- The researchers found that tolerance develops during LSD microdosing, but not when using psilocybin.
- The correct guess probability of identifying whether a microdose was active decreased with the number of microdoses taken, supporting the notion of developing tolerance.
- Microdosing with psilocybin may be a preferable option for individuals looking for long-term benefits without the drawbacks of tolerance.
Introduction to Microdosing
Microdosing involves the regular intake of low doses of psychedelic substances to potentially improve aspects such as well-being, creativity, and cognition. While anecdotal evidence supports these claims, rigorous scientific findings have been less conclusive. The authors previously conducted a citizen science trial focused on the impact of microdosing to gain a more empirical understanding of this practice.
Methods of the Study
The authors performed a reanalysis of data from a placebo-controlled citizen science study involving 240 participants who chose to engage in microdosing. Participants were required to ascertain whether their dose was a placebo or an active microdose. Using advanced statistical techniques, the researchers examined the relationship between the number of microdoses consumed and the ability to correctly identify them in order to ascertain if tolerance was developing.
Results of the Study
Among the 240 participants, most were using LSD or its analogues, while a smaller group used psilocybin. The analysis indicated that the likelihood of correctly guessing an active microdose decreased with the number of doses taken, particularly for LSD users. This finding reinforces the possibility of tolerance development among these users, while the effects of psilocybin did not exhibit a similar trend, suggesting it may not induce tolerance in the same way.
Discussion on Tolerance Mechanisms
The authors discussed the potential pharmacological mechanisms underlying these findings, particularly focusing on the 5-HT2A receptor, which is involved in the action of many psychedelics. Given the longer duration of LSD effects compared to psilocybin, a desensitization effect may occur with repeated LSD dosing. This tolerance could result in a decline of subjective effects and may necessitate breaks in microdosing protocols to maintain effectiveness.
Conclusion on Long-term Microdosing
In summary, the study highlighted a significant tolerance effect in individuals microdosing LSD, while psilocybin showed a different profile likely making it more suitable for sustained microdosing without the necessity for interruptions. These findings could guide future practices among individuals intending to use psychedelics for self-improvement and therapeutic benefits.
Read the full paper summary on Blossom.
