With our history of alternative lifestyles, it may not be surprising that microdosing psychedelics such as LSD or psilocybin is gaining popularity in the Northern Rivers region. 

So, Psychology student and Honours researcher Rebecca Bushby has decided it’s time to explore just what effects microdosing is really having on those who try it.

Rebecca lives locally, but studies at Edith Cowan University – and she’s calling out for people to get involved with a confidential research study she’s doing for her Honours thesis.  

“Lots of people are choosing to take psychedelics for depression, anxiety and ADHD,” she said. 

“But there’s not a lot of current research and we are still picking up from what was done in the 1980s.

“There are considerable anecdotal reports of microdosing and a big interest in the topic of psychedelics in the Northern Rivers region, so I was hoping people could get in touch with me.

“My study explores emotional competence and wellbeing in people who microdose psychedelics compared to those who have never consumed psychedelics.

“The survey is confidential – we don’t take details from the person we are talking, particularly because we are talking about illicit substances.

“We just want to understand why they are taking it and how.

“Are they taking regulated doses and what are the effects? How does that correspond to their wellbeing.

“We would like to see the practice decriminalized so people don’t have to do it unregulated.

“With big pharma, we have to be careful how we approach it and bring some science behind it.

“There have been clinical trials for psilocybin coming out and with mushrooms, we are able to extract at a certain growth size and calculate the correct amount to use.

“Microdosers not have hallucinations or visual effects, but the underlying benefits combating suicide and depression are powerful.”

Rebecca would like to hear from people in the next couple of weeks and is compiling an email list for people who want to find out the study results later. 

“This study will help contribute to the expansion of psychedelic research and education, and is an important extension to the growing field of psychedelic science,” she said.

The study involves completing a one off anonymous online survey expected to take approximately 20-30 minutes.

The study has been reviewed and approved by Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee. 

To take part, visit https://eaecu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ckZRrQe0ndyapg

If you have any questions or need more information please contact, you can contact Rebecca Bushby on [email protected].