Macrodosing to microdosing with psychedelics: Clinical, social, and cultural perspectives
Transcultural Psychiatry August 29, 2022 Ayse Ceren Kaypak, Amir Raz 17 citations
Microdosing—repeated, intermittent ingestion of sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT—has emerged as a social trend and potential therapeutic intervention, yet its effects remain largely unexplored in formal research. Unlike macrodosing, which produces full-blown psychedelic experiences, microdosing aims to maintain or improve cognitive and mental function without disrupting daily routines. Informal accounts suggest benefits for mental disorders, creativity, cognition, and personal growth, but controlled studies are scarce. This article synthesizes clinical, social, and cultural dimensions of microdosing, examining why the practice is gaining popularity, weighing potential benefits and risks, and discussing sociocultural implications. It also compares macro- and microdose effects on behavior and psychopathology in relation to dosage and context.