Why Some Parents Are Microdosing

Published in Today's Parent

Parenting comes with no shortage of stress. As the emotional load piles up, some moms and dads are looking beyond bubble baths and breathing exercises. In search of clarity, calm and reconnection, they're quietly turning to an unconventional tool: microdosing psychedelics.

On Reddit’s r/microdosing thread, several parents share their experiences with classic psychedelics.

“Screw judgement. Being a mom is hard,” said one user, who goes by Altruistic_Sun_1663. “I didn’t really face any challenges on my own journey with mushrooms, except maybe preconceived notions on usage. But as soon as a deep healing occurred in ways I could never have fathomed possible, those notions went out the window.”

While the social buzz around microdosing is undeniable, there are plenty of unknowns about its pros and cons. And if parents are curious about the practice, considering its legal and safety risks is worthwhile.

What is microdosing?

According to the Canadian Centre for Addictions, microdosing involves taking small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics like psilocybin or lsd. The private rehab facility’s website says these doses are tiny enough to engage subtle responses from the body, but not strong enough to trigger a full-on trip or hallucinogenic effects during use.

A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports says that, based on observational research, people who microdose typically report taking five to 20 micrograms of lsd or 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms. 

Some folks also report sticking to a schedule while microdosing, using psychedelic drugs several times a week on a pattern of alternating days.

Why parents might consider microdosing

Lauren Alderfer offers virtual microdose coaching services—an unregulated practice in Canada—to folks looking for an education on psychedelics. She says that she helps clients decide which substances to take, advises them on doses and encourages them to set intentions before microdosing.

According to Alderfer, many of her clients are mothers between 35 and 45 years old, who heard about microdosing from friends or experimented with it recreationally before turning to psychedelics as a mindfulness tool. She also says that lots of mothers return to their sessions feeling less frustrated by situations which would usually stress them out.

Such challenges were discussed in an August 2024 public health advisory issued by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. In his statement on the mental health and wellbeing of parents, Murthy said that traditional parenting demands, including sleep deprivation, time scarcity and financial worries, are typical causes of stress. He also said that today’s parents face issues that older generations didn’t have to consider, like navigating social media and the loneliness epidemic.

In addition to seeking stress relief, some folks say that they microdose to manage symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Irie Selkirk is the founder of RISE Collective, a business offering psilocybin retreats in Canada and abroad. She says that lots of her retreat-goers are parents who turn to psychedelic-assisted therapy after realizing that they spent years operating in a sort of survival mode.

“Parents often say it feels like finally remembering who they are,” said Selkirk.

Still, clinical psychologist Monnica Williams says the reported benefits of microdosing for stress management and mental health are mostly anecdotal, not supported by robust clinical research.

Reported effects

Improved mood

A 2019 study published in Harm Reduction Journal explored the benefits and challenges experienced by microdosers.

The most frequently reported pro was an improved mood. Participants noted more happiness, peace, calm and optimism in an anonymous, online survey.

Nina Smith, who used psilocybin recreationally before and after having kids, says that microdosing usually leaves her more appreciative of her surroundings, without distorting them. While microdosing, she notices details like the shininess of her phone, for example.

“Everything’s just uplifted and accentuated,” said Smith. “You look at your kid and you’re probably like, ‘Oh my God, you’re so cute!’ You notice the small things a little bit more.”

However, research on microdosing often shows mixed results. A 2021 study published in Sage Journals found that microdosing psilocybin did not affect emotion-related symptoms.

Better focus

Many participants from the 2019 study also reported better concentration and attentiveness thanks to microdosing. 

Selkirk says that while many of her clients share this experience, it’s important to remember that microdosing is not a magic fix for brain fog or emotional dysregulation. 

“High-dose therapies and microdosing work best when paired with good sleep, intentions, therapeutic support and nervous system regulation,” she said. Notably, public health agencies do not currently recommend either practice for recreational or medical use.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research says more research evidence is needed to better understand if psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for people experiencing mental illness and addictions. In 2023, the Government of Canada invested nearly $3 million to study its potential benefits in clinical trials.

Improved creativity

The third most-popular benefit from the 2019 study was improved creativity. This boost in creative behaviour included shifting perspectives, divergent thinking, curiosity and openness.

“There’s a deeper sense of ease and flow in the day that’s also very noticeable,” said Alderfer, discussing her clients’ experiences.

Discomfort and other downsides

According to Williams, people with underlying mental health issues are more likely to notice the potential negative effects of microdosing, including increased anxiety, physiological discomfort and mood instability.

“It’s not right for everyone,” said Selkirk, “Those with a personal or family history of psychosis, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid it.”

Potential risks and safety concerns for parents

Before microdosing to manage caregiving-related stress, Williams recommends consulting a qualified mental health professional and physician. She also says that there are plenty of behavioural ways to tackle parental stress. Counselling, therapy and support groups are great professional resources to help overwhelmed parents, for example. Plus, their long-term effects are better researched than microdosing.

If you do microdose recreationally, keep all psychedelics completely out of your child’s reach. This guide on storing cannabis products around kids has helpful tips on childproof containers, local poison control centres and more.

Remember that safekeeping is super important: children can accidentally consume harmful substances which aren’t stored securely.

Parents who microdose should also consider where and when they use psychedelics, especially with first-time use. Misweighing psilocybin or experiencing unexpected, negative effects can impact your reaction time, which is risky when caring for little ones.

The legal landscape for parents

The production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada. Paul Lewin, a Toronto-based lawyer who focuses on matters relating to cannabis and psychedelics, says that Canadians found carrying psilocybin could be charged with possession of a controlled substance, although simple possession is not a common charge. 

Lewin also says that it is possible to access psilocybin for medical or scientific purposes under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This section also allows exemptions for other reasons decided to be in the public interest — this could apply to certain cases of religious use, for example. 

In a serious or life-threatening healthcare emergency, Canadians may also access psychedelics through the Special Access Program. With this program, physicians can file an application for their patients to access an unauthorized substance. The application is then submitted to Health Canada, where the agency makes the final choice.

“It's not a decision made between patient and doctor,” said Lewin. “It’s a decision made by the government whether you should get it.” He also says that while many people use and have a demand for psychedelics, there are very few exemptions made under the special access program.

“You’ll get like a doctor and a psychiatrist and a priest and a fireman, you’ll climb up to the top of a mountain and pray to the Health Canada gods, and then maybe one person a year will get special access,” said Lewin.

Canadian parents without special access should remember that there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin in Canada. There are, however, resources for moms and dads experiencing mental health challenges, addiction issues and severe stress. 

• Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association for resources on mindfulness, feeling angry and coping with loneliness.

• Visit CAPSA for evidence-based practices and tools for people questioning their relationship with substances.

• Dial 911 for urgent medical support.

Experts

• Dr. Monnica Williams is a registered clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Ottawa's School of Psychology, where her research focuses on psychedelics and equity in mental health.

• Irie Selkirk is the founder of RISE Collective.

• Lauren Alderfer is a microdosing coach and author of Teaching from the Heart of Mindfulness.

• Nina Smith is a mother who shared her experiences with microdosing psychedelics, including lsd and higher doses of psilocybin.

• Paul Lewin is a Toronto-based lawyer specializing in cannabis and psychedelic law.