DOI: 10.17151/culdr.2023.28.35.3
How to Cite
Pérez Duque, L. A. (2023). Research on microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a reflection paper. Cultura Y Droga, 28(35), 50–69. https://doi.org/10.17151/culdr.2023.28.35.3

Authors

Laura Andrea Pérez Duque
Fundación Consciencia VIBA
laura.perez87@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7440-3409
Perfil Google Scholar

Abstract

This reflection paper on psilocybin microdosing was based on observational studies, clinical trials, a systematic review, and a sociological study. The search was done in Pubmed using the descriptors “psilocybin” and “microdosing”. Articles in English were taken from 2019 to January 2023 focused on microdosing with psilocybin and mainly from the field of health sciences that studied its effects on mental health, well-being and on cognitive and psychomotor neurological processes, as well as the role of expectations in the clinical application of psilocybin or psychedelics in general. The objective was to understand where the scientific evidence points and what factors should continue to be considered for clinical research. Other articles were included because of their relevance to the topic. The studies that most reflect the positive effects are anecdotal reports, but there is difficulty in replicating these results in controlled studies. The systematic review does not specify the results in relation to psilocybin, but an overall improvement in mental health was found, In relation to anxiety and stress the results were mixed: positive outcomes were found in creativity and well-being. The difficulty is perceived in isolating the influence of expectations and placebo. Samples are too small to be significant in laboratory studies. Sociological studies can contribute to a better understanding of qualitative aspects. The current state of research on psilocybin microdosing can inform future research scenarios both in the preclinical and clinical phases with attention to confounding factors as well as qualitative and specific aspects of this practice. No less important will be its contribution to the field of public health.

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