Psychedelics don’t always have to send you spiraling through the cosmos. Sometimes, it’s about subtle shifts—small sparks of clarity that ripple through your day. This is the world of microdosing.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is the practice of taking sub-threshold doses of psychedelics—usually LSD or psilocybin—so low they don’t cause hallucinations, but still influence mood, cognition, and perception.
Typical microdose ranges:
- LSD: 5–10 micrograms (about 1/10th of a standard dose)
- Psilocybin: 0.1–0.3 grams (roughly 1/10th of a trip dose)
The benefits of microdosing
Though formal research is still in early stages, anecdotal reports and emerging studies suggest microdosing may:
- Boost creativity and problem-solving: Many users report flow states and intuitive insights
- Improve mood and emotional balance: A subtle antidepressant-like lift
- Enhance focus and productivity: Especially among creatives and entrepreneurs
- Support anxiety and depression relief: With mindful, consistent use
- Encourage neuroplasticity: Fostering mental flexibility and new patterns
Microdosing across cultures and contexts
While the term "microdosing" is modern, the concept isn’t new.
- Indigenous groups in the Amazon and Mesoamerica have long used sub-psychedelic doses of plant medicines for energetic alignment, hunting focus, and ritual preparation.
- In modern Western contexts, microdosing is being explored not just for performance—but for healing and integration.
Microdosing protocols
Consistency, intention, and journaling are key.
1. The Fadiman Protocol (1 day on, 2 days off)
- Developed by psychologist Dr. James Fadiman
- Allows time for integration and avoids tolerance
- Example: Dose Monday, skip Tuesday/Wednesday, repeat Thursday
2. The Stamets Stack (4 days on, 3 days off)
- Created by mycologist Paul Stamets
- Combines psilocybin with lion’s mane and niacin to enhance neurogenesis
- Example: Dose Monday–Thursday, rest Friday–Sunday
3. Intuitive microdosing
- No fixed schedule—dose as needed based on mood, creativity, and internal guidance
- Best paired with regular self-check-ins and journaling
Mindfulness matters—even at micro doses
Microdosing is subtle, but still potent. How you approach it shapes how it works.
- Mindset: Use it as a tool, not a shortcut
- Setting: Stay aware of your environment and responsibilities
- Tracking: Journaling your shifts is essential
- Respect the substance: Even small doses carry weight
Risks and considerations
- Mental health: Those with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder should consult a professional
- Legality: Psychedelics remain illegal in many regions—know your local laws
- Tolerance: Avoid daily dosing to preserve long-term effectiveness
What the science says
- Early studies show improved mood, cognition, and creativity in controlled settings
- A 2020 study in Nature suggested microdosing may reduce anxiety and depression without impairing functioning
- Ongoing trials aim to quantify its neuroplastic and therapeutic effects
🔍 Real talk
Microdosing won’t give you a vision. It won’t blow open the doors of perception.
But it might help you show up more fully. Think more clearly. Create more freely.
And in a world running on noise, subtlety is a kind of revolution.
Final thoughts
Microdosing is a gentle invitation—not to escape life, but to enhance it.
Start slow. Stay curious. Track your truth. The smallest dose can lead to the biggest shifts.
📚 Resources
