Microdosing / microdosing This word is increasingly appearing in discussions about treating mental disorders with psychedelics. Microdosing with LSD, THC, and psilocybin is most frequently mentioned, but studies are also emerging on microdosing with MDMA and ketamine. Each of these substances, to a greater or lesser extent, offers hope for new therapeutic paths in psychiatry.

What is microdosing?

Microdosing – Microdosing is the use of small doses of substances known as psychoactive substances. It was first popularized by American writer and scientist James Fadiman.

Fadiman recommended taking 1/10 of the psychoactive dose every few days. At such a small dose, the substances don't produce a noticeable psychedelic effect, but they still have an impact on the user's body.

Opinions are divided on the nature of this effect. Supporters and skeptics of microdosing also exist within the scientific community, which conducts research on the use of psychedelics in the treatment of various disorders and ailments.

Supporters 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 believe that mindset and expectations are primarily at work, with the beneficial effects being a placebo effect. The main objection to microdosing advocates is that there are no reliable scientific studies proving the benefits claimed by microdosers.

Indeed, there are few scientific publications that describe fully methodologically planned studies on the use of small doses of psychedelics. The effects of small doses are sometimes inferred from studies clinical trials in which full psychoactive doses were used, which is not necessarily conclusive.

Many reports of microdosing are based on questionnaires in which individuals taking small doses self-report changes in their well-being and provide answers to researchers. However, this is changing, as more and more researchers are examining this phenomenon and framing it scientifically.

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 not found in this form in nature) was the earliest psychedelic drug to be recognized by Western medicine, discovered by chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. Intensive research into its use in psychiatry lasted from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Studies involving patients (unfortunately, deviating from today's ethical standards for research involving human subjects) were aimed, among other things, at checking whether long-term personality changes occur under the influence of LSD therapy.

This was followed by a nearly 40-year hiatus due to the legalization of LSD. Although the substance has not been re-legalized, there has been talk of a major resurgence in psychedelic research in the last decade.

Modern psychiatry recognizes the potential of psychedelics as psychoplastogens—substances that can stimulate the structural and functional neuroplasticity of brain systems. Scientists believe their use holds particular promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and addiction (particularly promising results have been observed in the treatment of alcoholism). Some even believe that psychedelics have the potential to bring long-term benefits in disease therapy brain disorders.

A comprehensive historical review of research on the therapeutic potential of LSD in psychiatry can be found here here in English.

Microdosing LSD became mainstream thanks to Silicon Valley IT geniuses who started calling taking small doses of the substance their “productivity hack.”.

Controlled scientific studies are already underway to describe the effects of small doses of LSD on the human brain. Researchers at the Berkeley Foundation have observed in vitro and animal models that microdoses of LSD increase brain plasticity. Studies are currently underway to analyze brain activity, mood, and cognitive functions in people taking micro doses of LSD.

On the other hand, addiction treatment experts warn that even taking small doses of LSD can lead to addiction, making microdosing without consulting a doctor potentially dangerous.

THC Microdosing

THC, as a psychoactive hemp cannabinoid, is included in the group of psychoplastogens. In the context medical marijuana, THC microdosing is often discussed in patients who want to avoid the "high" while still taking the medication prescribed by their doctor. Small doses are intended to develop tolerance the body to THC before entering the target dose of the drug, they are not always referred to as a treatment in itself.

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

A microdose of marijuana is usually 1-1.25 mg; it is easier to take it orally, e.g. in the form of so-called "edibles," but inhaling a measured amount is also possible.

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

Zeno is considered a medicine and was created to increase cognitive function and reduce anxiety without producing an intoxicating effect. It can also be used by people who do not tolerate high THC concentrations well (e.g., those who experience phobias and anxiety states after taking).

Research conducted at the University of Chicago has shown, among other things, that microdosing tetrahydrocannabinol reduces stress, while medium and high doses have no effect on stress levels or even increase them. Researchers believe that low doses of THC may provide therapeutic benefits in treatment of ADHD and disorders anxiety.

Psilocybin Microdosing

Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance found naturally in many species of psilocybin mushrooms, including Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata. Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used in many indigenous cultures during shamanic and spiritual ceremonies.

Western psychiatry values psilocybin for similar reasons to LSD—it is a psychoplastogen that may have therapeutic applications in some mental disorders. Scientific research has explored the use of full doses of psilocybin in the treatment of depression., anxiety states, PTSD or addictions mostly brought optimistic results.

Psilocybin sessions were conducted under medical supervision, and participants' reactions were measured during the sessions—while under the influence of the substance—and for several months afterward. The results indicate significant therapeutic progress in the participants, and the researchers are optimistic about further research and the future possibility of widespread use of this type of therapy.

The aforementioned 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 study (a double-blind, controlled study involving patients at a cancer hospital) in which they analyzed the substance's effect on anxiety and restlessness in cancer patients.

Participants reported a 2-point reduction in anxiety symptoms on a 3-point scale, and no significant adverse effects of psilocybin were reported. According to the researchers, this study demonstrated the safety of psilocybin use in both individuals with anxiety and those weakened by the condition.

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 Professor Vince Polito.

The first two waves of the study showed short-term improvements in participants' overall mental functioning: lower stress levels, improved mood, and improved concentration. Simultaneously, increased levels of neuroticism were observed. In the long term, microdosing resulted in improved attention and a reduction in depressive symptoms.

The study lacked a control group, making it impossible to determine the extent to which the perceived benefits were due to participants' attitudes and expectations. The researchers acknowledge this problem and plan to continue developing more methodologically comprehensive studies.

While medical marijuana—including THC—is already a legal medicine in many places around the world, including for somatic conditions, the remaining substances mentioned above are still in the research phase. They still have a long way to go before they can be introduced to the market as finished preparations. Hopefully, scientists will be able to develop optimal doses that will maximize the benefits of these substances.