FDA DISCLAIMER: THESE PRODUCTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, NURSING, TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS OR HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USE. LEGAL AGE OF USE/CONSUMPTION IS 21 YEARS OF AGE
© 2025 Hidden Valley Botanicals ®. All rights reserved.
Advocates of microdosing argue that it provides various benefits, such as boosted creativity and fewer depression symptoms. However, existing research indicates that the evidence backing such claims is limited.
If you haven't heard of microdosing before, you're not alone. Something of an esoteric practice until recently, it has gained popularity with a huge range of people, from celebrities to busy mums.
Microdosing supporters claim that consuming tiny amounts, or 'microdoses', of psychedelic substances can deliver a range of mental and physical health benefits. A typical microdose is around 1/10th to 1/20th of a standard recreational dose. These tiny doses are believed to enhance the positive effects of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms and LSD, while avoiding the intense side effects associated with higher doses. All the benefits without the crazy trips, sounds good, eh?
However, microdosing is more complex than it might look at first glance. For one, many of the substances used are illegal, which limits the availability and quality of the substances used. Also, individual responses to these substances can vary widely, making it challenging to develop a universal approach that works for everyone. More importantly, valid scientific research into the efficacy and safety of such substances - microdosed or otherwise - is lacking.
People microdose for a wide range of reasons, everything from pain management to enhancing creativity. The hope is that by microdosing a psychedelic substance consumers will gain subtle benefits in areas like creativity, mood, focus and overall well-being but avoid a full-on 'trip'.
People who microdose typically report effects like improved mental clarity, better emotional stability and increased creativity, though these claims are mostly anecdotal. Microdosing is also sometimes used as a self-experiment to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression or stress.
However, scientific research on microdosing is still limited, and the effects are not well-understood. In many places, substances used for microdosing are illegal, making it difficult to conduct large-scale, high-quality studies on the practice. Additionally, because everyone’s body chemistry is different, the outcomes of microdosing can vary widely from person to person.
1. Depression: some supporters of microdosing claim that small doses of psychedelics can help alleviate symptoms of depression by positively influencing serotonin levels in the brain, potentially improving mood and emotional regulation.
2. Anxiety: microdosing is often touted as a potential way to reduce anxiety, with users reporting greater emotional resilience, improved mood, and reduced stress.
3. Menstrual pain: there is some anecdotal evidence that microdosing may help ease menstrual pain by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. Psychedelics like psilocybin have been linked to increased body awareness and pain perception alterations, which could potentially help with discomfort associated with menstruation. However, this application is not widely studied, and much of the evidence is based on personal reports.
4. Substance Use Disorders: Microdosing has been explored as a potential tool to help individuals recover from substance use disorders. The idea is that small doses of psychedelics might help reset neural circuits involved in addiction and improve emotional regulation, making it easier for individuals to manage cravings and triggers..
5. Chronic Pain: Psychedelics, including those used in microdosing, have been explored for their potential to manage chronic pain. The theory is that psychedelics can alter pain perception and promote neuroplasticity, which might help the brain "rewire" how it processes pain signals. Although microdosing may have potential in this area, rigorous studies are still needed to assess its effectiveness in managing chronic pain conditions..
Yes, of course there are risks associated with microdosing, in the same way there are risks associated with taking any form of medication, adaptogenic or OTC.
Uncertain effects: the evidence supporting the benefits of microdosing is largely anecdotal, and scientific studies on its efficacy and safety are still limited. This means that people engaging in microdosing may not fully understand the long-term effects, potential side effects, or risks involved.
Placebo effect: some reported benefits, such as improved mood or focus, may be the result of the placebo effect, rather than the active compounds themselves.
Triggering mental health issues: psychedelic substances, even in small doses, can have unpredictable effects on people with underlying mental health conditions. For example, individuals with a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety may experience exacerbated symptoms or even psychotic episodes.
Emotional Distress: while some people report feeling increased emotional clarity or a sense of well-being, others may experience heightened emotional sensitivity, anxiety, or discomfort, especially if the microdose is too high.
Dissociation or 'bad trips': even at microdoses, there’s a potential for unpredictable psychological reactions. In rare cases, individuals may experience moments of disassociation or paranoia, or a “bad trip,” which can cause anxiety and distress.
Tolerance buildup: regular use of psychedelics, even in small doses, can lead to tolerance, meaning that over time, individuals may need to take larger doses to achieve the same effects. This could increase the risk of unintended psychological or physical consequences.
Psychological dependence: while microdosing is not considered physically addictive, there is a risk of psychological dependence. This occurs when individuals feel they need to microdose regularly to cope with daily challenges or to maintain their productivity or mood.
Self-experimentation: since microdosing is largely self-directed, people may engage in unsafe or improper practices, such as taking inconsistent doses, using unregulated substances, or relying on unreliable information from online sources. This can increase the risk of negative outcomes.
Microdosing has gained significant attention with lofty claims of effectiveness and transformation but you can't avoid the fact that there's still scant scientific research to back it. Additionally, due to the lack of regulation surrounding psychedelic substances, the practice carries inherent risks for those unaccustomed to handling such substances.
As with any new or emerging treatment, extreme care should be taken until scientific research catches up with the buzz. We think there's a bright future for microdosing done right but currently it's hazardous strategy that should be approached systematically and objectively to get the best out of it.
