Microdosing
Very small, sub-perceptual amounts of a psychedelic substance.
What it is
People use "microdosing" to describe taking amounts of a psychedelic substance small enough that they do not produce a noticeable altered state.
Why people explore it
Community experienceCuriosity about mood, focus, creativity and habit change, often after other approaches felt incomplete.
Reported benefits
Community experienceReported by some people: steadier mood, more perspective, easier habit change.
What the evidence says
Current evidenceEarly-stage. Several placebo-controlled studies suggest much of the reported effect may be expectancy. Long-term safety data is limited.
Limitations
Current evidenceResearch is young, dosing is unstandardised, and reported benefits are largely self-reported.
Risks and cautions
Legal risk in most jurisdictions, unknown substance purity, cardiac considerations with frequent use, and interactions with psychiatric medication. Not appropriate for everyone.