What Is Microdosing? Benefits, Effects, Safety, and More

Many people are searching for ways to feel better, be happier, and gain more from life. With this in mind, some people are experimenting with microdosing psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”). 

Microdosing is the popular trend of taking a small amount of a psychedelic drug — an amount low enough that it doesn’t cause hallucinations. Some people feel like microdosing might boost their mood, focus, and creativity. 

Microdosing is getting a lot of attention in the media. But here’s the reality: There just isn’t enough evidence yet to say if microdosing is beneficial — or even safe. And psychedelics are still illegal in the U.S. 

What is microdosing?

Microdosing is the practice of taking a small amount of a psychedelic drug — like LSD or psilocybin — on a fixed schedule. Several U.S. cities have decriminalized some of these psychedelic drugs, meaning it isn’t a crime to have or use them. But all psychedelics are still illegal to possess or use in the U.S. under federal law. 

Psychedelics commonly used recreationally include:

• LSD

• Psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”)

• Ayahuasca

• Mescaline

• MDMA (ecstasy)

• Ketamine

People are experimenting with microdosing these psychedelics, and advocates say the practice helps with mood and well-being. But the research needs to catch up, and healthcare professionals and scientists aren’t convinced yet.

At this point, there’s just no clear evidence that microdosing has any mental or physical health benefits. Of course, this may change in the coming years with more research. 

How much is a microdose?

Researchers generally consider a microdose to be about 5% to 10% of a normal recreational dose: 

• LSD: A typical hallucinogenic dose of LSD might be 100 mcg to 200 mcg, and a microdose would be about 5 mcg to 20 mcg. 

• Psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”): A typical hallucinogenic dose of psilocybin might be 20 mg, and a microdose would be 1 mg to 2 mg.

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The goal is to take enough to have potential benefits — but without causing someone to hallucinate or feel “high.” 

What is a typical microdosing schedule?

There are a few common microdosing schedules that people tend to follow. Typical microdosing schedules include:

• Two days of microdoses followed by 2 days without

• Every other day use

• Microdoses Monday to Friday, but not on the weekend days

There’s no evidence to support any one microdosing schedule over another. Some people may choose to microdose every day, but that’s not very common. That’s because it’s believed that microdosing can have a lasting effect, and daily dosing isn’t necessary. 

There’s also a risk of developing a tolerance to the substance with frequent microdosing. This means your body can get used to the frequent microdosing and may need higher doses to have an effect. 

How long does microdosing last? 

Many people choose to make up their own microdosing routine based on their results. On average, microdosing can last for a week up to 2 years or more. Most people stop microdosing when they feel they are no longer getting the desired effect.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Psilocybin and your health: Psilocybin is the active chemical in “magic mushrooms.” Here’s how it affects the mind and body and what research shows about its potential health benefits.

• LSD and mental health therapy: LSD is another psychedelic drug that causes changes in mood and perception. Here are the uses scientists are studying.

• Ketamine and depression: Ketamine has been used in medicine for different reasons over the decades. Learn more about the growing research on ketamine as a treatment for depression.

Potential benefits of microdosing

It’s not clear what the true benefits of microdosing are. Like psilocybin-assisted therapy, microdosing might help treat mental health conditions such as depression. But there’s just not enough evidence to say for sure yet.

Some studies report that people who microdose can have the following benefits:

• Improved mood

• Lower anxiety

• Clearer thinking abilities

• More focus and motivation

• Decreased substance use

• Increased sense of well-being

But the evidence is mixed. The data showing benefits of microdosing is often only based on self-reported symptoms. Some people who microdose also report higher anxiety and lower mood.

There’s also some evidence that microdosing may work for migraines and cluster headaches. But many consider microdosing to be a last-resort treatment option. 

Similarly, preliminary research has shown some potential benefit from microdosing for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But there are no randomized controlled trials yet to back up these claims. 

There may be a large placebo effect with microdosing. This means that people who expect an effect from the microdosing seem to notice the most benefit. More clinical trials will help to distinguish a placebo effect from actual health benefits from microdosing. 

Is microdosing safe?

Microdosing is generally regarded as having a low risk of negative side effects. But there isn’t enough scientific evidence yet to say whether microdosing is safe.

One of the biggest challenges with microdosing is that most people aren’t sure if they are getting the proper dose. It’s hard to know exactly how much of the substance you have in each dose, and it’s possible to take higher doses than intended. This is a common reason for negative side effects as well.

Possible negative side effects of microdosing

In one small survey, some of the challenges people experienced when microdosing included:

• Problems paying attention

• Problems thinking clearly (brain fog)

• Low energy

• Low mood

• More anxiety

• Appetite changes

• Upset stomach 

• Migraines and headaches 

• Uncomfortable physical sensations, like numbness or tingling

• Difficulty in social settings

• Unwanted “trips” or hallucinations

Microdosing also carries the potential legal consequences of buying, possessing, and using these substances. Plus, when you get a substance from an unregulated source, you can’t be sure of the contents, contaminants, or potency.

Are psychedelics legal?

Psychedelics are illegal in the U.S. under federal law, but some states and cities have passed laws to decriminalize certain drugs. Decriminalization usually means people who possess or use illegal drugs won’t face harsh criminal penalties if they’re caught. 

Some states are also paving the way for the use of psychedelics as medical treatment. For example, in 2020 Oregon became the first state to approve psilocybin-assisted therapy in supervised healthcare facilities. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in chronic care management, women’s health, mental health, and preventive care. She has over 10 years of experience in primary care research, innovation, and practice.

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If you or someone you know struggles with substance use or another mental health condition, help is available. Call the National Helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to learn about resources in your area.