmaceutical drug, according to Nese Devenot, PhD, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Cincinnati. Users generally feel they can go about their daily routines as usual while microdosing, although some report feeling stimulated.

 

However, accidentally taking too high a dose can lead to unwanted effects, such as visual distortions, which may impair performance in activities requiring alertness, such as driving.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Many uncertainties surround microdosing, and more rigorous scientific research is necessary to understand its potential benefits fully. While some individuals may find relief from microdosing, placebo effects and other factors may influence reported outcomes. Until more robust evidence is available, caution is advised when considering microdosing as a therapeutic approach.