The Evolving Trend: A Rise in the Popularity of Psychedelic Microdosing

Psychedelics have long been associated with counter-culture movements, spiritual enlightenment, and mind expansion. In recent years, however, a new trend has emerged: microdosing. Instead of taking high doses to achieve hallucinogenic effects, people are consuming very small amounts of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms in an attempt to enhance their mental health, productivity, and creativity.

The concept of microdosing was introduced to mainstream culture in 2011 when psychologist and LSD pioneer James Fadiman published, “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide.” Fadiman theorizes that taking psychedelics in sub-threshold doses can enhance cognitive functioning. This ignited a wave of self-experimentation; thus, microdosing made its entrance into mainstream living.

Microdosing psychedelics involve taking roughly one-tenth to one-twentieth of a “trip” dose of a psychedelic drug, typically every three days. These microdosing regimens are not meant to trigger a “trip”. Instead, users report barely noticeable effects, like a subtle lift in mood, better focus, or more open thinking.

In Silicon Valley, the practice became popularised amongst the tech and entrepreneurial class, who sought to increase their productivity and creativity. Many recounted how microdosing boosted their problem-solving abilities and helped to innovate solutions in their workplaces.

As a tool for enhancing creativity, microdosing seems to make sense when we delve into the scientific reasoning behind it. Drugs like LSD and psilocybin are known to increase connections between brain cells, a process often associated with creative thinking. Essentially, psychedelics could be fostering a state of ‘hyper-connection’ where any thought or idea can connect with another.

The mental health benefits of microdosing are also a significant part of its appeal. Research from the Johns Hopkins University has shown that in therapeutic doses, psilocybin can treat various conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. While therapeutic doses trigger a profound, mystical experience, microdosing seems to help maintain the benefits of that experience in everyday living.

Psychedelic researcher Jim Fadiman asserts that many people are using microdosing explicitly for this reason, particularly for depression. Users report that microdosing psychedelics can make them feel more aware of their emotions, more connected to others, and more present in the world.

Despite its rising popularity, the legality of microdosing remains in a grey area in many countries, primarily because most psychedelics continue to be categorized as Schedule 1 drugs. Due to these restrictions, formal scientific research into microdosing is in its early stages and we still have a lot to learn about its long-term effects and potential risks.

It is important to note that microdosing isn’t suitable for everyone and it may not be a magic cure-all. Like all forms of self-experimentation, it should be approached mindfully and responsibly. Anyone considering using psychedelics – regardless of whether its microdosing or a bigger, more therapeutic dose – should heed the advice of clinical psychologist Rosalind Watts: “Hold them in high regard. Take them with intention, in a safe context, and with support.”

In conclusion, the rising popularity of psychedelic microdosing could be attributed to enhanced productivity, creativity, and mental health benefits. However, as microdosing moves closer to the mainstream, it is essential that it does so based on scientific evidence. Though the research is still in its infancy, ongoing studies increasingly support the possibility that microdosing could make a substantial difference in the lives of many people.