The "microdosing movement" is growing and thriving, fueled by the many positive experiences of people who have tried it (already). Yet microdosing is still unknown to many. Most people have no idea what the benefits of microdosing are, what the experience feels like or how long a microdose lasts. They are just curious to see if low doses of psychedelics can be a "game-changer" for their mental and physical health and start with it.
This article provides a beginner's guide to microdosing psilocybin and LSD, exploring research, protocols and effects, and answering the question: how long does a microdose last? See also the microdosing guide and microdosing manual for more information.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is the art of taking low doses of psychedelics, just below the threshold at which you start to feel it. Microdosing is usually done with LSD (or the legal variety 1P-LSD) or psilocybin. Most people start microdosing for mental and physical optimization, increased focus or to perform better. Others use it to fight depression, alcohol addiction or to relieve chronic pain.
Words like sub-perceptual and sub-hallucinogenic describe not only the amount one ingests when microdosing (about 5 to 10% of what you would take as a dose when using recreationally), but also the experience itself. Rather, it produces subtle and almost imperceptible effects. Most people report feeling more energetic, upbeat, focused and fit. Others notice minor perceptual changes, such as sensitivity to light.
The effects of microdosing with mushrooms and LSD usually occur within an hour of ingestion and linger for part of the day (with shrooms) or all day (with LSD). The following day, the user usually has an "afterglow.
Regular microdosing, combined with rest periods, can yield longer-term benefits that can last weeks, months or years.
LSD is much more potent than psilocybin mushrooms, so the amounts vary considerably.
- LSD microdoses are typically between 10 and 30 mcg
- Microdoses of psilocybin often range from 80 to 250 mg of dried mushrooms (or truffles)
The optimal dose (the sweet spot) can vary greatly from person to person and from situation to situation, and is influenced by your mental and physical condition, what you have eaten and how fit you are.
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Feel better with microdosing
Are you ready? Then start microdosing now.
Our 1P-LSD Microdosing Kits consist of a spray bottle (10ml) containing 200mcg or 400mcg of 1P-LSD, instructions and a storage pouch in which you can store the spray bottle sealed. The bottle contains 200 sprays with 1mcg (normal) or 2mcg (strong) 1P-LSD per spray.
One bottle allows you to microdose for 2 to 3 months.
The modern history of microdosing
Microdosing may seem like a brand new phenomenon, but the modern era of microdosing began shortly after 1943 when Swiss chemist and Sandoz Laboratories employee Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered the psychedelic effects of LSD.
A few years later, the first trial of microdosing LSD was conducted. A research team determined that 25 mcg of LSD (mcg=microgram, one mcg is one-millionth of a gram) can cause mild psychoactive symptoms without any "tripping" or hallucinatory effects. Quantities ranging from 20 mcg to 130 mcg of LSD were tried during the study.
Psychedelics in the 1960s were seen by the (U.S.) government as a symbol of "the counterculture. President Richard Nixon even called LSD a danger to the state. Psychedelics were quickly banned after that. When activists in the Netherlands ("Provos") in 1966 threatened to disrupt the royal wedding between Princess Beatrix and Claus von Amsberg by feeding sugar cubes containing LSD to police horses, the government panicked and it was quickly put on the Opium list in our country as well.
Along with this ban, all promising research into the possibilities of psychedelic therapy was also stopped. Media campaigns were launched to scare the people about the risks of psychedelics (see, for example, this video and this video).
Microdosing began to become more well-known around the year 2000-2010 , but did not really come to attention until Dr. James Fadiman, a well-known psychologist and researcher, published the book "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide" in 2011. This book describes microdosing as a highly effective method of exploring the benefits of psychedelics without tripping or hallucinating.
With the rise of the Internet and social media, awareness around microdosing grew tremendously. People began sharing their personal experiences, causing the phenomenon to spread rapidly. Interest increased further when Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs began talking openly about using microdosing to boost their creativity and productivity.
This combination of scientific attention, online discussions and public figures sharing their experiences contributed to the popularity and acceptance of microdosing.
Dr. Fadiman's website, microdosingpsychedelics.com, quickly became the first major database, collecting experience stories and accounts from microdosers around the world.
Research on microdosing
In 2019, the Quantified Citizen app involved more than 12,000 participants in the world's most comprehensive microdosing survey. The initiative found that "adults who microdose psychedelics report health-related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosees."
In April 2021, one of the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies showed that LSD could increase overall pain tolerance by 20% at doses of 20 mcg. It also showed how long a microdose could last, finding that 20 mcg had equal impact 1.5 and 5 hours after dosing. The finding suggests that a small dose of LSD can provide long-term pain relief.
However, this study did not address mental health outcomes.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies confirming that microdosing helps combat anxiety and depression are scarce. This is in contrast to individual stories from users, who, on the contrary, often tell of the benefits they experience for depression, burnout, grief counseling, ptsd, anxiety, and so on.
The few studies that have been done suggest that the stated benefits could stem from the placebo effect, in which the person feels better because they think they have taken something that is supposed to help - even if it has no active pharmaceutical properties.
However, proponents and people experienced with microdosing argue that double-blind studies are inherently flawed, in part because they take place in sterile medical environments that do not accurately reflect the real world. Imperfect clinical data cannot diminish people' s concrete experiences.
How long does a microdose of psilocybin or LSD last?
Studies show that microdoses of psilocybin are noticeable within 1 to 1.5 hours after ingestion. Studies do not indicate how long the effects last. From personal accounts, a microdose of psilocybin can last about 6-8 hours (depending in part on the type of mushroom and amount). With LSD, this is higher and the effect is noticeable 8-12 hours and sometimes even 16 hours later.
Erowid contributor "Katalyst" experimented with microdosing psilocybin mushrooms for seasonal depression. She started with doses ranging from 0.2 grams every four days.
At doses of 0.2 g, Katalyst experienced mild euphoria, sweaty hands and increased introspection (self-reflection) during the first two hours. Lower doses of 0.1 g resulted in a more neutral mood with no noticeable side effects.
The effects of microdosing, including increased focus and mild euphoria, generally persisted for up to seven hours after consumption.
After experimenting with different amounts and schedules, Katalyst found that 0.15 g of psilocybin every two weeks was most effective in relieving her seasonal depression. Ultimately, Katalyst decided to continue microdosing on the biweekly schedule for the next few winters.
How long do the benefits of microdosing last?
Clinical data cannot confirm the benefits of microdosing or its duration. However, participants in a self-blinding microdosing trial reported that benefits persisted for up to five weeks after the last microdose.
During this period, they experienced significant improvements in well-being, mindfulness, overall satisfaction and paranoia. The changes may be due to the placebo effect, but the outcomes were nonetheless positive.
Numerous microdosers, including Silicon Valley's elite, have been using protocols where you consume low doses periodically for years. So the benefits of microdosing seem to extend far beyond five weeks.
How often should you microdose?
Microdosing protocols are as unique as the people who use them. Frequency and dosage can shift depending on the person and his or her goals. The only consistent answer to the question "How often should you microdose?" is not every day.
Daily intake of psychedelics causes the body to develop a tolerance. As tolerance increases, you need larger amounts to achieve the same effects.
(text continues below)
Feel better with microdosing
Are you ready? Then start microdosing now.
Our 1P-LSD Microdosing Kits consist of a spray bottle (10ml) containing 200mcg or 400mcg of 1P-LSD, instructions and a storage pouch in which you can store the spray bottle sealed. The bottle contains 200 sprays with 1mcg (normal) or 2mcg (strong) 1P-LSD per spray.
One bottle allows you to microdose for 2 to 3 months.
The Fadiman Protocol
The Fadiman Protocol, or the Beginner's Protocol, follows a three-day cycle. A distinction is made between microdosing and non-microdosing days so that people can benefit from the two-day afterglow.
Day 1: Take the microdose.
Day 2: No microdose, allowing the body to integrate the effects.
Day 3: No microdose, the break continues.
Repeat the cycle for four to eight weeks with a break of two to four weeks.
The Stamets protocol
By the Stamets Protocol, devised by Paul Stamets, you dose more frequently. The Stamets schedule is designed to maximize the benefits of the drug while minimizing the buildup of tolerance.
One option includes a regime of five days on, two days off.
Another option suggests four days on and three days off.
Repeat the cycle for four weeks with a rest period of two to four weeks.
The Microdosing Institute Protocol.
The Microdosing Institute's protocol suggests microdosing every other day for eight weeks. This method aims to increase the effectiveness of microdosing for medical or psychological purposes such as depression, social anxiety, ADHD/ADD, migraines or cluster headaches.
Day 1: Microdose.
Day 2: Transition day, no microdose.
Day 3: Microdose again.
Repeat the cycle for four to eight weeks, followed by a two- to four-week rest period.
Conclusion
What you notice from microdosing over time varies from person to person, but there are some common effects that users regularly report.
What do you notice over time from microdosing?
✅ Short term (first days to weeks)
- More mental clarity - your thoughts are less chaotic or distracting.
- Better mood - subtle but noticeable improvement in how you feel.
- More focus and productivity - you can concentrate better and finish things.
- Creativity - new angles or solutions come easier.
- Calmer nervous system - less stress or fretting, especially in people with full heads.
✅ Long term (weeks to months)
- Breaking stuck patterns - such as negative thinking patterns or procrastination.
- More emotional resilience - you respond more calmly to difficult situations.
- Increased awareness and self-insight - you get to know yourself better.
- Improvement in sleep, energy levels and motivation - especially with regular, well-tuned microdosing.