top of page

Microdosing

EFFECT

Microdosing refers to the use of psychoactive substances in doses below the threshold of a perceptible psychoactive effect. Microdosing is most commonly practiced with LSD and psilocybin . However, there are also users who microdose with other substances such as mescaline , DMT , amphetamine , MDMA , or research chemicals . [1]

Microdosing generally involves taking such low doses that no noticeable change in perception occurs when consuming psychoactive substances. [2] Users expect positive effects on their well-being or daily life. However, there is currently no scientifically sound evidence for positive effects of microdosing, and it is assumed to be a placebo effect. [3]

The effects of small doses are more likely to be noticed when someone is tired or sleep-deprived. [4]

dosage

Microdosing is defined as one-tenth to one-twentieth of a typical dose. However, due to the different effects and concentrations of substances, no uniform guidelines can be given. [5] Changes in perception can occur even with very small amounts, such as less than 10 µg of LSD.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

The long-term risks of microdosing with repeated use are substance-dependent and have not been scientifically studied. [6] In the short term, microdosing of psychoactive substances can lead to anxiety, unpleasant body sensations, and impaired thinking. [7] [8] When psychoactive substances are used over a longer period, the neuronal structure of the brain can be altered. Changes in metabolism have also been observed. [9] Even small doses of psychotropic substances can cause adverse interactions when combined with psychotropic medications. [10]

Because anonymity on the darknet offers a degree of protection from prosecution, all forms of cybercrime are naturally prevalent there, from malware and phishing attacks to identity theft. Illegal pornography is also widespread on the darknet. So be careful which sites you visit and which links you click! It's also advisable to cover your webcam before venturing onto the darknet.

Sources

Berger, M. (2019). Microdosing: Low-dose psychedelics in everyday life . Nachtschatten Verlag.

Cavanna, F., Muller, S., de la Fuente, LA, Zamberlan, F., Palmucci, M., Janeckova, L., ... & Tagliazucchi, E. (2022). Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Translational psychiatry , 12(1), 1-11.

Hutten, NR, Mason, NL, Dolder, PC, & Kuypers, KP (2019). Motives and side-effects of microdosing with psychedelics among users. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology , 22(7), 426-434.

Kolala, R. (2022). The psychedelic renaissance: a review on microdosing, the routine use of low-dose psychedelics as a therapeutic.

Kuypers, KP, Ng, L., Erritzoe, D., Knudsen, GM, Nichols, CD, Nichols, DE, ... & Nutt, D. (2019). Microdosing psychedelics: More questions than answers? An overview and suggestions for future research. Journal of Psychopharmacology , 33(9), 1039-1057.

Ona, G., & Bouso, J.C. (2020). Potential safety, benefits, and influence of the placebo effect in microdosing psychedelic drugs: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews , 119, 194-203.

Polito, V., & Liknaitzky, P. (2021). The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955–2021).

Szigeti, B., Kartner, L., Blemings, A., Rosas, F., Feilding, A., Nutt, DJ, ... & Erritzoe, D. (2021). Self-blinding citizen science to explore psychedelic microdosing. Elife, 10 , e62878.

Winstock AR, Maier LJ, Zhuparris A, Davies E, Puljevic C, Kuypers KPC, Ferris JA & Barratt MJ (2021). Global drug survey (GDS) 2021. Key findings report.

bottom of page