Since the pandemic is disrupting life as we know it, people have found ways to cope with constant boredom by having fun, relaxing, or even unorthodox means. The trend of recreating recipes from random things is evolving, from Tik Tok sounds to natural herbs to fall under the influence of a new study showing an increase in the number of people who have been micro-dosing since the lockdown began.
Psychedelics and Micro-dosing
According to a study by LifeSearch, one in 10 adults are currently micro-dosing, which is a 43% rise since the start of the pandemic. Originally jumping from 7% to 10%. The people of London and the younger generation had the biggest increase in numbers when it came to micro-dosing at the start of the pandemic. About 19% of people aged between 18-34 are currently micro-dosing, compared to 12% before the pandemic.
Micro-dosing is taking small doses of psychedelics over the course of a couple of days to experience beneficial side effects.
The study showed that the most common drugs used to microdose were prescription medication (51%), GB (30%), and cannabis (35%). This is contrary to what you’d think, considering mushrooms and acid seem to be among the most common psychedelics. The number of people micro-dosing on mushrooms decreased from 20% to 26% and those taking LSD dropped from a whopping 28% to 19%.
Nevertheless, many young people have been experimenting, but it doesn’t stop there.
Natural smoking methods
Herbal smoking blends have become one of the biggest “underground” trends this year. People have been experimenting with smoking rose petals and lavender seeing as it has many benefits. It is a great way to spice up your spliffs and elevate your joints (and no, not your bones). Many smokable herbs have properties to help calm your nerves, elevate your mood, and some that can even help your body in other beneficial ways. With cannabis, there are specific plants that pair well with it. So much so, there are smoking blends created specifically for combining with cannabis. Some of those herbs include Mullein, Damiana, and Mugwort. Each of these herbs has its own unique qualities that alter the overall effect of your high. My theory as to why herbal smoking has become such a hit is the fact that it is all-natural and fun. The herbs have many benefits such as anxiety and pain relief. It can be discrete and even mask the smell, especially combined with lavender. It is also beneficial to those wanting to quit smoking tobacco. Not to mention, most of the herbs mentioned don’t have harsh side effects because it is coming straight from our Earth. Herbs are also used cross-culturally to heal the mind, body, and soul.
Is it Dangerous?
While the use of any drug is potentially dangerous, the greatest danger is when trends are perpetuated and dosages are not taken correctly. Young people and people in general are eager to learn, but at what cost? As of April 2021, there have only been three studies that looked into the science behind micro-dosing in humans. This means that there isn’t enough evidence to determine therapeutic effects. With the more natural blends, it is safer to consume compared to psychedelics and provides a cleaner high. Although this may be the better alternative, smoking anything can be detrimental to the lungs.
It is human nature to experiment, just be aware of what you are doing and make sure you are doing the proper research.
