Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics
International Journal of Drug Policy May 8, 2019 Megan Webb, Heith Copes, Peter S. Hendricks 75 citations
People who microdose classic psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin describe themselves as conventional citizens who use the drugs for rational, practical reasons. Through interviews with 30 microdosers, the study found that participants emphasized the rationality of their practice by discussing practical procurement and administration, a connection to general health and wellness awareness, and the benefits of microdosing. They framed their microdosing as embracing traditional middle-class values, which created social distance between themselves and recreational drug users. Unlike recreational users who distance themselves from stigmatized groups, microdosers instead emphasize their connection to conventional citizens, which helps normalize their drug use and supports persistence.