STAT

‘Microdosing’ is touted by ’shroomers and Reddit users. Science is starting to test their claims — and finding some truth

As microdosing psychedelics such as the active ingredient of "magic mushrooms" became the latest Silicon Valley “productivity hack,” all the evidence about its effects has been anecdotal. Until now.

Dennis van der Meijden isn’t aiming to see the face of God, feel one with the cosmos, grasp the hidden reality of time and space, or embark on a sacred journey. What the Dutch graphic designer, producer, and rapper (under the professional name Terilekst) wants — and gets — from his twice-weekly “microdoses” of psilocybin is more modest.

“It sharpens all the senses, as if the frequencies of all of your atoms and energy field are raised a little bit and are being slightly more conscious,” said van der Meijden, 39, who told STAT he first microdosed psilocybin — the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” — three years ago. It makes him energetic enough to skip coffee, “as if I’m kicked in some sort of orbit for that day.” If he becomes distracted, “I’m very much aware of that, as if seeing myself from a bird’s eye view, so I can correct

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT1 min read
Opinion: STAT+: It’s Time To Rethink Everything About Our Approach To Psychiatric Drug Development
Can biology explain how people with the same psychiatric disorder respond differently to the same treatment?
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About A Novo Nordisk Deal, A Regeneron Setback, And More
Novo Nordisk agreed to acquire Cardior Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth up to $1.1 billion, picking up additional cardiometabolic drug candidates.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About Abortion Pill Arguments, A Merck Drug Approval, And More
U.S. Supreme Court justices focused on plaintiffs' right to sue the FDA to reinstate restrictions on a commonly used abortion pill, suggesting they are unlikely to restrict access.

Related Books & Audiobooks