Microdosing is a word that appears more and more often in the discussion about the treatment of mental disorders using psychedelics. Most often, people talk about microdosing LSD, THC and psilocybin, but there are also studies on microdosing MDMA and ketamine. Each of these substances, to a greater or lesser extent, gives hope for new therapeutic paths in psychiatry.

What is microdosing/microdosing?

Microdosing – microdosing is taking small doses of substances known as psychoactive substances. They were first popularized by the American writer and scientist James Fadiman .

Fadiman recommended taking 1/10 of the psychoactive dose every few days. At such a low dose, the substances do not cause a noticeable psychedelic effect, but they still have an impact on the body of the person taking them.

Opinions are divided as to what this influence is. Supporters and skeptics of microdosing also exist in the scientific community, which conducts research on the use of psychedelics in the treatment of various disorders and ailments.

Proponents of microdosing attribute it primarily to its beneficial effects on the psyche: increased creativity and motivation, better contact with one's own emotions and needs, improved mood, better concentration, and inner peace.

Skeptics are convinced that it is mainly attitude and expectations that are at work here, and the beneficial effects are a placebo effect. The main objection to supporters of microdosing is that there are no reliable scientific studies proving the benefits claimed by microdosers.

In fact, there are few scientific publications that describe fully methodologically planned studies on the use of small doses of psychedelics. Conclusions about the effects of small doses are sometimes drawn on the basis of clinical studies in which full psychoactive doses were used, which is not necessarily reliable.

Many reports of microdosing are based on questionnaires in which people taking small doses on their own describe changes in how they feel and provide answers to scientists. However, this is changing, more and more researchers are looking at this phenomenon and putting it into a scientific framework.

What substances can be microdosed?

The following substances most frequently appear in the literature on microdosing:

L.S.D.
THC
Psilocybin

Microdosing LSD

Known for its hallucinogenic properties, LSD (a synthetic substance, it does not occur in this form in nature) is the earliest psychedelic drug noticed by Western medicine, discovered in 1938 by the chemist Albert Hofmann. Intensive research on its use in psychiatry lasted from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Research involving patients (unfortunately, deviating from today's ethical standards of research involving humans) was aimed at, among others: checking whether long-term personality changes occur under the influence of LSD therapy.

Then there was an almost 40-year pause due to the illegalization of LSD. Although the substance has not been legalized again, there has been a great resurgence in psychedelic research in the last decade.

Modern psychiatry recognizes the potential of psychedelics as psychoplastogens - substances that can stimulate structural and functional neuroplasticity of brain systems. Their use seems particularly promising to scientists in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and addictions (particularly optimistic results have been observed in the treatment of alcoholism). Some even believe that psychedelics may have long-term benefits in the treatment of brain disorders.

An extensive historical review of research on the therapeutic potential of LSD in psychiatry can be read here in English.

Microdosing LSD entered the mainstream thanks to IT geniuses from Silicon Valley who started talking about taking small doses of this substance as their "productivity hack".

Controlled scientific studies to describe the effects of small doses of LSD on the human brain are already underway. Researchers from the Berkley Foundation have observed in in vitro studies and in animal models that micro doses of LSD increase brain plasticity. Research is currently being conducted analyzing brain activity, mood and cognitive functions in people taking micro doses of LSD.

On the other hand, addiction treatment specialists warn that even taking small doses of LSD can lead to the development of addiction, which makes practicing microdosing without consulting a doctor potentially dangerous.

Microdosing THC

THC, as a psychoactive hemp cannabinoid , is included in the group of psychoplastogens. In the context of medical marijuana , THC microdosing is often talked about in patients who want to avoid the "high" effect and at the same time take the drug prescribed by their doctor. Small doses are intended to develop the body's tolerance to THC before reaching the target dose of the drug, and are not always referred to as treatment in itself.

However, specialists from Swade Cannabis emphasize that the goal is always to achieve a therapeutic effect with the lowest possible dose of marijuana, and starting treatment with the lowest dose allows you to determine the one appropriate for a given person.

A microdose of marijuana is usually 1-1.25 mg, it is easier to take it orally, e.g. “edibles”, but inhalation of a measured amount is also possible.

To avoid the psychoactive effect of THC while maintaining its therapeutic potential, a product called Zeno , which contains 0.4 mg of THC - below the standard microdose.

Zeno is treated as a medicine and has been produced to increase cognitive functions and reduce anxiety without the effect of intoxication. It can also be used by people who do not tolerate high concentrations of THC (e.g. those who develop phobias and anxiety after taking it).

Research conducted at the University of Chicago has shown, among others, that microdosing tetrahydrocannabinol reduces stress, while medium and high doses do not affect the level of stress or even increase it. Scientists believe that low doses of THC may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of ADHD and anxiety disorders.

Microdosing Psilocybin

Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance found in nature in many species of psilocybin mushrooms, including: in Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata. Hallucinogenic mushrooms were/are used in many indigenous cultures during shamanic and spiritual ceremonies.

Western psychiatry appreciates psilocybin for similar reasons as it appreciates LSD - it is a psychoplastogen that may be used in the treatment of some mental disorders. Scientific research on the use of full doses of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, anxiety , PTSD and addictions has mostly yielded optimistic results.

Psilocybin sessions were organized under the supervision of doctors, and participants' reactions were measured during the session - under the influence of the substance and for several months after its completion. The results indicate significant therapeutic progress among participants, and researchers are optimistic about further research and the future possibility of popularizing this type of therapy.

The above-mentioned Berkley Foundation is lobbying for the legalization of psilocybin as an available therapeutic substance. The researchers base their arguments on the results of their pilot studies (double-blind study involving patients of an oncology hospital; control group), in which they analyzed the effect of this substance on fear and anxiety in people suffering from cancer.

People participating in the study declared a reduction in anxiety symptoms by 2 points on a 3-point scale, and no significant side effects of psilocybin were recorded. According to the researchers, this study demonstrated the safety of psilocybin, both in people with anxiety and those whose bodies are weakened by the disease.

At Macquarie University in Sydney, extensive research is underway with volunteers on the effects of microdoses of psychedelics, primarily psilocybin or LSD, on the human brain. The research is led by prof. Vince Polito.

The first two rounds of research showed short-term improvements in the overall mental functioning of participants: lower stress levels, better mood and concentration. At the same time, higher levels of neuroticism were observed. In the long term, microdosing resulted in improved attention and reduced depressive symptoms.

There was no control group in the study, which means it is impossible to determine to what extent the perceived benefits result from the participants' attitude and expectations. Researchers recognize this problem and plan further work on more methodologically complete research.

While medical marijuana - also THC - is already a legal medicine in many places around the world, also for somatic diseases, the remaining substances mentioned above are still in the research phase. They still have a long way to go before they are introduced to the market in the form of ready-made preparations. Let's hope that scientists will be able to develop optimal doses that will maximize the benefits of using these substances.