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Psilocybin Microdosing: What the Science and Users Report

 

Benefits of microdosing psilocybin

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly reviewed with new insights on microdosing.

What Is Microdosing?

Microdosing means taking a very low dose of a psychedelic substance, too low to 'trip', but possibly just enough to notice a subtle effect, occasionally or regularly. It usually involves psilocybin truffles or mushrooms, sometimes LSD. In recent years microdosing has become considerably more popular: entrepreneurs, creatives and curious people experiment with it. But what does the research say, and what do users actually report?

What Does the Science Say?

Microdosing research

The number of studies is still limited, partly because the legal status of psychedelics makes research difficult. Even so, there are some interesting findings:

  • An interview study by Johnstad (2018) noted mostly positive experiences, such as better mood, more energy and clearer thinking.
  • Prochazkova and colleagues (2018) found that microdosing appeared to stimulate creative thinking and coming up with 'out-of-the-box' solutions.
  • A large cross-sectional study by Anderson and colleagues (2018) saw microdosers report fewer negative emotions and a greater sense of creativity and open-mindedness.
  • The most rigorous study to date, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial by Yanakieva and colleagues (2018), found changes in time perception following microdosing.

Important: this is early and partly small-scale research. It paints an interesting picture but does not yet prove anything firmly. For a deeper look at the protocols and evidence, see our blog microdosing with magic truffles: protocols, dosage and science.

Is Microdosing Safe?

There is barely any research specifically on the safety of microdosing, but research on higher doses of psychedelics suggests these substances are relatively safe: they are non-addictive and have a low abuse potential, partly because the body builds tolerance quickly. At the same time, some participants in the studies also reported less pleasant effects, such as unease or unpleasant emotions. So microdosing does not work equally well for everyone, and is not for everyone.

Microdosing psychedelics

What Do Users Report?

Users often describe microdosing as subtle, not as a 'trip'. Commonly mentioned experiences are a lighter mood, more focus, a stronger sense of connection to nature and music, and a little more calm and creativity in daily life. Just as often, people stress that the effect is small and personal, and that it does not work for everyone.

In short, these are the effects that come up most often in user accounts:

  • A slightly lighter, more stable mood
  • More focus and attention for the task at hand
  • A stronger sense of connection to nature, music or people
  • A little more creativity and open thinking

Does Microdosing Work for Everyone?

Microdosing psilocybin truffles

Honest answer: no. Microdosing is an interesting tool with potential, but it works better for some than for others. The art is finding your 'sweet spot': the dose that suits you, and the situations and settings where it benefits you most. It is a fine balance, as even a small change in dose can affect the result.

What Dosage Goes with Microdosing?

Microdosing dosage

A commonly cited microdose for dried psilocybin mushrooms is around 0.2 to 0.3 grams. For one person 0.2 grams is plenty, for another too little. We recommend starting low, for instance with 0.1 to 0.2 grams, and finding your ideal dose along the way. If you work with fresh psilocybin truffles, the dose is roughly three times higher for a comparable effect. Truffles are also legally available in the Netherlands, which makes them an accessible choice. Weigh your dose carefully and plan nothing important on your dosing day; you can go about your business fine, but build in some calm. A handy aid is our dosage calculator.

Tip: Many microdosers follow a schedule with rest days in between, so tolerance gets no chance to build. Read more about those protocols in our guide microdosing with truffles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psilocybin Microdosing

What exactly is microdosing?

Microdosing is taking a very low dose of a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin truffles, too low to trip but possibly just enough for a subtle effect on mood, focus or creativity.

What does the science say about microdosing?

The research is still limited but interesting: studies report better mood, more creativity and changes in time perception, among others. Firm proof is still lacking, so see it as a promising but early field of research.

What dosage goes with microdosing?

For dried mushrooms often around 0.2 to 0.3 grams; for fresh truffles roughly three times as much. Start low (0.1 to 0.2 grams dried) and find your own 'sweet spot' calmly.

Are microdosing truffles legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, magic truffles are legally available in the Netherlands, which makes them an accessible choice for microdosing. Browse our microdosing truffles.

Is microdosing addictive?

Psychedelics such as psilocybin are not known as addictive and have a low abuse potential, partly because the body builds tolerance quickly. That is why microdosers usually work with rest days in their schedule.

Does microdosing work for everyone?

No. For some it works noticeably, for others barely. Some people actually experience unease. So it is personal: find your dose and setting, and stop if it does not suit you.

Why Next Level Smart?

  • Legal microdosing truffles — an accessible choice, fresh and carefully selected
  • Extensive microdosing guides — from protocols to dosage and science
  • Honest information — we tell you what research shows and what it does not yet prove
  • Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, shipping from the Netherlands

Curious about microdosing? Browse our microdosing truffles and the wider microdosing with smart products category. Read also the difference between mushrooms and truffles.

References

  1. Johnstad PG. Powerful substances in tiny amounts: An interview study of psychedelic micro-dosing. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. 2018.
  2. Prochazkova L, Lippelt DP, Colzato LS, Kuchar M, Sjoerds Z, Hommel B. Exploring the effect of micro-dosing psychedelics on creativity in an open-label natural setting. Psychopharmacology. 2018.
  3. Anderson T, Petranker R, Dinh-Williams L-A, Rosenbaum D, Weissman C, Hapke E, et al. Microdosing Psychedelics: Personality, mental health, and creativity differences in micro-dosers. 2018.
  4. Yanakieva S, Polychroni N, Family N, Williams LTJ, Luke DP, Terhune DB. The effects of microdose LSD on time perception: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology. 2018.

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

 
Annie Verkade is a writer at Next Level Smartshop with a background in philology. She writes about natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, sleep support, and plant-based products. Her work also explores altered states of consciousness - both with and without psychedelics - as well as topics like astrology and lunar cycles, translating insights into clear, accessible content. She’s especially interested in how simple rituals and environment can shift how we feel (sometimes more than we expect). Outside of work, she enjoys photography, reading, bouldering, and travelling. Favourite products: Sagrada Madre incense, Mulungu, Sleep Tincture
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