Recent changes in drug regulations across the United States appear to have sparked a dramatic increase in public interest in microdosing, a practice involving the consumption of very small amounts of psychedelics. A new study published in JAMA Health Forum has highlighted this surge, noting a 1250% rise in microdosing-related Google searches from 2015 to 2023, with over three million searches in 2023 alone. This trend aligns with the relaxation of local, state, and federal regulations on cannabis and psychedelics, suggesting that legislative changes may be driving public curiosity.
Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming very small, subperceptual doses of psychedelics, typically about one-twentieth to one-fifth of a full dose. This means the dose is low enough that it does not produce the intense hallucinogenic effects associated with larger amounts of these substances.
Instead, proponents of microdosing claim that it can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and boost overall well-being without causing significant alterations in consciousness. Common substances used for microdosing include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (the active ingredient in certain mushrooms), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
Despite its rising popularity, there is a significant gap in scientific understanding of its effects, both positive and negative. Some preliminary studies suggest that any perceived benefits of microdosing might be attributable to placebo effects rather than the substances themselves. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with self-administering these substances, including headaches, anxiety, and the potential for inaccurate dosing.
Given the lack of reliable clinical evidence, the researchers sought to quantify public interest in microdosing and examine how recent legislative changes regarding the decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics and cannabis might be influencing this trend.
The researchers aimed to establish a clear picture of public interest by analyzing Google search trends over an extended period. They wanted to understand whether the loosening of drug regulations at local, state, and federal levels correlated with increased curiosity and potential usage of microdosing practices.
To investigate the public’s interest in microdosing, the researchers analyzed Google search trends from 2010 to 2023, focusing on terms such as “microdosing,” “micro dose,” “microdose,” and “micro dosing.” They utilized data from the Google API Client library to measure the frequency of these searches in the United States and across individual states. The researchers also examined related search queries to understand the context of these searches better.
The study incorporated a difference-in-differences approach to evaluate whether public interest in microdosing increased following the enactment of various cannabis and psychedelic policies. The researchers gathered data on state medical and recreational cannabis use policies, as well as local and statewide psychedelic decriminalization and legalization measures. They compared the search trends in states with and without these policies to assess the impact of legislative changes.
The study revealed a significant rise in microdosing-related searches starting around 2015, with annual increases averaging 12.2 searches per 10 million people. By 2023, the number of searches had increased by a factor of 13.4 compared to 2015 levels. The states with the highest growth rates were Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, with searches peaking in Oregon.
The difference-in-differences analysis showed that the enactment of local psychedelic decriminalization laws, statewide legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and recreational cannabis use laws were all associated with significant increases in microdosing search rates.
For instance, local psychedelic decriminalization laws led to an increase of 22.4 searches per 10 million people, while statewide legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy and decriminalization of psychedelics resulted in a rise of 28.9 searches per 10 million people. Recreational cannabis laws had the most substantial impact, with an increase of 40.9 searches per 10 million people.
The researchers also found that by 2023, the combination of medical and recreational cannabis policies, local psychedelic decriminalization, and statewide legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy explained 27% of the variance in monthly microdosing search rates. States with the most permissive substance use policies saw the highest levels of interest in microdosing.
Despite the clear correlation between legislative changes and increased interest in microdosing, the study’s authors caution against drawing direct causal conclusions. Google search data reflects interest rather than actual use, and the motivations behind these searches can vary widely. Additionally, the study did not differentiate between specific substances used for microdosing, making it difficult to determine the relative popularity of different psychedelics.
The reliance on search data also means that the findings might not fully represent the broader population’s behaviors and attitudes. The study’s observational nature cannot account for all potential confounding factors, such as media influence or endorsements by public figures, which might also drive interest in microdosing.
“The findings of this cross-sectional analysis suggest that rigorous clinical studies are needed to evaluate the safety profile and potential benefits of microdosing to inform evidence-based practices and policymaking to match public interest,” the researchers wrote. “Additional population-based surveillance is needed to identify who is microdosing, their reasons, and how these practices might change with the evolving legal landscape.”
The study, “State Cannabis and Psychedelic Legislation and Microdosing Interest in the US,” was authored by Kevin H. Yang, Nora Satybaldiyeva, Matthew R. Allen, John W. Ayers, and Eric C. Leas.
