Turn on, Tune in, Drop out: a Typology of Modes of Uses of Psychedelic Microdosing

In 2011, American psychologist James Fadiman coined the term ‘microdosing’, - taking small doses of psychedelic substances that do not induce intoxication or altered states, but rather subtle outcomes such as, among others, increased focus. Psychedelic microdosing has quickly become a mass media phenomenon, with accounts claiming microdosing has become the new secret to enhancement in work contexts. Drawing from literature on psychedelic microdosing, technologies of the self, self-identity and sociology of work and leisure, this study understands microdosing as a technology individuals introduce into their lives to modify themselves for various purposes and explores the ways in which the 1960s iconic drug that once offered turning on, tuning in and dropping out, is now finding new uses across different contexts. The study asks how do individuals use microdoses of classic psychedelic drugs? And how do these individuals make sense of microdosing in their daily lives regarding their work and the self? The findings indicate three different uses of psychedelic microdosing: (1) as technology of selfesteem and control at work, (2) as a self-help technology, and (3) as a technology of ‘slow living’.