Do you ever ponder about the origins of something of interest to you? How did this amazing thing come to be? Who created the idea and who designed it? If you’re interested in learning about microdosing or are already practicing it, you might want to know more about how the concept came about, who tried it for the first time, and what the initial intentions of creating the concept were.
Let’s dive into the history of microdosing psychedelics.
There seems to be a psychedelic renaissance happening.
Initially, psychedelics were used in the 1940s and 1950s in laboratory settings as well as for psychiatric, therapeutic purposes. Popular culture caught on and people began using hallucinogens to have a good time and connect with themselves and others. Since the late 1960s and early 1970s when acid and mushrooms became illegal, there has been quite a lull in the study of psychedelic substances—until the past decade or so, where interest has drastically peaked in the area of microdosing (The Third Wave).
In 2011, Dr. James Fadiman published a book titled The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys. In his book he used the term “microdosing,” which pushed the concept out into the mainstream and more individuals, including researchers became more intrigued by it.
“Fadiman has collected thousands of anecdotal reports that microdosing psychedelics can help ease anxiety, improve creativity, reduce dependency on other substances (coffee, cigarettes, Adderall, antidepressants), alleviate headaches, and improve motivation to engage in healthy habits such as diet, exercise, and meditation,” (Behavioral Scientist).
Other authors, journalists, and podcasters have published more frequently about microdosing psychedelics, which has helped the general public learn more about the practice. And many more individuals are coming out of the woodworks to share their anecdotal experiences.
In 2017, author, wife, and mother Ayelet Waldman, goes into detail about her month-long LSD microdosing experience in her book A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life.
Microdosing to some may seem like just a new trendy thing to try out—actress Gwyneth Paltrow even promotes it—but its uses and effects are still being legitimately researched. Scientists have just recently in the past few years begun clinical trials to understand the practice of microdosing.
While LSD and psilocybin are currently considered Schedule I drugs in the United States, aside from Oregon, it seems as if in the near future, regulations will start to loosen up after more data is produced from the clinical trials.
It is interesting to see the progression of a substance (the use, legality, research, etc.). Who knows what the next few years will bring in the world of microdosing.