Accounting for Microdosing Classic Psychedelics
Blake Beaton, Heith Copes, Megan Webb, Andy Hochstetler, Peter S. Hendricks
Journal of Drug Issues August 30, 2019 DOI: 10.1177/0022042619871008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | People who had microdosed classic psychedelics |
| Intervention | Microdosing classic psychedelics |
| Topics | Microdosing |
| Keywords | Appeal Denial Microdose |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Participants offered only justifications, not excuses, for their microdosing, using six key justifications: denial of injury, self-sustaining, self-fulfillment, appeal to normality, appeal to loyalties, and knowledgeableness. |
Abstract
Microdosing classic psychedelics (e.g., LSD [lysergic acid diethylamide] and psilocybin) is the practice of taking small amounts of these substances to bring about various positive life changes. Little is known about the subjective experiences and perceptions of those who engage in the practice. Accordingly, we use the sociology of accounts as a theoretical framework to explore the ways that those who microdose excuse or justify their practice. Using data from semistructured interviews with 30 people who had microdosed, we find that none provided excuses for their microdosing, but all offered one or more justifications. When discussing their microdosing, participants emphasized six key justifications: denial of injury, self-sustaining, self-fulfillment, appeal to normality, appeal to loyalties, and knowledgeableness. Findings provide insights into the subjective experiences of those who microdose, including the ways that they attempt to align their actions with societal expectations.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on microdosing, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook Active microdosing community | 2019 | Mixed-methods study | |
| Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics People who had microdosed classic psychedelics | 2019 | Qualitative study | n = 30 |
| Twenty percent better with 20 micrograms? A qualitative study of psychedelic microdosing self-rapports and discussions on YouTube YouTube videos and comments about psychedelic microdosing | 2019 | Qualitative study | |
| Experiences of microdosing psychedelics in an attempt to support wellbeing and mental health. People who microdose psychedelic drugs | 2023 | Qualitative study | n = 13 |
| Qualitative content analysis of expectations in participants with depression about to begin LSD microdosing treatment: Identifying the need for psychedelic expectancy measures. Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) | 2025 | Qualitative study | n = 23 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955–2021) and recommendations for the field Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews May 21, 2022
- Sociological investigations of human enhancement drugs: The case of microdosing psychedelics International Journal of Drug Policy January 28, 2021
- Effects of psychedelic microdosing versus conventional ADHD medication use on emotion regulation, empathy, and ADHD symptoms in adults with severe ADHD symptoms: A naturalistic prospective comparison study European Psychiatry 2024
- Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out? A Typology of Psychedelic Microdosing as Technologies of the Self Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change July 31, 2022
- Exploring a Decade of Microdosing Research: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis of Microdosing Literature Deviant Behavior February 9, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 9
- Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2019
- Exploring the effect of microdosing psychedelics on creativity in an open-label natural setting Psychopharmacology October 24, 2018
- Microdosing psychedelics: personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers Psychopharmacology January 2, 2019
- The effects of microdose LSD on time perception: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Psychopharmacology November 26, 2018
- Powerful substances in tiny amounts Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs February 1, 2018
and 4 more in the library