Could a liquid-delivery system meant to help maintain a personalized “scent bubble” quietly usher in the creation of wearable psychedelic microdosing technology? A U.S. patent for this system—just one among an increasing list of psychedelic-inspired intellectual properties—was awarded to Sensory Design & Technology LTD in 2019.

The bulk of the patent covers a product being developed for eScent—an “emotional” fashion company, which aims to redefine the way people use and wear perfumes. In short, the patent covers an AI-powered liquid-delivery device small enough to be integrated into “connected” jewellery and removable garment buttons for on-demand personalized perfumes or liquids. But, in a patent cooperation treaty (PCT) application published in 2019—which, if granted, would make the patent relevant not only in the U.S., but in many territories around the world—other potential uses for the technology are listed, including “microdosing psychedelic medicines (e.g. LSD, psilocybin) for therapeutic applications.”

The impetus for this technology was Philip K. Dick’s sci-fi thriller “UBIK.” The novel introduced eScent’s founder, Jenny Tillotson, to the notion of “reality-in-a-can”—a mystical substance of miracle properties (called UBIK) which is sprayed from a can and stabilizes reality. This appealed to her, as someone who has had to manage long-term bipolar and anxiety disorders, and she began developing eScent.

Through a “sensor-triggered, subscription-based” fragrance service, eScent’s wearable technology aims to dispense scents based on environmental and bodily triggers dictated by the user, according to their website.

Tillotson said that there is no final product yet, but they have created a number of working scent-dispensing prototypes triggered by an app and sensors. A dosed delivery system for psychedelics, however, is in early exploratory stages. 

“My understanding is that microdosing psychedelics won’t be accepted by FDA for some time,” Tillotson said. Currently, she is researching psychoactive substances that can be delivered intranasally, without heat. This delivery method has come onto the scene recently with drugs like Johnson & Johnson’s patented esketamine nasal spray, and Silo Wellness’ patent-pending psilocybin nasal spray. 

“I am personally interested in microdosing psychedelics to combat my social anxiety and for personal growth,” Tillotson said. 

Along with psychedelics, future models of eScent devices aspire to deliver liquids, including CBD, pharmaceuticals, hormones, sun protection liquid, and insect repellent.

Correction 2/7/2020: The original version of this article stated that the micro-dosing technology was included in Sensory Design & technology LTD’s U.S. patent. It is actually included in their 2019 Patent Cooperation Treaty application.