Microdosing.
It’s a buzzword that seems to be gaining traction as we begin to tear our collective focus away from COVID-19 and reluctantly turn it towards our neglected mental health. Like me, you’ve probably been aware of the concept for a few years, but may have dismissed it as a neo-hippie fad popular with first-year Business majors from Palo Alto. Even I can admit that taking psychedelics with your morning coffee on a day where you have to EXIST in SOCIETY sounds challenging at best, full-blown Corporate Nightmare at worst.
I promise you, however, it WORKS.
Of all of the treatments I’ve tried— psychotherapeutic, pharmaceutical or otherwise— microdosing has had the most profound effect on my mental health. I will, at some point, speak more deeply on my personal experiences. For now, however, I present you with the simple Who, What, When, Where and Why of microdosing.
Who should microdose? My brain’s kneejerk response is a resounding, overzealous *~*~EVERYONE!!!~*~*. In theory, every person on the planet could benefit from the shift in perspective altered by microdosing. In reality— like any form of substance use—adverse effects can and do occur, and it’s up to you whether or not to pursue the practice. Folks who experience severe, episodic anxiety, psychosis, or paranoia— or who generally have unpleasant reactions to hallucinogens— tend to report the most troubling side effects.
What is microdosing, anyway, and what are the most common effects? Microdosing refers to the act of ingesting a tiny amount of a psychedelic substance, generally as a therapeutic tool. Psilocybin and LSD appear to be the most common choices, but it’s possible to microdose anything from ketamine to ayahuasca. In fact, one could compare Johnson and Johnson’s SPRAVATO, the nasal spray with which patients self-administer a small dose of a ketamine derivative, to microdosing. Effects vary widely between users, but elevated mood, focus, energy, and creativity, as well as decreased anxiety, are some of the most commonly reported effects.
When should you microdose? This is quite personal, and tends to vary significantly between individuals. If dosed correctly, microdosing should not cause impairment, meaning you could quite literally do it whenever you please, but whether or not you should depends on your personal experience with the practice. I recommend keeping track of your experiences— as well as the set and setting of each— in a journal, or a digital medium such as Red Light Holland’s iMicro Digital Care App. As for frequency, some engage in the practice every other day, some do 3 days on/2 days off, some only microdose every few months. You will settle into a schedule that works for you, just remember to listen to your body. Breaks are your friend!
Where should you microdose? Again, very personal. Reports of positive experiences have emerged from nearly every setting you can think of— board meetings, pottery classes, first dates, university seminars. As with any substance, ALWAYS begin in a setting where you feel comfortable— maybe at home with your favourite novel and a trusted friend a phone call away (at least). Not only are everyone’s reactions different, everyone’s ideal dosage is different, as well. It’s best to start small in a relaxed setting and proceed from there.
Finally, why do people microdose? There is no right answer to this— folks begin microdosing for as many reasons as they choose to go to therapy, or grab a six-pack to unwind from the workday. Microdosing is popular with those who experience mental health concerns such as social anxiety or PTSD, but just as many people turn to the practice simply out of a desire to be more creative, content, and connected with their existence.
So, there you have it! I truly believe that we are on the brink of a world where microdosing is as socially sanctioned as caffeine, therapy, and decompressing at the pub, but in the meantime, I hope I could help. Happy micro-tripping!
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