The Surge of Microdosing: Rising Search Term Popularity and Legislative Impacts
A recent study has revealed a 1250% increase in microdosing interest, highlighting the influence of legislative changes and the growing acceptance of alternative medical modalities.
The practice of microdosing psychedelics, where individuals take sub-perceptual doses of substances like psilocybin and LSD, has seen a staggering increase in popularity. A comprehensive study (published June 28, 2024) reveals a 1250% surge in public interest over the past eight years, coinciding with significant legislative changes across the United States. This trend reflects a growing curiosity and acceptance of alternative therapeutic practices.
Why Are People Searching About Microdosing So Much More?
Microdosing involves consuming small fractions of psychedelic drugs—typically one-twentieth to one-fifth of a recreational dose. Advocates suggest that such doses can enhance cognitive function, mood, and overall mental health without the intense effects associated with higher doses. This method has gained traction not only among those seeking personal growth but also among individuals exploring alternative treatments for conditions like depression and anxiety.
Legislative Changes Fueling Interest in, and Openness to, Microdosing
The increase in microdosing interest is closely linked to legislative reforms concerning psychedelics and cannabis. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, utilized Google Trends data to analyze the escalation of microdosing searches from 2010 to 2023. The results are telling: microdosing searches exploded by 1250%, from approximately 7.9 searches per 10 million to 105.6 searches per 10 million, with over three million searches recorded in 2023 alone.
Local and state-level legislative changes have played a pivotal role in this upsurge. Decriminalization and the legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy have reduced legal barriers, making the public more open to exploring these substances. States like Colorado and Oregon, which have been at the forefront of such legislative changes, have seen particularly high increases in search activity.
Google Searches for Microdosing Within and Across US States From 2010 to 2023.
Diagram via JAMA
The Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Pyschedelics
The analysis also highlights the influence of cannabis legalization on microdosing interest. States that have legalized recreational and medical cannabis showed a notable increase in microdosing searches. This trend suggests that the normalization of cannabis may be paving the way for a broader acceptance and curiosity about psychedelics.
Call for Further Research and Safe Practices
Despite the growing interest, the clinical benefits of microdosing remain under-researched, and the potential risks are not well understood (some research of late points to the potential impact on the heart resulting from prolonged psilocybin microdosing). The study underscores the necessity for rigorous clinical studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of microdosing. As the landscape of substance use continues to evolve, ensuring access to safe, effective, and evidence-based treatments becomes crucial.
Read the full investigative study here.