Apparently, the placebo effect may play a significant role in the effectiveness of psychedelic microdosing. In a novel study that involved participants placing blinding measures on themselves (making it unknown if they’re taking microdoses or placebos), researchers have found that psychedelic microdosing didn’t have a significant edge over placebos in terms of effects. The results have led them to conclude that the content of the pills did not matter so much as the belief that the pills would work for them. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
