“The secret of microdosing is if you’re noticing it, that’s a little too high a dose. …The perfect definition of a microdose is: You have a really good day, you get things done that you’ve been putting off, you’re nice to someone at work who doesn’t deserve it, after work you do one more set of reps at the gym than you usually do, you really enjoy your kids, and at the end of the day you say, ‘Oh, I forgot I had a microdose.”
―James Fadiman, PhD, Psychedelics Today Podcast
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing refers to the practice of taking a very small amount of a psychedelic substance—typically one-tenth to one-twentieth of a standard dose—on a set schedule. The intention isn’t to trip or experience hallucinations, but to gently support mental, emotional, and creative well-being while remaining fully engaged in everyday life.
These tiny, sub-perceptual doses are often used to cultivate presence, increase energy and focus, elevate mood, or create a sense of emotional balance. Because the effects are subtle, intention and self-awareness are key components of the practice.
While scientific research on microdosing is still emerging, the growing body of anecdotal experiences points to its potential benefits. Factors such as dosage, substance, protocol, and mindset all play a role in shaping individual outcomes.
Why are Microdosers Microdosing?
Well, Microdose.me—a mobile-based research study using the Quantified Citizen app—gathered the following data from over 33,000 participants across 84 countries on why people are choosing to microdose.
82.9% Enhanced Mindfulness
45.6% Improve Health Habits
76.1% Improved Mood
44.6% Decrease Procrastination
74.1% Enhanced Creativity
43.6% Increase Sociability
58.1% Enhanced Learning
28.2% Improve Sleep
57.4% Decreased Anxiety
25.8% Decrease Substance Use
"People microdose because they want to feel better, improve their health, or be better at what they do or enjoy."
―Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance, James Fadiman, Ph.D., and Jordan Gruber, JD (2025)
High Dose vs Low Dose
High Dose / Peak Experience
Dysregulating: enters a non-ordinary state of consciousness.
Requires a supervised, controlled, and safe environment—often at a retreat or with a private facilitator.
Calls for time away from regular life for the experience and at least a few days afterward to begin integration.
Typically a significant financial investment.
Well-suited for times of transition (such as a sabbatical) when there’s space to work with the destabilization it brings.
Can offer profound clarity, but it often takes time to confirm. Insights may arrive as big “downloads” that feel urgent, yet require patience, discernment, and integration before taking action. Acting impulsively on these revelations can contribute to destabilization and upheaval.
At times, the experience can feel disappointing or not meet expectations, which can also create destabilization as one works to make sense of it.
Microdose
Subperceptual: does not overwhelm or dysregulate; experienced in a “sober state.”
You control your dose and frequency.
No interruption to daily life—experience and integrate at the same time in real time.
Affordable and accessible compared to a high-dose experience.
Creates meaningful change without destabilization.
Supports consistency by easing the ego’s resistance and reducing self-sabotaging patterns.
Provides steady fuel to stay aligned with your vision and integrate insights into daily life.
Allows clarity to emerge naturally, giving space to test insights before acting on them. Rather than destabilizing, it helps you address challenges and opportunities as they arise, weaving change into daily life.
"Microdosing may create long-term structural and functional changes in the brain, even without the altered states associated with higher doses."
―Dr. Conor Murray, Ph.D, “Microdosing Breakthroughs: Research, Clinical Surprises, and New Dimensions in Coaching,” DoubleBlind Magazine
Why Work with a Guide or Coach for Microdosing?
Microdosing is subtle, but the changes it sparks can be profound. Having a guide or coach alongside you ensures that the journey is intentional, grounded, and transformative.
You’ll have guidance on protocols, dosage, timing, and any health or legal considerations, so you can move forward with confidence and safety at the forefront.
A coach helps you set meaningful intentions and reflect on your experiences. With workbooks, tracking tools, and guided exercises, coaching gives you structure and accountability—keeping you engaged even when resistance shows up.
With 1:1 coaching, you receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique goals. A group experience offers connection through calls and chats, where you can share openly, feel supported, and gain reassurance from knowing others are walking a similar path.
A coach helps you take what arises during your journey and bring it into daily life. Subtle insights become grounded habits, aligned with your vision and sustained by consistent action.
A Note on Safety, Legality & Sourcing
The information here is meant to support your learning and offer helpful resources. It’s not medical advice, and I always encourage you to check in with a trusted healthcare provider if you’re unsure about what’s right for you.
Psychedelics are powerful tools, and while microdosing can be a gentle practice, it’s not for everyone. Please take care in exploring what feels aligned for you.
Keep in mind that psychedelic substances are still illegal in many places. Laws vary depending on where you live, so it's important to be informed and make choices that are safe and legal in your area.
Harm Reduction Resources
If you unintentionally take a higher dose or find yourself in need of support during a psychedelic experience, the resources below can offer guidance and care.
Fireside Project – Psychedelic Support Line (US)
A free, confidential support line offering real-time peer support during a psychedelic experience. Staffed by compassionate, trained volunteers.
Visit Fireside Project →
TripSit.Me
A harm-reduction collective offering live chat support, substance info, and safe-use guidelines—especially helpful if you're navigating a challenging experience or looking for reliable education.
Visit TripSit →
Microdosing & Medication Interactions – Microdosing Institute
An evidence-informed guide on how microdosing may interact with medications and supplements.
View Guide →
We’re in the midst of a cultural shift—psychedelics are being studied, embraced, and talked about in new ways, with microdosing quickly moving into the mainstream.
To learn more about microdosing and how my Guided Microdosing Program can support your journey, click here.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. Janice McInnes Coaching provides integrative coaching to individuals and supporters of individuals navigating transformational experiences such as psychedelic journeys, meditation retreats, holotropic breathwork, holistic treatments, personal development workshops, and other psycho-spiritual events. Janice McInnes Coaching does not recommend, screen, or approve people for psychedelic therapy. Coaching is intended as supplemental support and is not a medical service or a substitute for professional treatment or counseling…read more