On the Dutch-Smart blog, we’ve often discussed the microdosing of psychedelic substances. Here in our smartshop, for example, we offer convenient Psychedelic Microdosing packs containing microdoses of magic truffles. But as most of you psychonauts know, it’s not just magic mushrooms and truffles that are popular for microdosing. LSD also seems to be used more and more often, and now new research even suggests that it could help with a number of different issues…
Warning: Always test your LSD
Before we continue, we’d like to warn you about the potential dangers of synthetic substances like LSD. Before using such substances, it’s always wise to have them tested in a specialized lab, but you can also choose to test your LSD yourself using our EZ-Test LSD Drug Test. Please note that this test can only provide an indication of the presence of LSD in the drugs you have purchased.
LSD and Pain Tolerance
So, now that we’ve covered that, back to the research. Scientists from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and the Beckley Foundation in the United Kingdom have examined the pain-relieving properties of microdosing LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. As reported last week in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, according to this study, these small doses of LSD can increase pain tolerance by as much as 20 percent, an effect comparable to some painkillers.
“The magnitude of the analgesic effect appears comparable to the analgesic effects of opioids in the same pain model,” said lead researcher Jan Ramaekers, professor of Psychopharmacology and Behavioral Toxicology at Maastricht University, in a statement.
5, 10, or 20 micrograms
The Beckley/Maastricht Microdosing Research Program was established to study the effects of small doses of LSD (commonly called “microdoses”) on humans, with a particular focus on mood, cognitive functions, and pain relief. During the study, which was the first in a series of research projects, 24 healthy volunteers each received a single dose of 5, 10, or 20 micrograms of LSD, or a placebo.
In addition to other measurements collected during the dosing days, pain tolerance levels were determined using a Cold Pressor Test, a valid and low-risk test for evaluating individual pain thresholds that utilizes a tank filled with 3°C cold water. Volunteers were asked to submerge their hands in the cold water for as long as possible.
Effects lasting up to 5 hours
The factors assessed during the Cold Pressor Test include pain tolerance (e.g., the duration for which participants can keep their hand in the tank) and subjective ratings of pain, discomfort, and stress. The study consistently showed that a dose of 20 micrograms of LSD significantly reduced pain perception compared to the placebo, even though lower doses did not have the same effect. Moreover, the effects were surprisingly long-lasting. Participants reportedly felt the pain-relieving effects for up to 5 hours after receiving their dose.
Overall pain tolerance at 20 micrograms increased by 20%, meaning that volunteers were able to remain immersed in the cold water significantly longer with a 20-microgram dose of LSD compared to those on a placebo. Subjects also reported a decrease in the subjective experience of pain and discomfort. Notably, the changes in pain tolerance and subjective pain perception induced by the low dose of LSD under these conditions were comparable to those observed after administration of existing medications used to treat these effects.
Of course, much more research needs to be done (not to mention legislative changes) before we can imagine doctors prescribing LSD or other psychedelics for physical ailments, but the more studies conducted in the field of psychedelics, the brighter the future for these substances appears to be.
Further results to follow
During this first microdosing study by Beckley / Maastricht, the potential of LSD to improve mood and cognitive functions was also examined. Results on these fronts will be announced shortly.
