Microdosing is a relatively recent phenomenon involving taking very small doses of some popular psychedelic hallucinogens or other drugs. Importantly, this is a very small dose of the psychedelic that is not enough to produce a “trip” or the hallucinations often associated with these drugs.

As a study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology notes, a technical definition of a microdose would be a dose of a drug that is only 1% of the active dose.

However, the more common term for microdosing — a small fraction of a “normal dose” — is rather vague, as it does not provide a defined numerical value. Therefore, the common accepted definition is a small dose that does not causeTrusted Source any intoxication or significant alteration of consciousness.

However, at present, health experts notes there is not a single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing for any psychedelic drug

For many people, the intention of microdosing may differ from that of normal psychedelic or hallucinogenic substance taking.

Many people use psychedelics at higher doses for self-exploration, recreation, or spiritual purposes. On the other hand, microdosers tend to take these doses to improveTrusted Source their well-being or enhance their emotional or mental state.

At these low levels, many people do not notice the effects in the same as a person would notice a psychedelic trip. Many say that the feeling has no relation to a psychedelic experience. Proponents of microdosing claim that taking these psychedelics in small, measured doses benefits the mind, making them think more clearly or feel more open throughout the day.

The more popular psychedelics to microdose include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms).

Others may microdose using other psychedelics, such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or the cactus peyote, though these seem to be less popular and may be harder to come by.

Other substances that people may microdose include:

• ketamine
• cannabis
• methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin)
• nicotine
• iboga

However, classic hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, are the most commonTrusted Source and well-researched options.

Research into the potential benefits of microdosing is still ongoing, and more research is still necessary. Current evidence is mixed, with some studies suggesting significant benefit, while others indicate no benefit. Furthermore, experts know little about the effects of long-term microdosing.

Another issue is that many studies to date have relied on self-reporting. This method often involves asking questions to people who have been microdosing or were already interested in it. As such, there may be a bit of bias in these studies, as the people may expect to have a good experience while microdosing.

There is not yet enough strong evidence, including comparative research using placebos, to make a case for microdosing.

However, users report a few different benefits, which generally relate to mental health and well-being. For example, a 2024 review comparing microdoses of LSD against a placebo suggests microdosing LSD has mild positive effects on:

• sleep
• mood
• pain perception
• reward response, which triggers the release of dopamine
• social cognition, or how you process social situations

Furthermore, a study in Harm Reduction JournalTrusted Source categorized several possible benefits from reports by microdosers. These benefits include:

• improved focus, concentration, and mindfulness
• improved energy, wakefulness, and stimulation
• cognitive benefits, such as enhanced problem solving
• social benefits
• reduced anxiety
• creativity
• reduced symptoms, such as stress
• improved mood, optimism, and life appreciation
• improved body functioning
• self-efficacy, including improved ambition, productivity, and motivation

People also reported other benefits and enjoyments of microdosing, such as the ability to control the dose and the general lack of side effects.

Improved mental health

Many of the reasons why people microdose involve some aspects of mental health, such as reducing stress and anxiety or alleviating symptoms of depression.

In a study in Psychopharmacology, researchers asked people their reasoning for microdosing. Some responded that it was to help with depression, anxiety, or to help with other mental health disorders. Overall, 44% of people who responded perceived that their mental health was much better as a consequence of microdosing.

Another study in Frontiers in Psychiatry used an online questionnaire to ask people who microdose to compare its effects with those of other treatments for symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The answers indicated that people found microdosing more effective than some other forms of treatment but less effective than higher doses of psychedelics.

However, more research in humans is necessary to support this evidence.

Improved brain functioning

Anecdotal evidence shows that some people believe that microdosing helps improve their brain function by allowing their brain to operate at its fullest potential or making them more open to new ideas.

A study in PLOS ONETrusted Source found that microdosing makes people report better brain function on dosing days, but these effects do not carry over to other days when the person does not microdose.

The results of a 2023 study suggests that microdosing has no impact, either positive or negative, on a person’s cognitive functioning. Therefore, more research is still necessary.

Creativity

Creativity is a harder concept to quantify and validate, but many people who microdose claim to do so for its ability to boost their creative faculties. A 2023 review suggests that microdoses of psilocybin could help to enhance creativity in adults.

However, a combination of other factors, such as stress reduction or increased focus, may lead to this benefit. Again, more research is necessary to support these claims.

Focus

Microdosing may also help with temporary focus, allowing a person to work on a big project without their mind wandering. One studyTrusted Source suggests that microdosing led to lower levels of distractability. However, more high quality research in a controlled setting is necessary to support these claims.