Are there any health benefits to microdosing psychedelics?
For years, psychedelics have been surrounded by myths and fears. Unaware individuals often consider the term synonymous with narcotics, making it difficult to discuss the positive media image of these substances. This article aims to dispel any doubts regarding psychedelics and consider whether microdosing them could have any health benefits.
What are psychedelics?
Given the extreme associations psychedelics evoke in many people, let’s start by clarifying what they actually are. David E. Nichols’ definition serves us well here. He discusses serotonergic hallucinogens, powerful psychoactive substances that alter the user’s perception and mood and can also affect numerous cognitive processes, hence the myths surrounding them.
It’s also worth noting, following Nichols, that psychedelic substances are generally considered physiologically safe and should not lead to addiction.
The origin of psychedelics dates back far, as they might have been used even before written history. Early human cultures could have consumed various substances within numerous socio-cultural or ritual contexts.
The term psychedelic gained popularity after the discovery of lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD, along with the so-called happiness hormone in the brain, serotonin. Initial research on psychedelics focused on their impact on serotonin production..
Currently, it is emphasized that psychedelics may act as antagonists to the brain’s serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors. Research on this tryptophan derivative showed it could positively affect certain brain areas, stimulating work against anxiety, depression, and anxious states.
Microdosing psychedelics has been part of clinical studies for decades, most famously through the experiments of Albert Hofmann, who tested the effects of LSD on animals and humans. Based on these studies, LSD began to be used in medicine, but its non-medical use in the 1960s led to a policy shift regarding LSD.
This most recognizable psychedelic was banned in the USA in 1966. In Poland, LSD is listed as a psychotropic substance in group I-P, meaning it’s dangerous for health and not useful in medicine.
Interestingly, possession of up to 5 LSD tablets does not result in a penalty in the Czech Republic.
But what does this all have to do with microdosing psychedelics?
The Origins of Microdosing Psychedelics
To find the origins of microdosing psychedelics, we need to go back thousands of years. Ancient cultures frequently and willingly reached for plants containing psychoactive substances. Today’s scientists have different opinions on the extent of psychedelic use by ancient peoples, most agreeing on the importance of psilocybin mushrooms among the Aztecs and Mesoamerican cultures.
While most of us are familiar with Darwin’s theory of evolution, an interesting alternative is Terence McKenna’s “Stoned Ape” theory. This American ethnobotanist and philosopher believed that psychedelics were responsible for human development. According to his theory, Homo erectus evolved into Homo sapiens because of psychedelic use. In his book “Food of the Gods,” McKenna theorized that as territories dried out, peoples of Africa might have discovered hallucinogenic mushrooms growing on cattle dung. He argued that microdosing psychedelics had a beneficial impact on the quality of life of early Homo sapiens.
In 1970, Roland Fischer conducted studies showing that microdoses of psilocybin supported sharper vision. This aligns with McKenna’s theory, emphasizing the importance of sight in hunting and foraging. Perhaps the introduction of hallucinogenic mushrooms into the diets of early humans indeed accelerated their development?
However, psychoactive substances can be found not only in mushrooms but also in herbs, roots, leaves, and seeds. Psychoactive plants are scattered around the world, supporting the theory that various ancient cultures willingly used them. The oldest evidence of mushroom consumption comes from rock drawings in the Tassili n’Ajjer mountains in Algeria, dating back to 10,000 BCE. These engravings depict dancing mushrooms with human bodies. In Mexico, figures of characters with mushroom hats have also been discovered, dating back to 1000-500 BCE.
Modern History of Microdosing Psychedelics
To this day, many indigenous cultures in South America have people fulfilling the role of a shaman within their community. This person, also known as a vegetalista or curandero, combines the characteristics of a healer and spiritual guide. Through the use of plants with psychoactive properties, the shaman enters into relationships with the so-called higher dimension.
It’s also worth adding that many ethnographic groups living in the Amazon still believe in the spiritual qualities of plants. They often think that psychedelics allow for a connection to the world of plants. Furthermore, psychoactive substances are thought to help achieve communication with the souls of deceased ancestors.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that the use of extracts from various plant elements, referred to by the Indians as “sacred,” is the subject of research and discussion today. Proponents of microdosing psychedelics demonstrate that such actions have a series of positive impacts on the body and soul, while opponents emphasize that altered states of consciousness can pose a threat to mental and physical health.
Ayahuasca, also known as yagé or hoasca, is often a subject of controversy. This brew, made from a mixture of two plants: leaves of Psychotria viridis and the bark of Banisteriopsis caapi, contains the substance DMT (dimethyltryptamine), which is controlled in the USA and therefore only allowed in specific cases. This includes situations where ayahuasca is part of a religious cult and taken orally as a drink. Meanwhile, tourists from around the world seek opportunities to participate in ayahuasca rituals to test the hallucinogenic effects of DMT on themselves.
Recent studies from 2014 showed that microdosing psychedelics could improve mood and treat anxiety states. It was emphasized that using substances among patients with life-threatening diseases supported their mental state for up to a year. But can microdosing psychedelics actually have any benefits?
What is Microdosing Psychedelics?
Before discussing the potential health benefits, it’s necessary to explain what microdosing psychedelics is. This term emerged with the growing interest in psychoactive substances among researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.
Microdosing, or taking microdoses, refers to when a patient takes a dose of a psychedelic substance that is too small to cause noticeable psychoactive effects. This is usually a concentration of 5 to 10% of the standard dose of the specific drug.
Despite the significant reduction in the dose taken, it is sufficient to show at least some of the psychoactive characteristics. However, opinions among scientists regarding the advantages and disadvantages of microdosing are divided.
Potential Health Benefits of Microdosing Psychedelics
Microdoses of psychedelics are commonly believed to have a significant impact on serotonin production in the body. This hormone is associated not only with feeling happy but also with cognition, sleep, digestion, thermoregulation, memory, and even physiological processes.
In 2020, large-scale studies began on microdosing and its impact on mental health. Until the results of these observations are known, we can only rely on reports in the context of psychedelic use. These reports are not scientifically confirmed and often concern the subjective perception of health status after microdoses.
Among researchers, the most frequently discussed are the potential pros and cons of microdosing the following psychedelic substances:
- 1P-LSD
- 4-ACO-DMT
- Ayahuasca
- DMT
- Ibogaine
- Psilocybin mushrooms
- LSD
- Marijuana
- Mescaline
- Psilocybin truffles
Let’s examine what information regarding potential health benefits of microdosing these substances can be found.
1P-LSD: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
The most commonly mentioned potential benefits of 1P-LSD can be divided into two groups:
- Reducing the frequency and intensity of undesirable states caused by various forms of “mental illness,” including::
- Depression
- Anxiety states
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Addictions
- Increasing the frequency and intensity of desired states and outcomes, including: Creativity
-
- Energy
- Flow state
- Productivity and focus
- Improved relationships and increased empathy
- Sports coordination
- Leadership development
4-ACO-DMT: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine may induce the following effects, considered by some as benefits of microdosing:
- Mental clarity
- Improved concentration
- Structured thoughts
- More accurate perception of shapes and colors
- Mood support in fighting depression and anxiety
Ayahuasca: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
The ayahuasca brew may potentially possess the following unconfirmed medical benefits:
- Long-lasting change in life approach
- Alleviating anxiety and depression states
- Better insight into everyday life aspects
- Achieving higher states of consciousness
- Feeling of satisfaction and peace
- Emotional release and grounding
DMT: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Dimethyltryptamine, surrounded by many myths, has enthusiasts citing potential benefits, including:
- Rapid absorption, as it naturally occurs in the brain
- Alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Support in fighting mood changes
- Help in combating addictions
- Enhanced concentration and cognition, as well as spiritual support
Ibogaine: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Ibogaine, one of the most potent substances, may show the following benefits of microdosing:
- Support in fighting addictions and cravings
- Treating trauma and PTSD
- Self-discovery and spiritual growth
- Help in dealing with dissociative identity disorder Improvement in sexual life and sensations
Psilocybin Mushrooms: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Naturally occurring hallucinogenic mushrooms have similar properties to LSD, hence the mention of the same potential benefits.
LSD: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
For “classic” LSD, we can also talk about dividing potential benefits into two main categories. The difference between this diethylamide of lysergic acid and its variant 1P is that 1P is a derivative of the psychedelic. Unlike traditional LSD, it is a controlled substance in many countries, having appeared for use only in 2015.
Marijuana: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Microdosing marijuana is increasingly being legalized around the world, with potential benefits cited including:
- Support in fighting anxiety states and depression
- Psychological relaxation and stress relief
- Reduction of inflammation
- Decrease in muscle pain intensity
- Digestive system support Impact on improving well-being and mood
- Reversing cell aging processes
Mescaline: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Mescaline, found in peyote and San Pedro cacti, may have the following potential benefits of microdosing:
- Adding vital energy
- The possibility of introspection
- Mood improvement Increased empathy and creativity Changes in daily life
- Occasional conscious dreaming
- Support in fighting depression and anxiety states
- Physical stimulation and sharpened senses Influence on creative and artistic thinking
Psilocybin Truffles: Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Truffles, like psilocybin mushrooms, affect the brain similarly to LSD. Therefore, users talk about similar potential benefits of microdosing this psychedelic.
Microdosing Psychedelics and Safety Issues
The key question is not about benefits but about the safety of microdosing psychedelics. Until clinical trials are completed and results are published, we cannot definitively determine this. As research on psychoactive substances is still ongoing, our knowledge on this subject comes solely from experiments. It’s also unknown to what extent individuals may be susceptible to the side effects of the aforementioned substances.
Safety concerns among users cause consternation among lawmakers and politicians. Psychoactive substances are often mistakenly called drugs, which should not apply to microdoses used in experimental or alternative medicine.
However, users sometimes report a range of unwarranted side effects of microdosing. The most commonly mentioned are migraines, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, physical discomfort, and anxiety or anxiety states. Psychedelics can affect the human body in various ways, which is why further research into the safety of their microdosing is so important.
Conclusion
Overall, microdosing psychedelics meets mixed opinions among esoteric and psychological experts. There are both enthusiasts and fervent opponents of psychoactive substances. Since many countries ban these agents, I do not encourage anyone to experiment with psychedelics. Remember, the use of psychoactive substances is illegal in most cases, and scientists do not agree on the safety of their consumption. Therefore, we should wait for further research and medical recommendations.
