Microdosing is the act of consuming sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelics, like LSD or Psilocybin Mushrooms.
Sub-perceptual means the effects are subtle but can have a noticeable influence on your life.
Typically, individuals integrate sub-perceptual doses into their weekly routine. Microdosers often report higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills.
Many people microdose in order to treat depression or anxiety, with often remarkable results.
Some enthusiasts also report microdosing helps to heighten spiritual awareness and enhance all five senses.
The History of Microdosing
While the modern history of psychedelics reaches back to the 1950s, interest in microdosing saw a major revitalization with the publishing of Dr. James Fadiman’s The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys in 2011.
Dr. Fadiman’s book explores microdosing as a subculture of psychedelic use. While a number of indigenous cultures, as well as modern professionals, have utilized microdosing as a way to unlock a host of benefits, Dr. Fadiman’s book formally introduced the term “microdosing” into the psychedelic mainstream.
But Dr. Fadiman’s book didn’t just contribute a piece of terminology; it awakened the curiosity and imaginations of millions of people fascinated by the reports of experienced microdosers. It also provided a host of practical information for anyone that wanted to give it a try, much of which has been integrated into this course.
Dr. Fadiman’s ongoing research into microdosing serves as one of the few modern studies into the effects of microdosing specifically (most other research deals with larger doses for specific therapeutic outcomes).
Following the publication of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, the next major boost in the public’s awareness of microdosing came from a podcast interview Dr. Fadiman gave with Tim Ferriss in March of 2015.
Ferriss, who rose to fame after authoring the bestseller “The Four Hour Work Week,” has an enormous audience of individuals interested in entrepreneurship, “biohacking,” self-experimentation, psychology, spirituality, and an array of additional subject matters that would predispose them to an interest in the benefits of microdosing.
His podcast interview with Dr. Fadiman blasted the core messages about microdosing contained in The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide from a soapbox loud enough to significantly increase a basic awareness of the concept.
Soon after its air date, listeners of Ferriss’ podcast were not only starting to experiment with microdosing on their own; they were discussing it and sharing their curiosity with their own personal networks. Consequently, journalists began writing articles about microdosing, leading to even greater awareness and interest.
The most recent source of interest in microdosing came from Ayelet Waldman’s book “A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in my Mood, My Marriage, and My Life,” published in February of 2016.
Waldman’s book discusses her 30-day protocol of microdosing with LSD to address a variety of psychological symptoms primarily caused by hormonal changes related to menopause.
Prior to microdosing, Waldman’s mood swings had become so severe as to put her marriage and relationship with her children at risk.
Afterwards, in an interview with The Third Wave, she said, “This month changed my life, and I am sad every day that I can’t keep doing it legally.”
Now, tens of thousands of people around the globe are being turned on to microdosing – whether it’s for treating mental health problems, boosting creativity, or giving entrepreneurs new directions.
The Science of Psilocybin Mushroom Microdosing
While psychedelic substances have been illegal and prohibited from study in the vast majority of countries up until the past few years, many of the world’s top experts have made incredible strides picking up on research started in the 1950s and 60s.
Although almost no research has been done on microdosing specifically, we know something about what large doses of psychedelics do to the brain.
Much of what we understand about how psychedelics work involves serotonin, a chemical that keeps our brains ticking. It is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain and affects nearly everything we do, from how we feel to how we process information.
Classic psychedelics such as LSD and Psilocybin share a similar structure to serotonin, and work along a similar pathway…
Studies have and are currently being conducted throughout the world in order to understand the benefits better. Many people who have participated in these studies, are experiencing this:
1. Better focus throughout my day
2. Less anxiety about life and in social situations
3. More energy
4. Improvements in Creativity
5. Often IN what is known as the "Flow State"
6. Less pain during menstrual cycles
7. Greater ease in dropping addicting behaviors such as smoking, alcoholism, and bad eating habits
8. Feeling of being more connected to loved ones and strangers
9. Greater sense of presence throughout the day