Powerful substances in tiny amounts

Men in their 30s with stable jobs and relationships and extensive entheogen experience microdose psychedelics—taking about one tenth of a recreational dose—in phases, reporting mostly positive effects such as improved mood, cognition, and creativity, which often helped counteract symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some users reported challenges and did not continue the practice. The findings are not generalizable but may inform future research questions and hypotheses.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AIMS: This article presents a qualitative interview study of people who microdose with psychedelic drugs, which means that the user takes about one tenth of an ordinary recreational dose. DESIGN: = 21) were recruited at several Internet fora for individual interviews via private messaging. Every participant was male, and the median respondent was in his 30s with a stable job and relationship and extensive entheogen experience. RESULTS: Respondents tended to experiment with microdosing in phases, reporting mostly positive consequences from this form of drug use. Reported effects included improved mood, cognition, and creativity, which often served to counteract symptoms especially from conditions of anxiety and depression. There were also reports of various challenges with psychedelic microdosing, and some did not find the practice worth continuing. CONCLUSION: The study obtained evidence of a group of users taking small doses of psychedelics not for the purpose of intoxication but to enhance everyday functioning. While the study's findings are not generalisable, they may inform subsequent investigations with research questions and hypotheses.