While I think LSD is a very interesting drug that can give people valuable insights and improve their (and thereby also others) lives, I would not do microdosing on a daily basis myself.<p>LSD increases serotonin significantly, and it's plausible that some of the well-being effect of microdosing is caused by this. The problem is that the brain tends to down-regulate its own production of a neurotransmitter when it is induced by a drug over time. Since the brain is plastic it will probably up-regulate the serotonin production once the microdosing is stopped, but there is a theoretical risk that neurotransmitter production and/or functioning is permanently changed.
While I consider microdosing an interesting concept, nobody should miss out on a well planned experience with a normal dose, in your favorite spot in nature, with carefully selected music, in perfect weather conditions. Also, read James Fadiman's classic [0] beforehand and "test before you ingest".<p>[0] <a href="http://www.psychedelicexplorersguide.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.psychedelicexplorersguide.com</a>
Here is someone making it a little more rigorous: <a href="https://www.gwern.net/LSD%20microdosing" rel="nofollow">https://www.gwern.net/LSD%20microdosing</a><p>N=1 though.
This is the first time I've heard of microdosing: <a href="http://tim.blog/2015/03/21/james-fadiman/" rel="nofollow">http://tim.blog/2015/03/21/james-fadiman/</a><p>Recent book: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MCQ783Q/" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MCQ783Q/</a> - "A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life"<p>Here is a very "hacker like" research: <a href="https://www.gwern.net/LSD%20microdosing" rel="nofollow">https://www.gwern.net/LSD%20microdosing</a><p>I'm so happy that LSD Microdosing is hitting maintream, it's no longer niche hippy stuff.<p>----<p>EDIT: I read some comments "I think" - have these people actually tried using it? That's a serious ignorance, but I'm not commenting on their posts to avoid adding points to a dogma...
There's a good "Reply All" episode on this <a href="https://gimletmedia.com/episode/44-shine-on-you-crazy-goldman/" rel="nofollow">https://gimletmedia.com/episode/44-shine-on-you-crazy-goldma...</a>
I wouldn't take LSD microdoses periodically. There is no evidence of either the safety nor the benefits of said usage.<p>We wouldn't be in such a lacking situation if research wasn't halted due to draconian drug laws. Nowadays it seems that research is being done by organizations like MAPS. My advice is to wait until there is evidence of the utility of said usages.<p>I know people will try whatever they can in order to improve or solve some problem in their lifes. From tDCS to a variety of nootropics, research chemicals, prescription, and illegal drugs. I'd rather not be a lab rat, but that's easy to say when there are no pressing issues.<p>There are a lot of evidence-based ways to improve our lifes: Exercise, healthy diet, good sleep routine, CBT, mindfulness.. I'd rather do those.
<i>There is, however, a further danger to microdosing - the risk of taking too much.</i><p>You don't say!<p>I consume the BBC News online fairly compulsively as my go-to news source, but sometimes it really is pretty mind-numbing (no pun intended).
"Some people use microdosing ... arguing it helps with their mental health problems."<p>Well, there you have it. Self-medication for metal health issues. Advocating self-medication for mental health issues is like recommending people to self-medicate with painkillers to stop that pain, instead of getting proper medical diagnosis and treatment.
My question is about these Silicon Valley people who spend their days at work and nights in bed: how do they go about sourcing the inventory for their experiments? (Asking for a friend who doesn't want to frequent nightclubs nor attend burning man, but very much wants to try microdosing.)
I think microdosing LSD is 100% placebo and that we should stick to rationalism and science. Taking small doses of hallucinogens without clear proof and long term research is your choice, however, proving it has value seems incredibly difficult as there are so many biases involved.