UBCO Study Reveals Short-Term Benefits of Microdosing Psychedelics

A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) has found that microdosing psychedelics can lead to temporary improvements in mood and cognitive function on the days individuals partake in the practice. However, these effects do not appear to extend beyond the duration of use. The findings were published in the journal Psychopharmacology and highlight the short-lived nature of the perceived benefits associated with microdosing.

Led by Dr. Michelle St. Pierre, a post-doctoral psychology researcher at UBCO’s Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the study tracked the daily experiences of participants who microdose with psychedelics, specifically substances like psilocybin mushrooms or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Microdosing typically involves consuming small amounts—around one-tenth to one-twentieth—of a standard recreational dose.

Dr. St. Pierre explains, “Typical practices involve alternating days of microdosing with non-dosing days to mitigate rapid tolerance.” This approach is often aimed at leveraging potential residual effects that might carry over to days when no substances are taken. Despite a surge in interest surrounding microdosing, scientific research has only gained traction in the past 15 years, indicating that public use has outpaced empirical support.

Using data from the Microdose.me project, which is recognized as the world’s largest international daily diary study on real-world microdosing, researchers found that participants reported feeling more connected, creative, focused, and productive on days they microdosed. Increased wellbeing and contemplation were also noted. Yet, these effects did not persist on days without microdosing.

“Microdosing appears to lift mood and mental functioning on the days it’s practiced, but not necessarily beyond that,” Dr. St. Pierre remarked. This research clarifies the timing and nature of microdosing effects, emphasizing their immediate rather than prolonged impact.

Over 1,435 microdosers from 49 countries participated in this study. Each morning, participants indicated whether they had microdosed and rated their feelings across various dimensions, including connectedness, creativity, focus, productivity, and overall wellbeing. The research team also explored variations in effects among different demographics, such as gender and mental health history.

The results were largely consistent across nearly all groups, with the only significant difference observed among those with prior experience taking larger doses of psychedelics. This group exhibited slightly higher increases in creativity on microdosing days. Dr. St. Pierre suggests that full-dose psychedelic experiences may enhance creativity, and microdosing could potentially reactivate or build upon these prior effects, though this remains a speculative interpretation.

Overall, this study contributes valuable daily-level insights into the growing body of research suggesting that microdosing may enhance wellbeing and cognitive performance, albeit in a transient manner. While the findings build on earlier studies, Dr. St. Pierre emphasizes that this remains an observational study, underscoring the need for further research to distinguish between expectation effects and genuine pharmacological changes.

As interest in microdosing continues to rise, ongoing investigations will be essential to expand understanding of its potential benefits and limitations in enhancing mental health and cognitive function.