Microdosing is taking very low doses of a certain psychedelic substance, such as LSD or magic mushrooms. Users do not microdose to create a high or to obtain visual hallucinations. The purpose of microdosing is in many cases to increase productivity and creativity in daily life, to reduce feelings of depression or to stimulate energy levels.

What is microdosing?

What is microdosing? In recent years there has been a growing interest in microdosing and today it is regularly published in newspapers, magazines and other media. All over the world – including many prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneurs – people use small doses of psychedelics to increase their productivity. In microsoding, a low dose of a psychedelic substance is taken.

These dosages are low enough not to hallucinate, but high enough to take advantage of the potential benefits of these agents, such as improved focus and increased creativity. In addition, many microdosers treat their depression or anxiety with these low-dose LSD, mushrooms or other psychoactive agents.

A microdose is in many cases one-tenth of an active dose of psychedelic things. The number of microdosers – the name for a person who microdoses – has increased significantly in the 21st century.

The history of microdosing

One of the most notable events surrounding the therapeutic use of psychedelics came from Humphry Osmond, a leading psychiatrist known for inventing the word “psychedelic” and for his research into interesting and beneficial uses for psychedelics. During one of his studies, Osmond decided to administer small LSD to thousands of alcoholics. The treatment was part of an experimental regimen that guided Osmond from 1954 to 1960.

Osmond believed an LSD trip would mimic some of the symptoms of delirium tremens, a psychotic condition common in chronic alcoholics who stop drinking. He also believed that this trip would terrify the alcoholics, which would keep them from drinking. But the opposite was true. Instead of frightening the patients, the LSD trip appeared to be accompanied by a range of positive and long-lasting experiences. The experience seemed to help reorganize their personalities and put their lives in order.

However, the biggest boost in popularity around true microdosing came in 2011, when Dr. James Fadiman published his research and book “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys”. In this book, microdosing is explored as part of a large psychedelic subculture. And while multiple cultures are familiar with and have taken advantage of the benefits of microdosing, Dr. Fadiman was the first source to make the term microdosing known to the general public.

Another big boost in public awareness came four years later when Dr. Fadiman did a podcast interview with Tim Ferriss in March 2015. Tim Ferriss is a famous author best known for his book “The Four Hour Work Week”. Since the publication of that book, Ferriss has become a big name in the world of self-help, entrepreneurship, psychology and spirituality. The podcast talked extensively about the potential of microdosing; something that provided a major boost in the world of microdosing.
The effects of microdosing

In general, people microdose for two reasons: to stimulate desired effects and to reduce negative and unwanted effects. Several studies indicate that microdosing can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of unwanted conditions, including:

    Fear
    Depression
    ADD / ADHD
    Addictions
    Mood disorders
    Sleep problems
    PTSD

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