Microdosing’ has Risen Since Covid – People Need a Safe Environment

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various aspects of public and private life worldwide, including the use of psychoactive substances. This literature review focuses on the effects of the pandemic on the use of serotonergic psychedelics, specifically examining the settings in which people use psychedelics, the motives for usage, and the subjective quality of psychedelic experiences during the early stages of the pandemic.

Settings and Motives to Use Psychedelics

During the pandemic, a notable shift occurred in the settings where psychedelics were used. While the majority of participants reported using psychedelics before the pandemic, the settings shifted significantly during the last four weeks of the pandemic. There was a significant decline in all settings that were outside the participants’ homes, including ceremonies, parties, and the use of psychedelics with friends in nature, which had been the most frequently reported setting before the pandemic. Instead, most participants reported taking psychedelics either alone at home or with others at home, indicating a preference for more controlled and isolated environments during the pandemic.

Dosage and Usage Patterns

Regarding dosage patterns, half of the participants reported no change in their dosage during the pandemic, while 20.6% reported a decrease and 20.5% reported an increase. This suggests that while some individuals adjusted their consumption levels in response to the pandemic, others maintained consistent usage patterns. The top three substances used before and during the pandemic remained the same, with LSD, psilocybin, and 2-CB being the most commonly reported.

Subjective Quality of Psychedelic Experiences

The pandemic did not significantly alter the motives for using psychedelics; however, the settings in which these substances were used underwent a dramatic shift. Participants were asked to indicate the settings in which they consumed psychedelics and their motives for doing so. The findings highlight the importance of the environment in which psychedelics are used, suggesting that the pandemic-induced changes in settings may have influenced the overall experience and outcomes of psychedelic use.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the use of psychedelics, with significant changes observed in the settings and possibly the motives for usage. The shift towards more isolated and controlled environments during the pandemic underscores the need for safe spaces for those engaging in microdosing or psychedelic use. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these changes and to develop guidelines for safe and responsible psychedelic use, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic and its aftermath.