Microdosing Magic Mushrooms: Biohack or Placebo?

 

Improved mood. Greater focus. Better outlook on life. These are just some of the benefits espoused by people who participate in the increasingly popular practice of microdosing. This is the practice of taking a tiny dose of a psychedelic drug (LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms) so that they don’t get high or hallucinate, but still get the drug in their system. Individuals who participate in this practice describe many of the improvements mentioned above, as well as a general positivity around the practice (Source)

Many of the benefits that individuals who microdose report are the same benefits that are reported by individuals who use marijuana. And who doesn’t want to feel a little more positive, a little more creative? I know I do! Individuals who microdose especially report significant improvements in their mood and outlook on life, though there is some reporting of increased anxiety as well. You take a little bad with the good, right?

It’s important to note that many of these benefits are self-reported, and due to the illegal nature of psychedelics, there has been little scientific research into the actual physiological benefits, if there are any. However, there has been some research into the self-reported benefits and downsides, and there is some evidence to suggest that the so-called benefits of microdosing are nothing other than the placebo effect.

For those who don’t know, the placebo effect is a well-documented phenomena where psychological and physiological effects occur during the process of a study because the individual believes that they will, even if they’re not actually being treated with the actual medication.

In relation to the subject of magic mushrooms, recent studies separated individuals into a microdosing category and a placebo category, and both categories showed the same benefits espoused by those who microdosed. Improved mood, positive outlook, greater focus and creativity, all were reported by individuals from both groups.

So, what does that mean? Well, in a nutshell, it means that if you think that microdosing is going to help you, then it will! Is there any true physiological effect of taking such tiny doses of psychedelic drugs? Well, as of now there is little evidence to support that. That could change in the future as science catches up to the interest of the public in these drugs, but for now the best suggestion is to do whatever makes you happy and feel positive! Microdosing can show the same benefits as yoga and exercise, and at the end of the day, you know your body and needs the best. Give yourself what you need and live well!





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