Microdosing Psychedelics
Microdosing with psychedelics involves taking very small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of substances like LSD, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), or other psychedelics, typically one-tenth to one-twentieth of a recreational dose.
The goal is to experience subtle effects, such as enhanced creativity, focus, mood, or energy, without the intense hallucinations or altered states that occur with a full dose.
“Think of microdosing psychedelics similarly to adding a magnifying glass on the underlying elements in your psyche. It can also be a catalyst for change.”
What is microdosing psychedelics?
Microdosing psychedelics is the practice of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelic substances, such as LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, to achieve subtle cognitive and emotional benefits without the full hallucinogenic experience.
A microdose is typically defined as approximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose, translating to 5-20 micrograms for LSD or 0.1-0.5 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms. This practice aims to enhance mood, creativity, focus, productivity, and well-being while avoiding intense perceptual changes.
How does microdosing psychedelics work?
The primary mechanism by which microdosing psychedelics works is through their action on serotonin and dopamine receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor and the D2 subtype.
Different psychedelic substances act on various receptors (LSD interacts with both serotonin and dopamine receptors, whereas psilocybin primarily affects serotonin receptors).
These receptors are involved in mood regulation, perception, and cognition, and psychedelics act as agonists, enhancing serotonin signaling. LSD can bind to D2 receptors and partially activate them, influencing dopamine signaling.
Psychedelics potentially enhance neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections—which could explain reported improvements in cognitive flexibility and creativity.
Current research suggests microdosing may also increase neural connectivity, influence sleep (e.g., increased REM sleep with LSD), and have anti-inflammatory effects, possibly benefiting conditions like anxiety and depression.
However, much of the perceived benefit may be placebo-driven due to high user expectations.
How do I find my “sweet spot”?
Choose your substance: LSD and psilocybin are the most common substances used for microdosing psychedelics.
Take medications into consideration: Antidepressants typically decrease the effects of psychedelics by 30-50%.
Start with a low dose: For LSD, start with 5-10 micrograms. For psilocybin, start with 0.1-0.2 grams.
Follow a dosing schedule: Use a structured protocol to maintain consistency and avoid tolerance buildup. The Fadiman protocol (one day on, two days off) is popular, suggesting continuing the cycle for four to ten weeks, followed by a two- to four-week break.
Track your microdosing experience: Writing a journal is highly recommended to keep track of your progress.
Listen to your intuition and adjust the dosage accordingly.
I recommend using microdosing for a minimum of four weeks to experience a significant effect.
What's the difference between LSD and psilocybin?
LSD: Described as "crisp," offering clarity, smooth interactions, and a flexible, uplifting vibe. It is often associated with enhanced focus, productivity, and mental clarity, making it suitable for professional work, socializing, or busy environments. Users report it as designed for self-improvement, with effects that feel streamlined and productive.
Psilocybin: Described as "earthy," with effects that include ego dissolution, deep introspection, and a grounded, tactile, meditative quality. It is better suited for open, solitary days focused on self-reflection, offering a more introspective and emotionally deep experience.
These differences in vibe can make LSD more appealing for those seeking a "productive" experience, while psilocybin may be preferred for deeper emotional or spiritual exploration.
How long should I use microdosing for?
For those new to microdosing, it’s often recommended to start with a duration of a few weeks.
My recommendation is to microdose for a minimum of four weeks. This will allow you time to adjust and find your “sweet spot,” assessing the effects.
A microdosing schedule should be a maximum of 10 weeks, followed by a minimum 2-week break, to prevent building tolerance. This will also give your brain time to rest.
How do I know if microdosing is working?
Research suggests that microdosing psychedelics may lead to a range of subtle effects, often described as sub-perceptual, meaning they don’t significantly alter consciousness.
Many users report improved mood, well-being, reduced anxiety, enhanced cognitive function, creativity, and productivity.
For instance, a Harvard Health article mentions that many people share the idea that microdosing enhances mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and empathy. Similarly, a Nature study found that microdosers exhibited lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to non-microdosers, suggesting potential mental health benefits.
From personal experience, I’ve found subtle clues of microdosing, such as: Colours become brighter, you become more in touch with music, increased focus, more in touch with my spiritual side (especially when microdosing lsd), decrease in anxiety and depression, and elevated mood.
Microdosing can also be used to gain personal insights, working with new and existing habits, and is also compatible with trauma therapies such as EMDR.
We find that about 2 out of 3 benefit from microdosing psychedelics, equivalent to response rates of SSRI medications.
Different protocols to choose from
Fadiman’s Protocol: Take a microdose one day, then take two days off. This is often used for general purposes, especially for beginners. Compatible with microdosing lsd and psilocybin.
Stamets stack: Paul Stamets advises combining microdoses of dried psychedelic mushrooms with Lion’s Mane, another mushroom purported to enhance cognitive function, and Vitamin B3 on a dosing schedule of 4-5 days on and 2-3 days off. This cycle is repeated for 4-6 weeks, followed by a break of 2-6 weeks. Compatible with microdosing psilocybin.
Individual protocol: Intuition-based and tailored to meet individual needs. Recommended for individuals experienced with microdosing. Compatible with microdosing lsd and psilocybin.
Additional recommendations
Set a clear intention of what you want to accomplish from microdosing psychedelics.
Journal your microdosing experience. Keywords and short sentences do wonders of tracking your progress.
Embrace microdosing with an open mind.
Be patient. Changes are often subtle.