In recent years, the idea of “microdosing” has moved from small online communities into mainstream conversations about health, stress, and mental wellbeing.
Many people now believe that taking tiny amounts of cannabis or psychedelic substances may help improve mood, lower anxiety, or increase creativity without causing a strong “high.”
Although the practice has become widely discussed on social media and in podcasts, scientists have not fully understood how many people are actually microdosing or why they are doing it.
A new study from researchers at the University of California San Diego now offers some of the clearest answers so far.
The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that millions of American adults have experimented with microdosing substances such as cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA.
The biggest surprise was that cannabis microdosing appears to be much more common than psychedelic microdosing.
Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of a substance, usually far below the level that would cause major intoxication or hallucinations. Many users hope to experience subtle effects instead, such as feeling calmer, more focused, less anxious, or slightly more energetic.
The concept first gained public attention through stories about psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin. Some people working in creative or high-pressure industries claimed that small doses improved productivity, concentration, and emotional wellbeing.
Over time, the trend spread more widely, especially as attitudes toward cannabis and psychedelics became more accepting in parts of the United States.
To better understand the practice, researchers studied survey responses from 1,525 adults across the country. The survey was designed to represent the broader U.S. population and was conducted through the Ipsos KnowledgePanel in late 2023.
Participants were asked whether they had ever intentionally microdosed cannabis, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, or MDMA.
The researchers found that nearly one in ten American adults reported microdosing cannabis at least once in their lifetime. This equals an estimated 24 million people nationwide.
The numbers for psychedelic substances were lower. Around 5.3% of adults reported microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, 4.8% reported LSD, and 2.2% reported MDMA.
Researchers also measured current use. About 3.3% of adults said they were currently microdosing cannabis, while current psychedelic microdosing rates were much lower.
The study suggests that cannabis may now play a much larger role in microdosing culture than previously recognized.
Scientists also found important differences in why people choose to microdose different substances.
Cannabis users were more likely to say they used microdosing for health or medical reasons. Some reported using small amounts to cope with anxiety, chronic pain, depression, stress, or sleep problems.
People using psychedelics such as LSD or psilocybin were more likely to describe recreational reasons. Many said they wanted a milder psychoactive experience while avoiding the intense hallucinations or emotional effects associated with larger doses.
Another major finding involved mental health.
People reporting poorer mental health were significantly more likely to report microdosing. Researchers found especially strong links between poor mental health and cannabis microdosing.
However, scientists warn that the study cannot determine whether microdosing improves mental health, worsens it, or simply attracts people already struggling emotionally.
The research was cross-sectional, meaning it only captured information at one point in time.
The study also showed that psychedelic microdosing was more common in areas where psychedelic laws are more relaxed or where possession has been decriminalized.
Researchers say changing drug policies may influence both availability and social acceptance of these substances.
Despite growing excitement around microdosing, researchers stress that scientific evidence remains limited.
Most claims about benefits currently come from personal experiences rather than large medical studies. Some clinical trials have shown possible improvements in mood or mental wellbeing, while others found little evidence that microdosing works better than placebo effects.
Scientists are also concerned about safety.
Many psychedelic substances are still obtained through unregulated sources, meaning users may not know the exact strength or purity of what they are taking. Incorrect dosing, contamination, or mixing substances could potentially lead to harmful reactions.
Researchers also note that regular long-term microdosing has not been studied enough to fully understand possible risks to mental or physical health.
The findings highlight how quickly public interest in alternative mental health approaches is growing.
As more states change laws involving cannabis and psychedelics, researchers believe understanding patterns of microdosing will become increasingly important for doctors, policymakers, and public health experts.
The study provides valuable information about who is microdosing, which substances are most common, and why people are turning to these practices.
At the same time, the researchers emphasize that caution is still necessary. While many users report positive experiences, strong scientific evidence is still lacking, and much more research will be needed before microdosing can be considered a proven or safe mental health strategy.
Overall, the findings suggest that microdosing is no longer a rare or hidden behavior. Instead, it may already be a growing part of modern American drug use and self-treatment culture.
If you care about cannabis, please read studies that what you need to know about cannabis and heart attack, and CBD from cannabis may help inhibit COVID-19 infection.
For more information about cannabis, please see recent studies that medical cannabis could help reduce depression, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.
Source: University of California San Diego.
