Microdosing is a fascinating and growing trend that is gaining traction in society. In the media and on the Internet, users tell enthusiastic stories about their positive and "healing" experiences. There is also interest in microdosing from scientific circles. In this article we take a closer look at what exactly microdosing is, how it works and what the benefits are.
Updated 21/08/2025, reading time approx. 6 minutes
'Healing' with psychedelics, without tripping
Microdosing means periodically taking a minimal amount of psychedelics, such as truffles or LSD. The dosage, usually 5 to 10% of a full dose, is measured in such a way that you enjoy the benefits but do not notice anything else. It does not cause tripping or hallucinations.
Microdosing is therefore ideally suited for use in everyday life.
People who microdose often experience more energy, improved concentration, greater creativity and a better ability to solve problems and complete tasks. Furthermore, users report a positive impact on their mood (being happier), increased mental resilience, improved emotional well-being, reduced feelings of anxietyand depression, improved ability to sleep and more connectedness with others.
Another important benefit cited is an improvement in cognitive functions: perception, attention, memory, language use and skills.
Microdosing often goes hand in hand with personal transformation and can support you in achieving a more balanced life. It can help you accelerate your awareness process, maximize your "healing" and take charge of your own life.
These effects are subtle and build up over time.
Microdosing, a growing trend
With the wealth of information about microdosing available online, and the positive and enthusiastic stories of users, more and more people are finding their way to these miraculous substances.
The range of "magic mushroom grow kits," truffles and other psychedelics is overwhelming. On the Internet, but also at the smartshop around the corner you will find an impressive assortment. The supply of ceremonies, during which you consume a full dose of a psychedelic (ayahuasca, truffles, etc.) under supervision, has increased explosively over the past 5-10 years.
Microdosing began to become better known around the year 2000, 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.
Why do people microdose?
People microdose for a variety of reasons, ranging from curiosity, self-development, a need for more energy, creativity and focus to reducing anxiety, stress, depression, sleep problems, ADHD, pain, mental or physical symptoms.
Sometimes people start microdosing because they want to quit an addiction (e.g., smoking or excessive eating/drinking), or as self-medication for burnout or overwork. Curiosity is also a common reason.
The most frequently cited reasons are:
We want to emphasize that microdosing is not a panacea that works for everyone. Every person reacts to it differently. The benefits mentioned by users are not a "claim" or guarantee and do not occur to everyone.
Experiences of others
How microdosing affects you (BNNVara)
Good morning, cup of coffee, bowl of yogurt and a little LSD (NOS, Op3)
Sjanett uses a little lsd a few times a week: 'It gives me mental energy' (RTL Nieuws)
Experience: The influence of microdosing on my family life (Microdosing Institute)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is microdosing?
Microdosing means periodically taking a minimal amount of psychedelics, such as LSD, truffles or magic mushrooms. The dosage, usually 5 to 10% of a full dose, is measured in such a way that you enjoy the benefits but do not notice anything else. It does not cause tripping or hallucinations.
The purpose of microdosing is to experience the benefits and healing powers of psychedelics without the intensity of a full dose.
Also read:
What is microdosing?How did microdosing come about?
Microdosing began to gain prominence around the year 2000 and gained momentum when Dr. James Fadiman, a well-known psychologist and researcher, who published his 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 of microdosing grew tremendously. People began sharing their experience stories, causing microdosing to spread. 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 of microdosing and further normalized the use of psychedelics.Also read: What are psychedelics?Why do people microdose?
Microdosing with psychedelics is done for a variety of reasons, from curiosity, personal growth, increased energy, creativity and focus to addressing stress, depression, sleep problems, ADHD, pain, mental or physical complaints.
Sometimes people start microdosing because they want to quit an addiction (e.g., smoking or excessive eating/drinking), or as a self-medication for burnout or overwork.
Also read:
What are the benefits of microdosing?What are the most commonly cited benefits of microdosing?
We have listed for you below the most frequently mentioned benefits experienced by microdosers. We should emphasize here that microdosing is not a panacea that works for everyone.
Although the list of benefits has been compiled with the utmost care, the benefits listed by users are not a "claim" or guarantee and do not occur to everyone. Every person reacts differently to psychedelics!
1). Microdosing energizes; it improves your alertness and vitality. Most microdosers report increased productivity and better performance.
2). Microdosing opens doors to new patterns of thinking and perspectives, allowing creative and problem-solving skills to flourish.
3). Microdosing improves your focus. You can concentrate better and longer, get into the "flow" of the moment faster and get less distracted.
4). A much-discussed effect of microdosing is the improvement of emotional well-being. Many users experience a better mood, fewer depressive symptoms, less anxiety and stress.
5). Microdosing helps to accelerate your awareness process and take charge of your own life. Psychedelics make you look at yourself from a distance, allowing you to perceive yourself more objectively and without judgment or emotion.
6). Microdosing offers a solution to sleep problems for some people. The effect in sleep problems is multifaceted. Microdosing can help calm you down so you feel less anxiety. It often reduces fretting and negative thoughts.
Furthermore, users also report:
- Supportive in quitting addictions (eating, drinking, smoking)
- Improved sensory perception (seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling, tasting)
- Reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Reduced pain
- Reduced cluster headaches
- Some people who suffer from stuttering report improvementAlso read:
What are the benefits of microdosingWhat substances can you microdose with?
The most commonly used substances for microdosing are LSD, magic mushrooms and truffles. The difference between magic mushrooms and truffles is not that great. Mushrooms and truffles contain the same active ingredients (psilocybin and psilocin). Yet magic mushrooms are prohibited by law (unless homegrown and for personal use), while truffles are perfectly legal. The possession, trafficking - and production of LSD is prohibited in the Netherlands.
Sometimes people microdose with Mescaline (San Pedro or Peyote), Iboga, Caapi and other psychedelics.
But, there are also perfectly legal psychedelics today that are just as potent as the substances mentioned above and perfectly suited for microdosing. These substances are also called Legal Highs or New Psychoactive Substances. They are classic psychedelics that have been slightly modified by chemists. This creates substances that are equal or nearly equal in effect to the original, but do not fall under the Opium Act. 1P-LSD is an example of a New Psychoactive Substance.
Also read:
What is 1P-LSD?
What is microdosing?What is LSD?
Lysergic acid di-ethylamide (C20H25N3O), also known as LSD-25, is an organic compound with hallucinogenic effects. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss Albert Hofmann from the ergot alkaloids of the cereal fungus ergot.
LSD is an abbreviation of the German word Lysergsäure-diäthylamid. In Dutch, it is translated as lysergic acid diethylamide.
A special property of LSD is that it exhibits psychoactive effects even when taken in very small amounts (25 micrograms - 25-millionths of a gram). In the 20th century, LSD was used worldwide by psychiatrists to treat mental illnesses such as psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia).
The popularity of lsd peaked in the 1960s and declined rapidly after the drug was first criminalized nationally and then by the United Nations in 1971. The 21st century has seen a rise in interest in the microdosing and therapeutic application of lsd.
LSD was classified by researchers at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in 2009 as a relatively harmless drug; addiction or overdose is virtually impossible and the risks are mainly limited to the possibility of a very unpleasant bad trip, which can be prevented by proper preparation(set and setting).
Note: The possession, use and production of LSD are prohibited in almost all countries. LSD is not recommended for persons with (predisposition to) psychiatric disorders and during pregnancy.
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Is microdosing safe?
Possibleside effects
How psychedelics were bannedWhat is psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin are substances found in magic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) and some types of truffles. Psilocybin causes mind-altering effects. The effects are different in everyone, but often hallucinations occur and it affects your mood and thoughts. Often the effect is positive, but sometimes it is not. Then it is called a "bad trip."
The effects of psilocybin and psilocin last about 4 to 6 hours.
Which psychedelic can I best microdose with?
Which tool is best for which purpose, individual or situation depends on several factors. We list a few below.
- Your personal preference
- Your energy level
- Purpose or intention with which you want to microdose
- A medical purpose such as, ADHD/ADD, migraine, cluster headaches, depression, burnout, PMS
- To microdose or not to microdose in combination with medicationsIf you don't know what suits you best, do some research online. On Youtube, forums and other channels, you'll find a plethora of experience stories and practical information.
Also read:
Microdosing guide