Kingston Hospital Launches Groundbreaking Psilocybin Microdosing Trials

The Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has received approval from Health Canada to conduct the country’s first clinical trials on the daily, at-home use of microdoses of psilocybin, the active psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. This landmark study aims to investigate the effects of microdosing—specifically doses of between 2 and 3 milligrams—on individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

While KHSC has previously contributed to medical research on psilocybin, this trial marks a significant shift in focus from traditional macrodosing studies. These larger doses are commonly used in therapeutic settings to address various mental health issues, but this research will explore the potential benefits of microdoses in managing anxiety levels in everyday life.

Dr. Claudio Soares, the lead investigator for the study, emphasized the potential for microdosing to provide new treatment options for patients who have not responded well to conventional antidepressants. “You have between 40 to 60% of patients responding to antidepressants,” Dr. Soares stated. “Not everybody can respond and not everybody can tolerate the side effects. Psychotherapy requires a lot of commitment, but not everyone has access, and it doesn’t work for everybody.”

This research aims to offer additional tools for managing anxiety, particularly for those who may struggle with existing treatment methods. Preliminary data on psychedelics suggests rapid effectiveness with minimal side effects. “The few subjects that we have who completed this study show some incredible responses within the first week of treatment, which is much faster than you see with antidepressants,” Dr. Soares noted. “If that turns out to be true on a larger scale, you likely have a very well-tolerated and effective treatment.”

Participants in the KHSC study will initially take their first microdose at the hospital under observation for two hours. Following this, they will take a week’s worth of doses home, reporting their experiences weekly over a four-week period. After this duration, some participants will switch to a placebo while others will continue with the actual psilocybin.

The research team is currently seeking adults aged 18 to 60 living with GAD who have not previously been exposed to psychedelics. Dr. Soares highlighted the challenges of finding participants without prior exposure, particularly as societal stigma surrounding psychedelics continues to diminish. “You have people who might have that stigma or reluctance to try psilocybin,” he explained. “But the fact that it’s a microdosing method and doesn’t involve a trip or a high is a plus for many.”

Despite the diminishing stigma around psychedelics, Dr. Soares noted that it has become increasingly difficult to recruit subjects for studies focusing on those without any previous exposure. The legalization of cannabis, for instance, has complicated medical research on that substance.

Individuals interested in participating in the study or seeking more information can contact the research team at [email protected]. As the exploration of psilocybin microdosing begins, KHSC stands at the forefront of potentially transformative approaches to mental health treatment.