You’ve probably heard about it, microdosing. But what exactly is it? Let us tell you more!

Microdosing involves taking small doses of certain substances, usually psychedelics with the aim of experiencing subtle effects without intense tripping. The idea behind microdosing is to reap the benefits of these substances without the intense effects of a full dose.

What is microdosing?

Microdosing refers to taking very small, subperceptual doses of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin (the active substance in magic mushrooms and magic truffles) over an extended period of time. Unlike traditional use of psychedelics, where the dose is much higher and causes a noticeable change in consciousness, the aim of microdosing is to experience subtle effects without a full psychedelic experience. To microdose, you usually take about 1/10 to 1/20 of a recreational dose, at intervals of several days.

Enhanced creativity

Many people who microdose experience an increase in creativity. They report being better able to generate new ideas, solve problems and think out-of-the-box. Although the mechanism behind this is not yet fully understood, some studies suggest that microdosing may increase brain flexibility, boosting creativity^[1] .

Increased focus and productivity

Another potential benefit of microdosing is improved focus and productivity. Some users say they can concentrate better on their tasks, work more effectively and are less distracted. This can be especially beneficial for people with attention problems or busy lifestyles.

Improved mood and well-being

Many people who microdose regularly report an overall improvement in their mood and well-being. They report being happier, more relaxed and emotionally stable. Although the mechanisms behind these effects are not yet fully understood, some studies suggest that microdosing may affect serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the brain.

Is microdosing scientifically proven?

Although much research is still needed, some studies have produced interesting findings on microdosing. A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology examined the effects of microdosing on mood and creativity^[2] . The results suggested that microdosing may indeed have a positive impact on these aspects.

In addition, neuroimaging research has also been conducted on the effects of psychedelics, possibly providing indirect clues to the effectiveness of microdosing^[3] . For example, these studies show that psychedelics can alter the functioning of certain brain networks, which may correlate with the perceived benefits of microdosing.

Safety and dosage

Although microdosing is generally considered safe, it is important to be careful and dose responsibly. Because psychedelic substances can be potent, it is advisable to start with very low doses and build up slowly, while considering your own sensitivity and reaction. It is very important to know that microdosing is not a magic solution and it is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may have interactions with certain medications or worsen mental health conditions. Want to know more about this? Then get in touch with us, we are here for you!

Sources:

^[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267140/

^[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-018-5106-2

^[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451902224000156