In an interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Peggy Van de Plassche discussed her transition from a successful career in finance and venture capitalism to founding The Microdose Diet. Peggy’s move to the burgeoning field of psychedelics highlights her dedication to wellness and innovation. Driven by the profound personal benefits she experienced from microdosing psilocybin, Peggy’s shift is not just a personal revolution but a strategic embrace of an emerging wellness trend. At The Microdose Diet, she aims to democratize microdosing, making it an accessible part of daily wellness routines, thus addressing mental health crises and enhancing daily functioning for many.
Peggy Van de Plassche spent 20 years in the financial services and technology industries as an executive, venture capitalist, board member, advisor, entrepreneur and public speaker. She sat on the boards of prestigious organizations, such as Invest In Canada, worked with first-class financial institutions, such as BMO, CIBC, OMERS and Power Financial Corporation, and spoke at global events, such as Collision.
Peggy now focuses her time and energy on the psychedelic industry.
She is the founder of The Microdose Diet, a holistic protocol based on the combination of alternative medicines, including microdosing psilocybin, that aims at rewiring the brain, calming the body, mastering the emotions and raising the energy to reach more success.
Her book, MORE! The Microdose Diet – The 90 day plan for More Success, Passion, and Happiness will be published in May 2024 by Simon & Schuster.
Peggy launched The Brain Power Microdose, a premium microdosing product that helps support memory, mental focus, stamina, cognitive health, mood & brain functions, while relieving symptoms of stress & anxiety.
Her online course “The Microdose Diet for Career Growth” will launch early May.An experienced public speaker, she participated in more than 50 global events from NYC, Toronto and Bogota to Amsterdam, San Francisco and Zurich. Peggy’s latest speaking engagement on “Microdosing for More Success, Passion and Happiness” has generated tremendous engagement from all genders, age groups and professional occupations.
What inspired your transition from a successful career in finance and venture capitalism to focusing on the psychedelic industry, specifically the development of The Microdose Diet?
The transition might seem surprising, but it was driven by two powerful motivators.
First, the impact of The Microdose Diet on my life was extraordinary. My performance, mental wellness, and overall zest for life skyrocketed. I knew I had to share this transformative program with a wider audience to help others experience these incredible benefits.
Second, my background as an early-stage investor taught me to spot emerging trends, and psychedelics are the next big thing. These tools have immense potential, and we’re just beginning to explore their possibilities. Joining this industry felt like a chance to drive more success, passion, and happiness in the world.
I’m incredibly fortunate to have experienced the benefits of psychedelics firsthand, and I’m committed to democratizing microdosing psilocybin as a mainstream wellness routine.
For those unfamiliar, could you explain what microdosing involves, particularly with psilocybin, and why you chose this specific psychedelic for your wellness regimen?
Microdosing involves taking tiny, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) or LSD. These doses, typically about 1/10th to 1/20th of a recreational dose, don’t induce intense hallucinations. Instead, they offer subtle benefits such as enhanced creativity, improved mood, increased focus, and overall mental well-being without disrupting daily life.
For psilocybin, a typical microdose is around 100mg taken every 2-3 days. The key to optimizing the benefits lies in a mindful and strategic approach, which is the essence of The Microdose Diet.
I chose psilocybin for several reasons: it’s natural, widely accessible, and affordable. This makes it an ideal choice for integrating into a wellness regimen.
Can you share some of the key professional and personal improvements you’ve observed since incorporating microdosing into your routine?
I’ve seen tremendous improvements in three key areas since incorporating microdosing into my routine: performance, mental health, and connection to self and others.
- Performance: Microdosing has boosted my focus, creativity, and attention, putting me in a state of flow and significantly increasing my productivity.
- Mental Health: I’ve experienced a notable reduction in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, along with an overall mood lift.
- Connection to Self and Others: My empathy and compassion have deepened, enhancing my relationships both personally and professionally.
These benefits seamlessly enhance leadership, teamwork, and family dynamics, making a positive impact across all areas of life. When done consciously, strategically, and with high-quality products, microdosing psilocybin is an incredibly effective tool for personal and professional growth.
With your extensive research into the area, what scientific evidence can you discuss that supports the benefits of microdosing for mental and physical health?
The scientific community is increasingly interested in the potential benefits of microdosing for mental and physical health. The growing body of evidence suggests significant potential for microdosing as a tool for enhancing mental and physical health. Here are some key points supported by recent research:
Mental Health
- Depression and Anxiety: A study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that individuals who microdosed reported lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to non-microdosers. This suggests that microdosing may help alleviate symptoms of these mental health conditions.
- Mood Enhancement: Research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted that microdosing can lead to mood improvements and a greater sense of well-being.
Cognitive Function
- Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Studies, such as those in Nature: Scientific Reports, indicate that microdosing can enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and divergent thinking. Participants reported feeling more creative and able to approach problems from new perspectives.
- Focus and Productivity: Preliminary findings from various studies suggest that microdosing can improve focus, attention, and productivity, allowing individuals to enter a state of “flow” more easily.
Physical Health
- Reduced Inflammation: Some research suggests that psychedelics, including psilocybin, have anti-inflammatory properties. A study in Cell Reports showed that psychedelics can reduce inflammation at the cellular level, which may have implications for overall physical health and chronic pain management.
- Neuroplasticity: Research published in Cell Reports also found that psychedelics can promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This can potentially aid in recovery from brain injuries and improve cognitive function over time.
Connection and Empathy
- Improved Social Connection: A study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reported that microdosing can enhance feelings of social connectedness and empathy. Participants felt more connected to others and reported improved social interactions.
Microdosing still faces skepticism and legal hurdles. What are the potential risks and common misconceptions associated with microdosing, and how do you address these in your advocacy and educational efforts?
Microdosing faces skepticism and legal hurdles due to outdated stigma from the 70s and a lack of education. Common misconceptions include confusing microdosing with macrodosing, leading to fears of hallucinations and misuse. The reality is that microdosing involves tiny, sub-perceptual doses that enhance mental wellness without impairing daily function.
Potential risks include improper dosing and lack of quality control, which is why education and responsible use are crucial. I’m actively addressing these issues through advocacy and education through my own platform, The Microdose Diet, and as a newly appointed board member of MAPS Canada, a leader in psychedelic research and public awareness.
Organizations like MAPS and the Microdosing Collective are pivotal in spreading accurate information and advocating for sensible regulation. Despite slow progress from Health Canada, the initial studies are promising, showing benefits like improved mood, focus, and reduced anxiety.
We’re overcoming the setbacks of the War on Drugs by pushing forward with research, education, and compassion. The benefits of microdosing are too significant to ignore, and I am committed to bringing this knowledge to the forefront.
She is active on social media – Substack, Linkedin, Apple Podcast, YouTube and IG, – with more than 40k subscribers and followers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://peggyvandeplassche.com/ You can pre-order “MORE! The Microdose Diet – The 90 day plan for More Success, Passion, and Happiness” on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
