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What is microdosing? Canadian singer Lights says it gives her a 'sense of peace'

Lights opens up about how microdosing benefits her mental health. (Photo via @lights on Instagram)
Lights opens up about how microdosing benefits her mental health. (Photo via @lights on Instagram)

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Lights is on a mission to normalize microdosing.

On Tuesday, the Canadian singer, born Valerie Anne Poxleitner, took to her Instagram story to discuss how microdosing has been transformative for her mental health.

In the snap, the 35-year-old stood in front of a window overlooking blue skies and a lush forest. She looked at the camera while holding a small blue pill, putting her hand and wrist tattoos on full display.

On the screen, the "Drive My Soul" songstress opened up about breaking the stigma around microdosing, especially because she's experienced a plethora of benefits from the practice.

"I am loving the overarching sense of peace and presence I feel since I started dosing every three days. Keep in mind I've also put in work in other ways, counselling, being active, really nice to feel the rewards after a long bout of hard mental health," she penned.

"Can't wait for this all to be normalized in mental health as more and more studies are completed and more people have great experiences," the singer added.

Lights' Instagram story. (Photo via Instagram/lights)
Lights' Instagram story. (Photo via Instagram/lights)

This isn't the first time that the Timmins, Ont.-native has gotten candid about microdosing. In July, the star posted a video of her telling fans that microdosing has helped her "to be less angry and more at peace."

In the clip, Lights sat outside in a forest surrounded by trees and greenery. Her jet black hair fell past her shoulders as she smiled at the camera and showed fans the scenery around her. On the screen, the mother-of-one explained how she microdoses and gave fans tips for how to achieve the optimal effects.

"I’ve been microdosing and it’s been transformative for my mental health. I dose every three days so as not to develop a tolerance and mitigate the benefits," she wrote. "Dose while doing something peaceful and meditative to hack your neural growth in content or creative state. Be in nature if you can or take a walk and disconnect. Overall microdosing has helped me to be less angry and more at peace. Maybe someday our lawmakers will recognize this is something beautiful and beneficial to our mental health. Destigmatize!"

What is microdosing?

According to Medical News Today and the CTV News, microdosing refers to regularly taking small amounts of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms. Evidence from small observational studies suggests that microdosing psilocybin can improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Most people who microdose use approximately 10 per cent of the regular dose of psilocybin between two to five times a week. This small dose does not produce hallucinogenic effects.

What are the pros and cons of microdosing?

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) recently received the first Canadian federal (CIHR) grant to study psilocybin as a potential way to treat depression. Despite the fact that research into microdosing is relatively new, there are some known pros and cons.

Generally, users can experience happier and positive effects on their microdosing days. Other pros include lower stress levels and fewer distractions and depression-like symptoms. This has the potential to improve life satisfaction and provide greater moments of creativity.

On the downside, some individuals feel limited residual effects and become unhappy when their expectations for microdosing are not met. Other people have experienced slight headaches and mood swings.

Before trying microdosing, we recommend speaking with your doctor to make sure the practice is right for you.

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