"I've Never Seen a Pink Elephant": A Qualitative Analysis of the Practice of Microdosing

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Psychedelic drugs, such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries for religious and recreational purposes. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in psychedelic drugs, particularly regarding “microdosing.” To “microdose” a person ingests one-tenth of the amount of the substance that is required to hallucinate, or “trip”, in an effort to produce therapeutic effects. The renewed interest in microdosing classic psychedelics, including psilocybin and LSD may lead to an increase in the practice. Recent reports in the media suggest several positive benefits of the practice, however, currently there is limited data on the experiences of those who microdose. Thus, the aim of this project is to understand the experience of microdosing from the perspective of the people who do it. Using standard qualitative methods, I interview people who microdose to better understand their motives, their experiences, the ways that they make sense of the practice within the context of their social position, how they do it, and their strategies for maximizing the benefits and reducing the risks of it. Preliminary findings indicate that respondents are motivated to microdose to increase creativity and energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance mood and overall sense of well-being.

Author

• Megan Webb, University of California, Riverside