What is microdosing and is it going mainstream?

When it comes to controlled substances, attitudes are rapidly changing. Across the pond, legalisation is happening in a number of states, and here in Europe, the question has arisen of whether to follow America’s lead.

What is microdosing?

The CBD craze has demonstrated that there is more to these products than getting high. This has led to a more open-minded approach to other THC-containing products. The concept behind microdosing is to take small quantities of a given substance throughout the day. This could provide the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits and to feel a little mentally lifted without the more extreme consequences of being stoned. 

In other words, no hallucinations, no erratic behaviour, nothing that will affect the ability to function normally, either mentally or physically. In that way, it can be compared with having a small glass of wine with a meal as opposed to finishing off the entire bottle on an empty stomach.

Why microdose?

People take up microdosing for different reasons. In the case of Steve Jobs, perhaps the most famous microdoser ever, it was to realise his full potential. The Apple founder spoke openly about microdosing and said “it was one of the most important things in my life.” This is another way in which his legacy lives on, and today, microdosing is commonplace in Silicon Valley to stay sharp and ahead of the game. 

For some, microdosing aims to alleviate a particular condition. Ayelet Williams wrote a book about her experiences with microdosing to manage mood swings that were affecting her relationships with those closest to her. Others have found microdosing to be effective in reducing anxiety, depression and conditions like fibromyalgia. 

How do people microdose?

There is no magic formula for microdosing, but in general, people seem to microdose either every other day or on a “one day on, two days off” basis. This is for two reasons. Most fundamentally, the effects typically last for a couple of days. But also, microdosing too regularly can lead to a tolerance building up. Most commonly, the substance will be taken orally, either in a caplet or added to food or drink. 

Risks associated with microdosing

Taking a substance in a very small quantity will carry a lower level of risk. However, keep in mind that very little formal research has been carried out on microdosing, so both the benefits, as well as the risks, are almost entirely anecdotal.

Also, the question of legality has to be kept in mind. Before someone considers doing it, they need to check rules where they live and make sure it’s not against the law.

The editorial unit

The material contained in this article is of the nature of general comment only and does not give advice on any particular matter. Recipients should not act on the basis of this article’s information without taking appropriate professional advice.