A Refinery29 explainer looked at microdosing different substances, from cannabis to psilocybin mushrooms, LSD and ketamine.
What it is
Microdosing means taking a small fraction of a normal dose, often one tenth to one twentieth, so that you do not feel high. People interviewed described the feeling as a mild lift, comparable to an extra cup of coffee.
What the evidence says
Scientific evidence is still limited. A University of Chicago study cited in the article found no improvement in mental performance, and in some cases a slight decrease. Long-term effects are unknown.
Risks the article points out
- Self-medicating for mental health problems can make them worse. Talk to a professional first.
- Products from the illegal market can be contaminated or contain something else entirely.
- The legal status differs per substance and per country.
In the Netherlands, magic truffles can be bought legally from licensed Dutch sellers, which gives clarity about what you are buying. That still does not make microdosing right for everyone.
Source: Refinery29: What Is Microdosing? (Kathleen Newman-Bremang, updated 30 April 2020). Summarised in our own words.
This article is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. Laws differ by country and change over time; check the rules where you live.
