Breaking the Stigma: How Microdosing Psychedelics is Gaining Ground in Corporate Circles

A New Era of Mental Acuity: Psychedelics and the Pursuit of
Enhanced Workplace Creativity

Summary

• Microdosing psychedelics is gaining popularity among professionals who believe it enhances job performance.
• Substances like ketamine and psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, are consumed in small amounts to boost creativity and reduce self-doubt.
• However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and the FDA is concerned about the unofficial use of ketamine for mental health issues.
• Peggy Van de Plassche, a pioneer in microdosing, resigned from her corporate role and created the “Microdose Diet” program, which she believes improves mental and creative function.
• She will soon publish a book on the topic.
• The perception of psychedelics in professional environments is shifting, with some states decriminalizing their use and corporations incorporating ketamine in employee health benefits.

In the contemporary workplace, microdosing psychedelics is becoming an increasingly normal practice for a niche group of professionals who believe that consuming small amounts of substances like ketamine and psilocybin – commonly known as magic mushrooms – enhances their job performance. These individuals report improved creativity and reduced self-doubt, although scientific evidence supporting these claims remains scarce. The FDA has expressed concerns over the use of ketamine as an unofficial treatment for mental health issues.

Peggy Van de Plassche, a pioneer in this unconventional approach, began experimenting with microdoses of magic mushrooms during a challenging phase for her financial advisory business amidst the pandemic. Her positive experiences led her to resign from her corporate role in 2022, paving the way for the creation of the “Microdose Diet,” a program she believes represents a breakthrough in enhancing mental and creative function efficiently. She is soon to publish a book on the topic titled “The Microdose Diet” with Simon & Schuster.

The shifting perspective towards psychoactive substances in professional settings marks a significant cultural evolution. Historically, psychedelics played integral roles across various societies for spiritual and medicinal purposes, were experimented with by the U.S. government during the Cold War, and became synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 significantly curtailed their use by classifying them as illegal, driving them into the shadows for decades.

However, recent years have seen a shift. States like Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized the use of mushrooms and ketamine, contributing to the erosion of stigmas associated with these substances. This change has been fueled by academic research and private funding exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, with the FDA considering the approval of MDMA (ecstasy) for PTSD treatment. Some corporations also now include ketamine in their employee health benefits for mental health purposes.

Notably, tech industry figures in Silicon Valley, as well as a rising demographic of professional women, are increasingly turning to psychedelics not only as a means of personal exploration but as tools for professional development and networking.

Despite its growing popularity, the idea of using psychedelics in the workplace is met with skepticism by some. While certain investors see potential in developing these substances for mainstream acceptance, traditional sectors like Wall Street and major pharmaceutical companies remain hesitant.