Key Takeaways
Some states and cities are easing restrictions around microdosing psychedelics such as psilocybin
New research using Google searches show those changes are spiking interest in microdosing
Researchers warn, however, that the safety and effectiveness of many of these products remains unclear
MONDAY, July 1, 2024 (HealthDay News) — A study based on online Google searches suggests surging U.S. interest in microdosing psychedelics, such as psilocybin, as rules around the use of such drugs begin to relax.
But the safety of these drugs isn’t entirely clear, said study lead author Dr. Kevin Yang .
"As public interest in using psychedelics and cannabis for health grows, it’s crucial that the medical community conducts studies to establish a strong evidence base for their safety and efficacy," said Yang, a psychiatry resident physician at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine.
‘Magic mushrooms’ have long been used recreationally to get high, but in recent years numerous studies have suggested that the fungus’ active ingredient, the hallucinogen psilocybin, might have some therapeutic effects if used in smaller doses ("microdosing") under controlled conditions.
According to a UCSD news release, people who microdose take "’sub-perceptual’ doses of psychedelics, often over prolonged periods, with users claiming it improves cognition, mood and overall health without causing the intense hallucinogenic effects of higher doses."Already, eight U.S. states have had cities or counties decriminalize this type of psychedelic use, and two states, Colorado and Oregon, have legalized psychedelic-assisted therapy and decriminalized psychedelics statewide.Those moves come at the same time that another recreational drug, cannabis, has gained mainstream acceptance and has been legalized in 24 states.So what is the current American mood when it comes to microdosing?To find out, the UCSD team tracked Google searches conducted in certain states in the years before and after the state changed the law around psychedelics. They also compared that data to Google searches in states which did not loosen access to the drugs.Policies that reduced criminal penalties for psychedelics and cannabis were associated with big jumps in these Google searches, suggesting a surge in interest in microdosing, the team […]
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