Microdosing: Effects, Benefits, & Risks

What Is Microdosing?

Microdosing involves taking small doses of LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, or other psychedelics. Using psilocybin for anxiety is a common example of microdosing. A microdose or subclinical dose is often one-tenth or less of a normal dose.^1,3,4 Individuals often experiment with daily doses before finding a microdosing schedule that works for them.^4,5,6

Many people who have tried microdosing psychedelics report mental health and cognitive improvement without intoxicating effects. At first, this trend became popular on sites like Reddit, which allows users to share information and personal experiences anonymously. Eventually, researchers began investigating the anecdotal claims of individuals who reported positive experiences with microdoses of LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin.

Trials involving psychedelic therapy have shown that full doses can help with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction.⁷ More research is necessary to determine the benefits of microdosing, but recent studies suggest that microdosing can boost mood, creativity, and cognitive functioning for some users.^1,2,3,6

Full Doses Vs. Microdosing

Most microdoses are between one-tenth and one-twentieth of a ‘normal’ dose, creating more subtle effects. Those microdosing mushrooms or other psychedelics may or may not experience significant changes. The effects of microdosing may be slow to develop and differ depending on the individual.^6,8

Higher doses of psychedelic drugs typically result in more substantial effects, such as hallucinations, fear, physical discomfort, impaired concentration, and poor motor functioning. Individuals consuming full doses also report ‘bad trips’ with disturbing experiences. Conversely, microdosing may amplify positive effects, including improved mental clarity, mood, energy, and problem-solving skills.⁸

Is Microdosing Safe?

Studies on microdosing are newer, and experts have not determined its efficacy in treating mental health conditions. One trial found that animals given small doses of DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), a potent hallucinogen, showed improved mood and anxiety. However, it is hard to determine if humans would experience the same effects.⁹

Effects of Microdosing

Microdosing effects may include physical discomfort, headaches, or anxiety.^1,2,6 The possibility of having a “bad trip” discourages many individuals from experimenting with psychedelics, but these concerning results are dose-dependent. Those experimenting with microdosing mushrooms or psychedelics report mental health and cognitive benefits.^2,6

Benefits of Microdosing

The benefits of microdosing mushrooms and psychedelic drugs can be subtle or dramatic, and predicting how individuals will respond is impossible. However, experimenting with different microdosing schedules may allow those curious chances to explore possible positive results. Individuals should research to determine if microdosing is legal in their area before taking psychedelics.

The potential benefits of microdosing psychedelics may include:^1,3,6

• Increased mental clarity and focus
• More creativity
• Improved mood and energy levels
• Improved mental and physical performance
• Improved mindfulness, insight, and self-awareness
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities
• Increased sense of authenticity and connection to the core self
• Motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices
• Improved adaptability to change
• Enhanced feelings of connectedness to others
• Increased empathy for others
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved ability to resist drug cravings

What Substances Are Used for Microdosing?

Individuals most commonly experiment with microdosing psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD or acid).^1,2,4,5, Psilocybin mushrooms grow naturally, but LSD is lab-produced from naturally occurring ergot fungi. Psilocybin is more likely to increase blood pressure, while LSD may increase heart rate. LSD effects typically last longer (about 12 hours) than psilocybin (about 6 hours), but both drugs show similar effects on the heart.¹⁰

How Does Psychedelic Microdosing Work?

Scientists do not know precisely why microdosing improves mood and cognition, but evidence shows that psychedelics affect serotonin receptors in the brain.¹¹ Psychedelics may raise serotonin in the brain, resulting in subtle and slight mood and energy boosts.

Experts also believe that psychedelic drugs facilitate neuroplasticity (the ability to learn, grow, and rewire neural connections), possibly contributing to improved focus, creativity, and problem-solving.^1,11

Individuals who microdose LSD, psilocybin, or other hallucinogenic drugs safely can still work, hold conversations, complete tasks, drive, and perform daily tasks. However, those who react poorly or take a higher dose may experience difficulties in these areas.⁸

Dangers & Risks of Microdosing

Microdosing psychedelics can cause a wide range of effects, and there are risks involved in taking any prescribed or illicit substances. People who experience psychosis, have a severe mental health condition, or take other medications should be wary when considering microdosing.

The risks of microdosing may include:

• Legal problems: Almost all psychedelics are illegal. Being caught with psychedelics could create legal problems, negatively impact your career, or interact with other parts of your life.
• Interference with medical care: Some doctors or physicians may cease prescriptions for controlled medications if patients test positive for illicit drugs. Psychedelic drugs can also interact with certain medications.
• Hallucinations or ‘bad trips’: When someone accidentally takes too high of a psychedelic dose, they may have a bad trip with unpleasant experiences or hallucinations.
• Increased anxiety: Many psychedelic drugs have stimulating properties that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. While some individuals with anxiety notice improvements after microdosing, worsening symptoms are also possible.
• Social stigma: Some people may express fear and concern about microdosing. Others may be judgmental, making it difficult for those experimenting with microdosing to feel supported.
• Substance abuse and addiction: Generally, psychedelics have a lower risk for substance use disorder and dependence, but abuse and tolerance are still possible.
• Increased mental health concerns: Individuals may experience worsened mood, anxiety, focus, or energy levels when microdosing psychedelics. People with a history of severe mental illnesses or psychosis should be especially cautious.

How Do People Microdose?

People interested in microdosing must research safe psychedelic practices. Not everyone will benefit from microdosing. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before experimenting with psychedelic microdosing.

Below are the steps for microdosing safely:⁸

Obtain & Test the Substance

Most psychedelics are illegal, and most buyers cannot determine the contents of a substance purchased. Therefore, carefully checking the product before consumption is essential. Those buying psychedelic mushrooms can look for pictures online to provide reassurance because ingesting some mushrooms is fatal. People purchasing LSD can test substances for the psychedelic using an Ehrlich Reagent test.

Divide Into Microdoses

A microdose is usually about one-tenth to one-twentieth of a standard dose. Individuals should divide acid into ten or twenty pieces with sharp scissors and wear gloves to prevent the drug from touching the skin. A typical mushroom microdose is 0.25, 0.3 grams, or less.

Take One Microdose Every 2-3 Days

Most guides do not recommend daily microdosing and advise users to limit microdosing to two or three weekly doses. Individuals can better gauge microdosing effects and prevent tolerance by incorporating rest days. Experimenters should take an initial dose when not working, driving, or caregiving. Doing so allows them to develop realistic expectations and determine which days to microdose.

Keep a Log to Record the Effects

The effects of microdosing can be subtle and gradual, so keeping a written log or journal to track reactions is helpful. In your log, keep track of the benefits you hope to see (like mental clarity, creativity, or mood) by noting the reactions you experience during a microdosing session. Consider creating a rating scale to make this process a little more scientific (i.e., rate your mood or concentration on a 1-10 scale).

Monitor & Adjust Dose as Needed

Review your written log and reflect on your experience with microdosing. Many must adjust their dose or microdosing schedule to reach the desired effects.

Who Should Not Microdose?

It is impossible to determine who will experience the benefits of microdosing. Anyone may encounter negative microdosing effects, but some individuals may be more vulnerable. For example, those with severe mental illness or a history of psychotic episodes should not take psychedelics, even in small amounts, as it may worsen their symptoms.⁸

Individuals taking prescription medications or other recreational drugs should avoid microdosing. Pschyedlics can interact with other substances. Children under 18, pregnant women, or breastfeeding individuals should also refrain from microdosing. Grief or stress can also elicit adverse microdosing effects.

In My Experience

In my experience, psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD have therapeutic benefits for some people struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders. Some people may also experience these benefits from small doses. However, these drugs come with various risks, even in subtherapeutic ‘microdoses.’ Because of this, carefully consider the pros and cons of microdosing before trying it.