Microdosing
Very small, sub-perceptual amounts of a psychedelic substance.
What it is
People use "microdosing" to describe taking amounts of a psychedelic substance small enough that they do not produce a noticeable altered state.
Why people explore it
Community experienceCuriosity about mood, focus, creativity and habit change, often after other approaches felt incomplete.
Reported benefits
Community experienceReported by some people: steadier mood, more perspective, easier habit change.
What the evidence says
Current evidenceEarly-stage. Several placebo-controlled studies suggest much of the reported effect may be expectancy. Long-term safety data is limited.
Limitations
Current evidenceResearch is young, dosing is unstandardised, and reported benefits are largely self-reported.
Risks and cautions
Legal risk in most jurisdictions, unknown substance purity, cardiac considerations with frequent use, and interactions with psychiatric medication. Not appropriate for everyone.
Read more
journeys that mention microdosing
I explored psychedelics and decided they were not for me
Demo storyChris 44yo, High school principal
“It is a legitimate outcome to try something, learn from it and say no thank you.”
Former athlete, multiple concussions
Demo storyMike 44yo, Retired pro athlete, now a coach
“Eventually I realised I wasn't looking for one thing to fix me. I was learning a completely different way to take care of myself.”