Psilocybin as a healer

Psilocybin microdosing—taking a sub-perceptual amount of the psychedelic regularly—is a growing societal trend. Twelve individuals who microdosed described seven common themes in their lived experiences: improved mental health, dose-related effects, a feeling of connection to self or nature, increased productivity, heightened wellbeing, more effective problem-solving, and, among those with a musical background, greater creativity. These self-reported benefits support the use of psilocybin microdosing, but the authors note that controlled studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This phenomenological research explored the fast-growing societal trend in psilocybin microdosing, whereby a sub-perceptual amount of the psychedelic is consumed regularly. Anecdotal reports of microdosing have suggested that individuals can experience the relief of depressive symptoms, greater creativity and focus, deeper connections, and improvements in several mental health issues. Research on the lived experience of psilocybin microdosing, however, is lacking. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals to explore their lived experiences of microdosing. Seven central themes were observed in most individuals: 1) Mental Health; 2) Dose effects; 3) A feeling of connection to self, nature, or something ‘bigger’; 4) An increase in productivity; 5) An increased state of wellbeing; 6) Navigating problems more effectively; 7) Participants with a musical background experienced an increase in their levels of creativity. By providing support for the use of psilocybin microdosing, the findings are valuable in the growing field of psychedelic research. However, as these purported benefits are based on self-reports, further controlled studies are necessary.