Microdosing is a growing trend that psychedelic enthusiasts and researchers have been keen on doing and studying, especially in Canada. An increasing number of people are trying out this phenomenon, mainly using magic mushrooms.
You’ve probably heard about microdosing in the past few years and have wondered what it is and what are its benefits and risks. This guide will help you understand more.
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Understanding Microdosing
Usually, users of psychedelic or hallucinogenic substances take high doses to feel a spiritual, out-of-body or euphoric experience. With microdosing, however, users only take low doses of certain drugs to maximize their therapeutic benefits. This means people in Canada are trying microdosing not for the trip but for the beneficial effects of these substances, such as enhancing focus or improving overall well-being.
Microdose users or “microdosers” often use Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, which can be found in magic mushrooms. However, there are users worldwide who microdose using the following substances:
- N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
- Ketamine
- Cannabis
- Nicotine
- Iboga
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Potential Benefits
Experts are yet to find out the current and long-term effects of microdosing. But according to studies so far, microdosing may be able to help with the following:
Boost Brain Functions
One study on 278 microdosers using either psilocybin or LSD found that 26.6 percent of the participants had an improved mood. Meanwhile, 14.8 percent had a boost in focus. Another study on psilocybin or LSD miscrodosers found increased creativity and open-mindedness among participants.
Improve Mental Health
A study also found that those who reportedly consumed psychedelics in small amounts demonstrated fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, experiencing great positivity in their overall well-being.
In addition, research on miscrodosers of LSD or psilocybin found that the compounds reduced the levels of stress and depression among participants over six weeks.
Other Benefits
While studies on microdosing continue, current research and user claims provide a more positive outlook on the practice. Some of the known benefits of microdosing include:
- Energy boost
- Reduced social anxiety
- Emotional openness
Additionally, there are claims that microdosing may help people quit habits like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using stimulants like coffee.
Safety Tips When Microdosing
Experts advise individuals not to microdose if they’re in the following situations:
- Having any preexisting mental disorder
- Taking care of children
- Experienced a trauma
- Feeling generally unwell
- Living with colour blindness
- Living on the autism spectrum
Some microdosers may experience side effects such as reduced focus and energy, increased anxiety, general irritability, and worse, a bad trip. If you feel like you’re experiencing a bad trip, you must go to a quiet, safe space with a person you trust and wait for the effects to subside.
To avoid a bad trip, don’t go to people and places you find upsetting and never take anything if something’s bothering you.
A New Experience With Promising Potentials
Microdosing offers users a different way to experience the potential benefits of psychedelics, with a strong focus on therapeutic than spiritual. While current studies and user claims are promising, there’s still a lot that the world doesn’t know about microdosing. Knowing the proper practice, dosage, and risks is best before joining this new trend.
