Psychedelic microdosing involves consuming sub-threshold doses (
microdoses) of
serotonergicpsychedelic drugs like
LSD and
psilocybin to potentially enhance creativity, energy, emotional balance, problem-solving abilities, and to address anxiety, depression, and addiction.[1][2] This practice has gained popularity in the 21st century.[3][4]
Techniques
LSD and psilocybin are the most commonly used substances for microdosing, with volumetric liquid dosing often employed for precise LSD measurement.[5][6] A microdose is usually 1/20 to 1/10 of an active dose of a
psychedelic drug.[5][7]
Prevalence and demographics
Gender and education significantly influence microdosing prevalence. An online survey revealed that 13% of 2,437 respondents had practiced microdosing, with current microdosers at 4%.[8] Microdosers typically have lower incomes and education levels, with no specific employment type associated.[8]
A separate survey of
Reddit users found no significant difference in age, sexual orientation, social class, or education level between microdosers and non-microdosers. However, microdosers were more likely to be male, less religious, and reported a lower incidence of anxiety or substance use disorders. They commonly used LSD or psilocybin on a one-day-on, two-days-off schedule.[9]
^Preller KH (November 2019). "The Effects of Low Doses of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Humans: Demystifying the Microdosing of Psychedelics". Biological Psychiatry. 86 (10): 736–737.
doi:
10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.08.021.
PMID31648681.
S2CID204800273.