The Subtle Art Of Micro Dosing

A once-secret Silicon Valley practice to improve productivity has reached our shores and is growing in popularity – but is it safe? Lucy E Cousins investigates

- Lucy E Cousins

I did my first microdose today. I’m not really sure if it worked or not, but I think I felt some subtle effects,” says Jen*, a 30-something office worker recounting her first-time experience for Marie Claire. “I was a lot more productive during the day and I seemed to have got a lot more done than usual.”

Jen is one of a growing number of Australians beginning to explore the muddy world of microdosing – the practice of taking very small amounts of LSD, magic mushrooms or other psychedelic drugs to supposedly improve mood, concentration and cognitive abilities. The dosage, usually one-tenth of a regular dose, isn’t enough to give you a “high” or to alter your state, but it will affect you in some way.

“It seemed like colours were more vibrant and I caught myself staring at certain things for longer than usual,” Jen explains. “It seemed like those effects maybe only lasted a few hours or so, though.”

Jen’s experience was subtle and positive but short-lived, and that’s exactly why advocates love it.

“You’re not really supposed to feel it,” says Sarah*, a regular user. “I like[microdosing] from time to time and at that dose I definitely feel energised yet relaxed; mundane things become interesting; sensory enhancement (especially smell), motivation and a strong urge to socialise [increase].”