The cannabis legalization movement is in full swing, and psychedelics are riding its wake. Magic mushrooms and LSD are piquing interest as weed becomes increasingly normalized. A recent poll shows a growing number of US adults are using psychedelics, with 28 percent of the sample having consumed a hallucinogen.
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Microdosing interest is peaking
Last week, JAMA Health Forum published a cross-sectional study indicating the percentage of Americans experimenting with psychedelics will likely continue trending upwards. Researchers sought to gauge public interest in microdosing psychedelics, comparing Google searches over the last decade. Legislative changes were matched against results to understand the impact of psychedelic policy shifts.
This study dropped a bombshell: interest in microdosing increased by 1230 percent between January 2010 to December 2023. The researchers noted that these results were directly associated with legislative shifts in cannabis and psychedelics.
The study measured the frequency and nature of microdosing searches per 10 million Google queries. Searches on the topic were stable until an upward trajectory began in 2014, and searches seem to have not fallen since. Policy analysis showed these queries directly correlated with legislative changes happening at the time.
Limitations to the study included that this data was from Google searches and not reports of people actually microdosing. Study authors noted that, though it is valid to search specific queries, data should be matched against confirming evidence to make a solid assessment. They also did not differentiate between psychedelic substances to observe trends around each compound. Still, findings support the notion that psychedelic policy reform may pique interest in taking a mini trip.
Increasing popularity comes with red flags
Reports, like this one indicating psychedelic use is becoming more popular, are often considered a triumph for researchers, advocates, and those seeking therapy. However, these reports also come with warnings. Searches for Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric mushroom, increased 114 percent from 2022 to 2023. Prepared correctly, people may have mind-altering experiences after eating these mushrooms.
Since the shrooms are not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration, an e-commerce market of amanita gummies, capsules, and tinctures has proliferated. The FDA recalled Diamond Shruumz Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies this month and issued a warning against using them.
The FDA warning states that people who had adverse reactions “reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression, agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.”
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Stay curious, but be discerning
While interest in psychedelics is at an all-time high among the American public, so is the need to be discerning when shopping in the gray market. Mushroom gummies and capsules that might seem safe due to flashy packaging and websites may not be as safe as they appear to be. Look for a certificate of analysis on psychedelic e-commerce websites.
Searches for psychedelics, specifically microdosing psychedelics, are soaring. It is no surprise, however, now that mushroom products are readily available online and various levels of decriminalization initiatives are spreading through the U.S. With tripping on the rise, let us hope everyone remembers to integrate.
