Microdosing is a growing trend in the health and wellness industry. Microdosing is a scientific approach to taking small, regular (e.g. daily, weekly, etc.) of psychoactive compounds (e.g. psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), etc.) to improve cognitive performance, creativity, and even to address mental disorders like depression and anxiety. For centuries, people have explored the creative potential of psychedelics, but what makes microdosing different is its systematic use for its purpose. That means you don’t have to be afraid of the adverse effects associated with large doses used in psychedelic trips.
But does it work? Today, a growing number of researchers are studying the benefits of microdosing, and reports from experimental studies and anecdotal reports suggest that microdosing could indeed increase creativity. So, what is the relationship between microdosing and creativity?
This blog post aims to answer this question and explore the potential benefits of microdosing for creative enhancement. We’ll look at the current evidence surrounding this topic, discuss why creativity is important, and look at the potential risks involved in microdosing. We’d like to preface this article by acknowledging that the research into microdosing is still developing and that many of the claims herein should be regarded as preliminary.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is a practice in which individuals take small, regular doses of psychoactive compounds (psychedelics) with the intent of improving cognition, creativity, and mental well-being without inducing a full psychedelic experience. Commonly used compounds include psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and iboga, though other compounds are used as well. The doses taken are generally 10x less than a traditional recreational dose, but one that is enough to elicit a subtle psychological effect, such as improved creativity or reduced stress.
The Evidence
Few studies have explored the relationship between microdosing and creativity, which isn’t shocking since the research regarding microdosing is still in its infancy. Currently, the best evidence for the effects of microdosing come from anecdotal reports. A survey conducted by a group of researchers from Imperial College London, City University London, and the Beckley Foundation included responses from 1519 participants in the psychedelic drug community. The survey found that participants generally viewed microdosing positively, citing improvements in productivity, creativity, and mood. Additionally, a self-report study conducted by the same group of researchers found that 60% of participants claimed enhanced creativity after taking part in the study.
Why is Creativity Important?
Creativity is a crucial skill in many industries, giving individuals room to come up with innovative solutions to problems, and generate fresh ideas that often lead to major innovations. Creativity is an invaluable asset for employees such as entrepreneurs, designers, and marketers, to name a few. It can make or break a business, and has been shown to be even more important than one’s IQ in predicting career success.
Risks Involved in Microdosing
As with any practice that involves taking psychoactive compounds, there are potential risks associated with microdosing. These compounds have not been thoroughly studied and are not often regulated, meaning it’s difficult to know whether or not an individual is taking the right amount. Additionally, research on the long-term effects of microdosing is still developing, and it’s unclear whether prolonged use of these compounds can lead to adverse side effects.
FAQs
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is a practice in which individuals take small, regular doses of psychoactive compounds with the intent of improving cognition, creativity, and mental well-being without inducing a full psychedelic experience.
What does the evidence on microdosing and creativity show?
Currently, the best evidence for the effects of microdosing come from anecdotal reports. A survey conducted by a group of researchers from Imperial College London, City University London, and the Beckley Foundation included responses from 1519 psychedelic drug community participants and found that participants generally viewed microdosing positively, citing improvements in productivity, creativity, and mood. Additionally, a self-report study conducted by the same group of researchers found that 60% of participants claimed enhanced creativity after taking part in the study.
Why is creativity important?
Creativity is an invaluable asset for employees such as entrepreneurs, designers, and marketers, to name a few. It can make or break a business, and has been shown to be even more important than one’s IQ in predicting career success.
What risks are involved with microdosing?
As with any practice that involves taking psychoactive compounds, there are potential risks associated with microdosing. These compounds have not been thoroughly studied and are not often regulated, meaning it’s difficult to know whether or not an individual is taking the right amount. Additionally, research on the long-term effects of microdosing is still developing, and it’s unclear whether prolonged use of these compounds can lead to adverse side effects.