Beckley/Maastricht LSD microdosing study: finding the proper dose

First evidence for an effect of LSD microdosing on neuroplasticity in humans

The Beckley/Maastricht Microdosing Research Programme was set up to study the effects of LSD microdosing on humans, with a particular focus on mood, cognitive functions, and pain management. The study, exploring the dose-response relationship in LSD-induced physiological and psychological effects, saw twenty-four healthy volunteers each receive single doses of 5, 10 and 20 micrograms of LSD, or a placebo.

Results clearly demonstrate, for the first time in a controlled and rigorous way, the positive effects of microdosing on mood, cognition and pain management.

Given the interest in BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) as a key marker in several
neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, our Beckley/Maastricht dose-finding microdosing study included, among other measures, that of changes in BDNF plasma levels following low doses of LSD (5, 10, and 20 μg) or a placebo, in healthy volunteers.

The findings demonstrated an increase in BDNF starting 4h after LSD administration. 6h afteradministration, the increase in BDNF level was proportionate to the dose of LSD administered, a remarkable result that warrants studies in patient populations.

Change in BDNF at 6h post dosing relative to baseline

Important role of BDNF regulation in health and disease

Various studies have shown possible links between BDNF and conditions such as depression,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and eating disorders.

Conversely, higherlevels of the protein are associated with improved cognitive fuctioning, mental health, and short- anlong-term memory.

LSD Microdosing found to increase BDNF level, a marker of neuroplasticity

LSD microdosing enhances tolerance to pain

Among other measures collected throughout the microdosing days, pain tolerance levels were assessed using a Cold Pressor Test, a valid and low-risk test for evaluating individual pain thresholds which involves the use of a tank filled with 3°C-cold water. Volunteers were asked to submerge their hands in the cold water for as long as they could manage. Dependent measures of the Cold Pressor Test include pain tolerance (i.e. the duration for which participants can hold their hand in the tank) and subjective ratings of painfulness, unpleasantness and stress.

The study consistently indicated that a 20 microgram dose of LSD significantly reduced pain perception, as compared to the placebo, even though lower doses did not have the same effect.

The overall pain tolerance on 20 micrograms increased by 20%, meaning that volunteers were able to remain immersed in the cold water for substantially longer with a 20 microgram dose of LSD compared to those on placebo. Subjects also reported a decrease in the subjective experience of painfulness and unpleasantness.

Remarkably, changes in pain tolerance and subjective pain perception induced by the low dose of LSD under these circumstances were comparable in magnitude to those observed after administration of opioids, such as oxycodone  and morphine to healthy volunteers.

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A low dose of lysergic acid diethylamide decreases pain perception in healthy volunteers

Microdosing improves mood and vigilance

Our result also demonstrate that small doses of LSD – particularly the highest dose we investigated (20 micrograms) – significantly enhanced positive mood as well as vigilance in our group of healthy participants.

Mood and cognition after administration of low LSD doses in healthy volunteers: A placebo controlled dose-effect finding study