Effects of psychedelic microdosing on cognitive functions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews January 1, 2026 Netta Pinhas, Nofar Eidlman, Avigail Barnea et al. 2 citations
Microdosing—taking very low doses of psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD without full-blown effects—has been promoted as a way to boost thinking skills. A meta-analysis of 14 studies with 1,614 participants found that microdosing actually reduced cognitive control, with no improvement in other cognitive domains. The type of substance, dose, or duration of microdosing did not change this result, and effects were similar whether measured while on the drug or after. This suggests microdosing may disrupt top-down cognitive control, consistent with models of how psychedelics reduce mental rigidity. More research is needed to separate temporary drug effects from lasting changes.