Exploring a Decade of Microdosing Research: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis of Microdosing Literature
Deviant Behavior February 9, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2026.2624690 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Naturalistic settings |
| Topics | Microdosing |
| Keywords | Qualitative research Qualitative analysis Data collection Engineering ethics Public relations Medical education Electroconvulsive therapy studies |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Microdosing psychedelics is a distinct form of substance use that avoids euphoric effects and is used for self-enhancement and managing anxiety, depression, and stress. |
Abstract
Microdosing is a novel approach to the consumption of classic psychedelic substances, such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin that emerged in recent years. Unlike traditional illicit substance use, which often seeks euphoric experiences, microdosing deliberately avoids such effects in pursuit of self-enhancement. This practice has grown in popularity likely due to the perceived potential to manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. Despite the increasing prevalence of microdosing psychedelics, further understanding is needed – particularly regarding what the past decade of qualitative research has revealed about this distinct form of substance use in naturalistic settings. This study synthesizes findings from 14 qualitative studies on microdosing psychedelics conducted over the last 10 years to shed light on emerging themes and identify gaps for future investigation. Results offer valuable insights into why microdosing has become one of the fastest-growing trends in illicit substance use, while also distinguishing it from more conventional forms of illicit drug use.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on microdosing, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955–2021) and recommendations for the field Human participants in microdosing studies | 2022 | Systematic review | n = 44 |
| The utility of microdosing over the past 5 years Drugs with published comparisons of microdose and therapeutic dose pharmacokinetics | 2008 | Systematic review | n = 18 |
| The therapeutic potential of microdosing psychedelics in depression Healthy volunteers and patient samples | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Potential safety, benefits, and influence of the placebo effect in microdosing psychedelic drugs: A systematic review | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Microdosing Psychedelics: Current Evidence From Controlled Studies. Healthy adults | 2024 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 26
- The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act Neuropharmacology June 5, 2018
- Psilocybin Biases Facial Recognition, Goal-Directed Behavior, and Mood State Toward Positive Relative to Negative Emotions Through Different Serotonergic Subreceptors Biological Psychiatry May 9, 2012
- Modern Clinical Research on LSD Neuropsychopharmacology April 27, 2017
- 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
and 21 more in the library